Dispuut tussen twee besighede lei tot onsekerheid in gemeenskap 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 22 March 2022 Daar is tans ‘n arbitrasie saak tussen die twee partye. Rietspruit Crushers, ‘n bekende besigheid in Ermelo, wat deur wyle Malcom Wishart geopen is en vanaf 2017 deur sy seun, Grant Wishart, bestuur word, is al vir die afgelope vyf jaar in ‘n dispuut met Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust. Op Dinsdag, 1 Maart 2022, het ‘n werknemer van Rietspruit Crushers gesien dat die pad wat vir die afgelope veertig jaar gebruik word, afgespêr was deur ‘n hek en slot, en dat daar ook bemanning by die hek is en gereguleer het wie die perseel mag ingaan, en wie nie. Dadelik is die bestuur van Rietspruit Crushers ingelig oor die situasie wat ontvou het, en daar was dadelik stappe geneem om te verseker dat Rietspruit Crushers steeds kon besigheid doen. Op Maandag, 7 Maart 2022, toe mnr. Wishart van die alternatiewe pad gebruik maak, was dié pad ook toe, waar hy ook sy personeel bussie sien wat nie deur die hek mag gaan nie. Tydens hierdie dag het daar ‘n dispuut tussen die huurder en die verhuurder ontstaan, waar daar gevra is om ‘n vergadering met mnr. Wishart te hê. Die vergadering is voorgelê by Rietspruit Crushers, waar beide partye teenwoordig was, asook ander besigheids forums. Tydens navrae en ondersoek aan bewyse oor die koop van die plaas, en die huurooreenkoms tussen Rietspruit Crusher en Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, is daar in die aankoop ooreenkoms saamgestem dat daar ‘n maandelikse inkomste vanaf Rietspruit Crushers aan die grondeienaar, Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, betaal moet word. Die ooreenkoms is vanaf 2014 tot 2017 nagekom, waarna daar vanaf 2017 tot hede nog geen verdere betaling gedoen is nie. Die huurooreenkoms, wat tesame met die koop transaksie van die plaas ooreenkoms geteken was, het reeds in Augustus 2021 verval, en is daar tot op hede nog nie ‘n nuwe ooreenkoms nie. Rietspruit Crushers het ‘n geldige myn lisensie wat binnekort verval, waar hul binne ‘n sekere tyd die lisensie moet hernu. In 2008, tydens die ooreenkoms, is daar binne die kontrak gestipuleer dat die verhuurder vergoeding moet ontvang vanaf die huurder, waar die vergoeding begin het met R1.45 per ton, en dat die bedrag jaarliks met 10% sal eskaleer. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, oorweeg hul dit baie sterk om eerder die plaas te verkoop, waar daar myn materiaal beskikbaar is, ‘n boerdery, asook ‘n pragtige trou lokaal. Die Tribune het op Donderdag, 17 Maart 2022, ‘n onderhoud met mnr. Wishart gehad rondom die situasie by Rietspruit Crushers, en die dispuut tussen die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust. Mnr. Wishart het aan die Tribune gesê dat in Oktober 2012 het alle ou myn lisensies verander na die nuwe lisensies, dat alle tantieme aan die staat betaalbaar is, en nie meer aan die plaaseienaar nie. Hy het wel gesê dat die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust steeds hul vergoeding ontvang het. Vanaf 2017, het Rietspruit Crushers nie meer enige vergoeding aan die Oubaas de Jager Trust betaal nie, maar wel aan die staat, soos die nuwe wet bepaal. Mnr. Wishart het ook tydens die onderhoud gesê dat daar tans geen grond gebruiksooreenkoms tussen Rietspruit Crushers en Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust is nie. Rietspruit Crushers het ook sekere kontrakte verloor, waar maatskappy net hul kontrakte beëindig het weens finansiële redes, waar Rietspruit begin het om swaar te kry want hul was afhanklik van al die groot kontrakte. In Februarie 2022 het mnr. Wishart dit goed gedink om Rietspruit Crushers weens die finansiële negatiewe impak onder sakeredding te bring. Daar is tans ‘n arbitrasie saak tussen die twee partye. Die grootste kommer wat besigheidseienaars in en om Ermelo in die oë staar, is dat die sluiting van Rietspruit Crushers ‘n groot ekonomiese impak op Ermelo sal hê. Daar word gehoop dat voor die situasie op daardie punt kom, dat daar eerder ‘n ooreenkoms kan onstaan waar beide partye geken word, en beide partye vergoeding kry. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ziyanda crowned as Miss Inspire SA 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2021 Ziyanda is a guiding star during these trying times for many young women. Ziyanda Malope, a 20-year-old success story, was born and raised in Ermelo, and was also awarded the prestigious crown as Miss Inspire SA. Making her mark during her school career, her rise to inspiration came from a young age. Ziyanda boasts the title of school sports captain, and also received a youth camp certificate, awarding her as the best leader. The Miss Inspire SA National pageant places priority on community development, and making a difference in your own life, as well as the lives of others. The pageant is open to all young women across South Africa in various categories, irrespective of race, religion, creed size or shape. The pageant prides itself on having no physical requirements. Ziyanda is currently in her third year as BA in Community Development and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg. Crowned in October 2020 during a marked pageant, she now grows from strength to strength, and spearheads a community based organization called the Ziyanda Malope Foundation, which aims to focus on the empowerment of teenagers and women, running educational programmes for school learners and community projects. She is extremely passionate about community services and assistance, lending a helping hand where needed. “My vision is to shift focus to the positive, and to be a rolemodel for young women in rural areas. I also aim to assist young women in the rural areas to make the right life decisions, and to steer clear of substance abuse and teenage pregnancy. You can achieve anything in life through hard work and dedication.” she concluded. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has made everything in our daily lives a little bleaker, Ziyanda is a guiding star during these trying times for many young women. < Previous Article Next Article >

NASASA warns against illegal pyramid or Ponzi schemes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 There are roughly 810 000 active stokvel groups, consisting of over 11 million South Africans, collecting an estimated R50 billion annually. According to the National Stokvel Association of South Africa (NASASA), there are roughly 810 000 active stokvel groups, consisting of over 11 million South Africans, collecting an estimated R50 billion annually. Nearly 40% of South Africa’s adult population are members of a stokvel. Recently there has been an increase in illegal pyramid schemes or Ponzi schemes, which continue to pop up around South Africa. These schemes defraud many unsuspecting South Africans of their hard-earned money, with the promise of fast financial returns every year. It is critical that South Africans are able to tell the difference between a stokvel and an illegal pyramid and/or Ponzi scheme. A stokvel is defined as a savings or investment society in which a group of people agree to save money together for a defined purpose, by way of contributing a fixed amount of money over a specific period of time. Originally stokvels were known as “stock fairs” dating back to the 19th century by English settlers in the Eastern cape as a rotating cattle auction. This was an in person gathering, and attendance was key for participation. The foundation of such a culture was trust. This financial vehicle has since evolved into a unique financial system created within communities by members and for members, built on need, trust and a common goal for financial liberation. The stokvel market has grown remarkably and, over time, the types of stokvels have increased significantly from rotational, grocery, investment, burial right down to social stokvels. Stokvels have become a key financial vehicle that many people rely on, amassing revenue in the billions. The increasing numbers, financial potential and popularity of stokvels has resulted in scammers trying to swindle stokvel groups out of their hard-earned savings and investments by posing as a lucrative investment scheme or some other form of financial breakthrough opportunity. Scammers often pose as legitimate stokvels, investment schemes or property stokvels but in reality, are nothing more than get rich quick schemes in the form of a Ponzi or pyramid scheme. “At NASASA, we want to educate on, protect and preserve this financial system which is a legitimate means for many to achieve financial stability and wellbeing,” says Miziyonke Mtshali, Chief Executive Officer at NASASA. It is important to NASASA to ensure that members of stokvels are protected from scammers, this can only be done through education and awareness, by ensuring that members are always able to distinguish between a legitimate stokvel and an illegal Ponzi or pyramid scheme. The most known and popular mechanisms which scammers use are pyramid schemes and Ponzi schemes. Being able to identify these scams is key to safeguarding yourself from them. A pyramid scheme requires its members to recruit other people as members and the few top-level members recruit newer members, who pay upfront costs, to those who enrolled them. In fact, money simply exchanges hands with no real economic activity or products attached and is just a smoke screen to hide the pyramid scheme. Significant returns are derived from the recruitment of people, with the majority of financial return being made by the top tier people through administration fees charged to new recruits. With a Ponzi scheme, members are promised huge returns within a short period of time and are based on fraudulent investment management services, which are disguised as legitimate business investments. Members contribute money to the “portfolio manager” who promises them a high return. When those members want their money back, they are paid out with the incoming funds contributed by participants who join at a later stage. By merely transferring funds from one client to another, there is no real investment product at all. In terms of a legitimate and sustainable savings vehicle, a stokvel works because many people find it easier to save when they do it in a group. A stokvel member knows where his/her money is kept and when and how much will be paid out. Furthermore, most stokvel members know each other and have a genuine and enduring relationship, based on trust. Anyone who has any queries, or wants to know more, please email info@mswsa.co.za . For more information about stokvels, go to www.nasasa.co.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

President Ramaphosa to visit Mpumalanga 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 The visit will conclude with a visit to Rob Ferreira Hospital, as this is a designated hospital for managing COVID-19 cases. The president will be accompanied by health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu, basic education minister Angie Motshekga, and Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. President Ramaphosa will district municipalities in Mpumalanga to assess the state of COVID-19 readiness. This follows the president’s oversight visits to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape to evaluate the fight against the pandemic. Mpumalanga currently accounts for 0,8 per cent of infections nationally. The president will commence his visit by receiving a presentation from the provincial command council on the province’s COVID-19 response strategy. He will also monitor progress made in managing the impact and spread of the virus in schools. The visit will conclude with a visit to Rob Ferreira Hospital, as this is a designated hospital for managing COVID-19 cases. The president will be accompanied by health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu, basic education minister Angie Motshekga, and Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron is ook aangewys onder die Top 2 skole algeheel, in Msukaligwa 1. Alle vakke wat 100% slaagsyfer verwerf het, het ‘n sertifikaat ontvang. Liggies vereer by Msukaligwa 1 prysuitdeling 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 27 April 2021 Ligbron is ook aangewys onder die Top 2 skole algeheel, in Msukaligwa 1. Alle vakke wat 100% slaagsyfer verwerf het, het ‘n sertifikaat ontvang. Op Vrydag, 16 April, het Msukaligwa 1 ‘n prysuitdelingsgeleentheid aangebied om skole te vereer vir hulle goeie matriekuitslae van 2020. Ligbron het by hierdie aangeleentheid die volgende toekennings ontvang: Beste Wiskunde (Me Elsa van Zyl en Me Lenie van Zyl) en Wetenskap (Me Magdeli Bosman) prestasie in Msukaligwa 1. Ligbron is ook aangewys onder die Top 2 skole algeheel, in Msukaligwa 1. Alle vakke wat 100% slaagsyfer verwerf het, het ‘n sertifikaat ontvang. Hierdie vakke sluit in: Afrikaans FAL (Me Edith Hattingh) , Engels HL en FAL (Me Mari Bosman, Me Caroline de Wet, Me Margaret van Helsdingen, Me Magda Smit en Me Talita Coetzer), Lewensoriëntering, Wiskunde (Me Lenie van Zyl en Me Elsa van Zyl), Wiskundige Geletterdheid (Me Frankie Nell), Fisiese Wetenskappe (Me Magdeli Bosman), Tegniese Fisiese Wetenskappe (Me Marelize Delport en Me Lizmari van Eeden), Rekeningkunde (Me Elsa vander Schyff), Toerisme (Me Erika Brand en Me Carinche Pretorius), Inligtingstegnologie (Mnr Gerhard Prinsloo), Rekenaartoepassingstegnologie (Mnr Pierre van Wyngaard), Elektriese Tegnologie (Mnr Scholly Johannes, Mnr Christiaan van Greunen en Mnr Jacques Snyman), Meganiese Tegnologie (Mnr Jan Bosman en Mnr Gerhard Ebersohn), Siviele Tegnologie (Mnr Andrew Els) en Ingenieursgrafika en –ontwerp (Mnr Arrie Lombard). Ammaarah Arbee achieved outstanding results in the Grade 12 2020 final exam! Not only is she Ligbron's Top Achiever with a percentage of 94.43 %, but also the top achiever in the region. Ammaarah received a trophy, certificate and bag. “Baie geluk aan elke onderwyser en leerder. Dankie vir julle toewyding en harde werk. Facta non Verba!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap. Errie-atlete gekies vir Mpumalanga span 1/5 Share SH HATTINGH 30 March 2021 Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap. Op Saterdag, 27 Maart, het van Hoërskool Ermelo se atlete deelgeneem aan die Mpumalanga-atletiek kampioenskap by die Secunda Atletiek stadion. Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap, wat plaasvind vanaf 7 tot 10 April in die Paarl. Die volgende EHS-atlete is vir die Mpumalanga span gekies: Mia Davel (o/16) behaal twee eerste plekke in onderskeidelik hoogspring, met ‘n hoogte van 1,63 meter, asook in die 300m-hekkies, met ‘n tyd van 47,17 sekondes. Mikaela Hand (o/16) behaal tweede plek in skyfwerp, met ‘n afstand van 30,89 meter, en sesde plek in gewigstoot, met ‘n afstand van 10,59 meter. Carla Ferreira (o/18) verower tweede plek in spiesgooi, met ‘n afstand van 39,92 meter. Tyrone Berning (o/16) spog met drie uitstekende eerste plekke. In hoogspring, spring hy 1,92 meter, hy voltooi die 300m-hekkies in 39,02 sekondes, en die 400m in 50,90 sekondes. Ruan du Toit (o/18) behaal tweede plek in die 400m, met ‘n tyd van 48,93 sekondes. Alhoewel die volgende atlete nie gekies is vir die Mpumalnga span nie, presteer hulle nie te min ook uitstekend: Chester Mphahlele (o/17) behaal agtste plek in die 3000m, en BongmusaVilakazi behaal ook agtste plek in die 1500m. Deidre van der Meyden (o/17) behaal tweede en vierde plek in onderskeidelik die 100m en die 200m, Johnke Prinsloo (o/17) behaal tweede plek in die 400m, Mia Steenkamp behaal sewende plek in die 400m-hekkies, Zané du Plessis (o/17) behaal derde plek in hoogspring, asook vierde plek in die 400m-hekkies, en Chantelle Swart (o/19) behaal tweede plek in die 800m. “Baie geluk aan elke Errie wat deelgeneem het, asook dié wat gekies is vir die Mpumalanga span. Die EHS is met reg trots op elkeen se uitsonderlike prestasie.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Beware of fuel tablet hoax 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 August 2022 "So, really it's a pyramid scheme and a scam more than anything else, unfortunately." Social media has exploded with the new ‘miracle tablet’ that claims to reduce your fuel consumption by up to 25%, while apparently boosting your engine’s efficiency. The B-Eco fuel tablets are manufactured by a company called Pro-One. The brand was co-founded by South African businessman Lawrence Kahn, and claims to approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. He said the pills save petrol by lowering the temperature at which the fuel burns. However, neither the brand, nor manufacturer can be located on the approval list of gasoline additives. The company’s ‘brand ambassadors’ are put to task selling the tablets, which are R100 per tablet. Research done by Sasol Fuels Application Centre has proven that the product is a waste of money, and may lead to the cancellation of your warranty due to the risks your engine is exposed to. Senior engineer and researcher, Adrian Velears, urges citizens to steer clear of this tablet, and knockoff tablets like these. “I don't think your manufacturer would approve it. They wouldn't honour your warranty if they knew you were putting such things in your car and something went wrong. So, from that point of view, it's not safe. It doesn't work at all. It's not only a matter of risk, it's a matter of they don't do anything. So, really it's a pyramid scheme and a scam more than anything else, unfortunately,” he stated. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, also released a statement regarding the tablet. “Besides the fact that local authorities have not tested these products as part of South Africa’s current emissions standards, they simply do not work. Consumers are advised to check with the manufacturers of their vehicles first before they inject any foreign properties into their tanks or engines. Vehicles are manufactured to specific standards, and they are supposed to use prescribed products approved by the manufacturer for the efficacy and longevity of the engine,” Mabasa said. “It is highly unlikely that the products South Africans are being sold can better fuel consumption. If they do, and do not contain the problematic ingredients mentioned, then South Africa has finally developed the product companies worldwide have been trying to develop for decades,” The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

The contractor, employed by the municipality to rehabilitate the road surface, has since failed to rehabilitate the site in question, and has left a large amount of building waste in its wake. Contractor leaves heaps of rubble behind after reconstruction 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2022 The contractor, employed by the municipality to rehabilitate the road surface, has since failed to rehabilitate the site in question, and has left a large amount of building waste in its wake. In September 2021, motorists and businesses let out a sigh of relief regarding the rehabilitated Wessel Road. This road was previously a complete nightmare for consumers, but after an elongated court battle between Burlec Electrical and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), a court order forced the municipality to repair the route as well as to carry the legal costs incurred by Burlec Electrical. Although most are quite satisfied and grateful that the surface of the roadway is now smooth pothole-free, there is concern from the public and businesses in the area. Although most of the finishing touches to the project were completed, the municipal contractor dumped the rubble of the rebuilt surface in the nearby field, coupled with several other rubble items and building materials used by the contractors. When the project was apparently completed, the Tribune ePaper sent an enquiry regarding the issues to MLM, to clarify who would take responsibility to clear the rubble. To date, however, MLM has failed to provide feedback, and has simply turned a deaf ear. The debris left by the contractor also attracted the attention of residents of surrounding informal settlements, seizing the opportunity with both hands to dump a wide selection of household refuse, molten cables, garden waste and more into this area as well. According to the latest available by-laws, the term building waste refers to all waste produced during the construction, alteration, repair or demolition of any structure, and includes building rubble, earth, vegetation and rock displaced during such construction, alteration, repair or demolition. The contractor, employed by the municipality to rehabilitate the road surface, has since failed to rehabilitate the site in question, and has left a large amount of building waste in its wake. The main objects of the applicable by-laws are to ensure that waste is avoided, or where it cannot altogether be avoided, minimized, re-used, recycled, recovered and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner, to promote sustainable development and environmental justice through fair and reasonable measures for the management of waste within the Council's jurisdiction, and ensuring sound waste management practices within residential and industrial environments. The generator of waste, in this instance, the contractor, is compelled by the building waste by-law to ensure that no additions or alteration of any structure should be done without making provision for waste that will be generated from the site. The by-law also stipulates that the premises on which the building waste is generated, do not become unsightly and no nuisance is caused by accumulated building waste, and that any instruction from the Council regarding the management and storage of building waste, including any structures to be constructed is adhered to. Furthermore, the by-law states that for building waste that is generated, or the developer must ensure that the waste is collected and transported by an accredited service provider. At this time, all of the above point have been ignored and contravened. The Tribune ePaper directed an enquiry to Msukaligwa Local Municipality on 24 March 2022. At the time of publication, no feedback had been received. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron sports state of the art Innovation Hub 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 24 August 2021 Primary school learners will also be invited to join the Gecko Robotics Club, and will thus expand their knowledge and skills in this important field. On Thursday, 19 August 2021, Ligbron unveiled the Innovation Hub, which is a major technological advancement for both the school and the learners who will benefit from the hub. Gerhard Prinsloo, project manager of the Innovation Hub, proudly elaborated on the project. “We started the journey when Mr. Dup van Rensburg was still at the helm, and told him that we would like to be at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution. We had the idea and the framework, and after visiting the best schools in the country presenting robotics innovation, we were ready to make work of it. When the current headmaster, Mr. Brand took his place, we were given the green light to develop the hub to the state that it is in now.” Valuable skills for the future are definitely knowledge of coding and robotics. Ligbron's Innovation Hub will give the Liggies an advantage by adding designing, coding and manufacturing of robotics as part of the Grade 8 and Grade 9 curriculum. Primary school learners will also be invited to join the Gecko Robotics Club, and will thus expand their knowledge and skills in this important field. According to Ligbron, another major goal of the Innovation Hub is to provide a service to the community in terms of 3D printing, engraving and design. “Generous sponsors helped Ligbron bring the future to our town, and we would like to convey our gratitude to Ligbron OBBG, Ligbron Old Boys and Beautiful Girls, Major Steel, Ligbron e-learning, Mix and Match and Bulldog Broadband.” You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. MLM keeps mum on plan to improve service delivery 1/42 Share GK CRONJE 22 June 2021 Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. Amidst all-time high dissatisfaction from residents, and a new low in service delivery, the IDP budget has been announced by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), and has been slated as a multi-year budget. The MLM executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, delivered the budget announcement, and subsequently outlined the state of the municipality. He admitted that the municipality is currently in a mixed state, and that several backlogs have been ameliorated due to the purchase of new equipment. According to the budget speech, MLM’s success will rely on it ability to adhere to the national and provincial planning frameworks. This framework includes, amongst others, that the municipality should ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with the community. Most notably, the framework stipulates that the municipality should deliver basic services, which includes basic electricity, basic water, sanitation, waste removal and more. The framework also explicitly states that the municipality should ensure that services such as grass cutting, patching of potholes, working traffic lights and street lights and consistent refuse removal are implemented. It further states that focus must be placed on the operations and maintenance of existing infrastructure to ensure continuity of service provision. In total, the IDP lists 243 separate community issues and needs across all wards within its governance. Unfortunately, the majority of the listed issues have been longstanding for several years, with MLM failing to address the issues. Notably, the majority of complaints are of a service delivery nature, which includes the ghastly state of all roads, traffic lights and street lights that are in non-working condition, water provision, electrical infrastructure and provision complaints, refuse removal and general neatness of the wards and CBD. The rampant and unchecked drug use in Ermelo and informal townships have also been noted in several complaints. Ironically, no mention of the infamous 88kV substation can be found in the IDP. Electrical issues are simply referred to as “electrical infrastructure” issues. Other issues include the lack of healthcare and clinics, the lack of maintenance of council sportsgrounds, the lack of dumping sites and the issue of illegal dumping, illegal electricity connections and ageing infrastructure. A major point of concern is the Thusong Service Centre in Lothair, which, according to available information, started construction circa 2013/2014, but remains incomplete. According to the IDP, the main issues of focus from MLM should be housing, road upgrades, storm water drainage upgrades, access to sanitation, electricity supply, provision of water, waste management and public lighting. However, the prioritizes pie chart in the IDP makes no sense, as electricity shows a 12% priority scale, public lighting and waste management both at 9%, with roads and stormwater drains taking up 20%, and housing taking 21%. Sanitation takes up a mere 13%. In light of the current electricity situation that the community finds itself in, 12% priority is a slap in the face of residents. By-Laws: According to MLM, the by-laws are not enforced due to “high costs associated” with the enforcement. According to MLM, nuisance, traffic, street trading and electricity by-laws will be enforced with the assistance of the SAPS and NPA. If these by-laws will be enforced, remains a topic of conversation. No mention of stray cattle and stray animal by-laws is made, except in the issues raised by the community. A direct enquiry to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, dated 2 June 2021, yielded no response regarding the plan to step up the enforcement of all by-laws. Water Quality & Sanitation: MLM has stated that it has appointed a technician to control the quality of the water supply, and claims to work towards SANS 241 compliance. MLM claims that the Blue Drop status was at 18.1% in 2014, but makes no further mention as to the current quality of the water supply. Water maintenance budget for 2021/2022 from municipal coffers stand at R3 933 000, with a total of R17 298 735 being allocated from municipal infrastructure grants (MIG). The MIG is a conditional grant from the national government, with the aim of improving service delivery. MLM claims that an actual amount of R12 000 000 is needed for operations and maintenance of water supply. The backlog is 4.97%. Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has assisted in initiating the upgrade of the bulk water supply pipeline and infrastructure for Ermelo, Wesselton, Breyten, Chrissiesmeer, Nganga and Warburton at a cost of R264 594 000. Free basic water to indigent households enjoys a staggering R6 835 987. Strangely, the budget for indigent water supply exceeds the water maintenance budget. Sanitation budget stands at a mere R897 000, with R9 187 380 from MIG and a blistering R50 000 000 from water services infrastructure grant (WSIG) funds. The green drop status of MLM is stated as a shockingly poor 98.5% in 2014. Again, no recent Green Drop status is mentioned. A equitable finance share from national government assists in the mammoth R14 922 000 bill racked up by supplying free basic wastewater management to indigent households. No mention of the dilapidated sewerage network is noted. Enquiries lodged, explicitly naming Cassim Park, President Fouché Avenue, Autumn Ridge, Wesselton, Sun City and surrounding areas as areas of focus where the sewerage infrastructure is virtually collapsed, saw no joy. The municipal spokesman simply ignored the enquires. Electricity supply: Amidst the electrical infrastructure of Ermelo teetering on the brink of collapse, with rolling blackouts and load reduction on a daily basis, MLM has allocated a measly R3 000 000 for maintenance of electricity in 2021/2022. R10 000 000 has been allocated from the integrated national electrification programme (INEP) grant, for bulk electricity infrastructure and the electrification of households. MLM stated that it needs to apply for bulk capacity upgrade of the notified maximum demand (NMD) from Eskom. Mandla Zwane has stated that there has been no reduction in the NMD from Eskom. However, residents aren’t biting this carrot, with the load reduction and power outages from MLM that have dramatically increased withing a very short space of time. The municipality claims that ageing infrastructure and insufficient cable sizes are to blame for the electrical outages. These need to be replaced. With the paying residents getting the short end of the stick, indigent support sees a budget allocation of R11 136 000, where MLM supplies free basic electricity of 50kWh to more than 11 500 registrants. A direct enquiry to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, dated 2 June 2021, explicitly enquired as to how MLM plans to resolve the issues faced by the inadequate supply from the 88kV line, as claimed by the municipality. Additional enquiries regarding the budget for the upgrade of the substation, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of the line were also lodged. To date, the enquiries yielded no response. It is clear from the allocated funds above did not make provision for neither upgrade nor maintenance of the 88kV substation. No provision has been made for the upkeep and servicing of the electrical infrastructure. Enquiries lodged on numerous occasions regarding the damages suffered by residents due to neglect of the infrastructure and erratic electricity supply, and how they can claim reparations from the municipality, has simply been ignored by the spokesman. MLM also failed to elaborate on how they plan to engage with illegal connections, and the fact that entire towns, such as Breyten and Chrissiesmeer, have, for all intents and purposes, a zero percent payment rate from residents. According to the latest know figures, MLM has an arrangement of R180 634 883 with Eskom, with R35 000 000 already paid, and R145 634 883 being outstanding. It is unclear how these figures were calculated, or if these amounts are the interest or the capital amount owed. According to the last known report, MLM owed Eskom R172 million in August 2020. According to the MLM spokesman, the municipality is on schedule with the arrangement between MLM and Eskom. Roads and infrastructure - Of the total length of 446km of roads within the municipality’s jurisdiction, a mere 234km is either paved or tarred. A total of 212km of roadway lies in the backlog, or are farm and backroads. According to MLM, there is no funds in the municipal coffer for new roads. A measly amount of R2 579 800 has been allocated for infrastructure and maintenance. An additional allocation of R23 969 985 has been funded by the MIG for upgrading existing roads. According to MLM, a total of R86 500 000 is required annually to maintain road infrastructure within the municipal jurisdiction. Therefore, MLM essentially states that there are no funds in the municipal coffer to maintain the roads and infrastructure. Enquiries explicitly outlining the dilemma faced of the collapsing roads in Ermelo, and the virtually non-existent roads in Wesselton, Sun City and other areas have been ignored by MLM. Enquiries regarding the plan of action to rehabilitate and maintain the roadways in high traffic areas, most notably school routes, roadways surround new developments and housing complexes in Camden Avenue and Wes Street and, as well as high density routes in the CBD, have also been ignored. Stormwater management - Puzzlingly, the funds allocated for the maintenance and management of the stormwater infrastructure falls under the measly amount allocated to roads and infrastructure. According to MLM, Human Resources shortages remain a challenge, as no personnel are available due to financial constraints. Refuse removal - MLM will fork out R9 233 000 for free basic refuse removal for indigent registrants. Ultimately, it would be logical to view the budget and financial state of Msukaligwa Local Municipality as likely to collapse, as the municipality is, for all practical, technically bankrupt. Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. < Previous Article Next Article >

Chaos in Havenga Road as trailer snaps 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 1 November 2022 The entire community is getting the short end of the stick. On Friday morning, 28 October 2022, a heavy vehicle suffered a serious breakdown down due to the shoddy conditions of Havenga Road. The enormous potholes on this road caused a section of the vehicle’s trailer to snap clean off, as the trailers weren’t designed to withstand the strain of bending in the opposite direction while traversing these massive potholes. The roadway was in utter chaos for an extended period of time as services rendered assistance, while one lane was completely obstructed. Road users suffer damage to their vehicles on a daily basis, not to mention the negative impact the road conditions has on surrounding businesses. As the rain season kicks off, the outlook is bleak for motorists musing this road on a daily basis, as the roadway erodes at an alarming rate. At the start of 2022, SG Coal Breyten, PC’s Sand, MAN Truck and Bus and Van Wettens Towing had enough of the shoddy roadway, and repaired the road surface to make it easier for road users to traverse. MAN Truck and Bus supplied food and cold drinks to the teams on site, and Van Wettens towing services supplied the diesel. However, the lack of maintenance from Msukaligwa Local Municipality has made the initiative all for nought, as road users are now back to square one. The lack of service delivery from the municipality has many motorists hot under the collar. “The municipality has become so lax and complacent, used to the private sector doing their work for them. It is unacceptable that they are not held accountable for incidents like this. Everyone just goes with the flow, and nobody takes a stand against the municipality” one passing road user lamented. Frustrated motorists are now calling for Msukaligwa Local Municipality to finally take full accountability for their dismal neglect of Havenga Road, which is the only route available for heavy vehicles. “When will we say that enough is enough? The municipal officials parade on social media with their supposed service delivery projects, but we don't see any service delivery or change. I have to drive this road every day to work, and the damage I have suffered to my vehicle and tyres is immeasurable. I hope that the municipal council gets slapped with a lawsuit. Maybe then we will finally see some change," a frustrated driver on scene told the Tribune. While fuming residents are still waiting with bated breath for the apparent “road reconstruction” promised by Msukaligwa Local Municipality more than two years ago, damage is suffered by all on a daily basis. The entire community is getting the short end of the stick, including businesses in this area, with no reprieve from the municipality. View more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Merino Mall - A boon for the community 1/31 Share GK CRONJE 1 November 2022 The vision for the mall includes making a meaningful contribution to the local economy on an ongoing basis. In this regard, it has also created 450 permanent job opportunities. After 15 months of construction and an even longer development period, Merino Mall opened its doors on 27 October to the community of Ermelo and surrounds in Mpumalanga. At 28,600m2, it has become the first shopping centre of its substantial size to be developed within a 100-kilometre radius in the area. The Merino Mall development is owned by Moolman Group and Abland and is located on the landmark 11-hectare site that has always been central to community life in the area, the former Ermelo Showgrounds. Positioned for local shoppers, as well as the many commuters travelling to and through Ermelo from surrounding rural and small towns in the region, Merino Mall is located on the corners of the N2 and N11 freeways, close to the N17 and within walking distance of the Ermelo CBD. According to the property developers, the small regional mall has been developed with the future of this mining and agricultural area in mind and with family and community at its heart. Sönke Moolman-Pautz, retail director at Moolman Group, comments, “When you add such an impressive mall to a great community, you have the perfect recipe for sustainable mutual success. We look forward to serving our shoppers and providing a safe and enjoyable place where everyone can meet and socialise.” Merino Mall’s curated retail mix comprises 90 stores with anchors Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and Clicks, as well as the first Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem in the area. Other retail firsts for Ermelo include Cape Union Mart, PNA, @Home, Queenspark, Old Khaki, Crazy Pets and Refinery. The shopping centre also has a fashion node, banking facilities and restaurants. Designed by MDS Architecture, the exterior of Merino Mall is inspired by the original showground barn structures, with the barn shape becoming a key design feature. The existing barn structure was retained and incorporated into the new building. The sandstone found on the site has also been used for several building features, including facades, reflecting its unique setting. While the architecture and design features pay tribute to the site’s history, the centre is modern and incorporates elements to ensure a sustainable operation. Merino Mall has its own solar photovoltaic (PV) plant that produces green energy and the mall can trade during load shedding. The property even has a sewer treatment plant that will recycle grey water back into the building to achieve water savings. Weaving local culture into the fabric of the mall, it features several artworks from local artists who participated in an art competition held by the developers. Shoppers will also be able to connect to the fast fibre Wi-Fi network. Merino Mall offers 1 743 parking bays in an on-grade, safe and secure parking area, with reserved parking for shoppers with special needs close to entrances. It also includes a taxi rank. Construction of Merino Mall began in July 2021, led by the main contractor Mike Buyskes Construction. The construction phase created 750 jobs, primarily for local contractors and workers. The vision for the mall includes making a meaningful contribution to the local economy on an ongoing basis. In this regard, it has also created 450 permanent job opportunities. As part of the development process, the mall’s owners opened an online jobs portal where local job seekers could register, and their applications were made available to the mall’s retailers. The portal was also used to employ within the centre management team and created a platform for service providers to tender for various contractual opportunities in and around the centre. During the construction period, a considerable challenge was the steep slope of the mall’s site, which required extensive bulk earthworks but resulted in the mall’s superb visibility and accessibility. Improvements were also made to its surrounding roads for all road users, making the mall easy to access. “We are delighted to open Merino Mall for the community of Ermelo. It is beautiful and convenient, with an exciting variety of retail and restaurants, a fun play area for children and a great experience for all. It complements, enhances and supports the retail offering in Ermelo, and we are confident it will be an excellent asset for its community,” says Merino Mall general manager Morgan Lee van der Walt. < Previous Article Next Article >