Search this site

NERSA requires mini-substations to be free of rust, and be locked as to be of no safety risk to the public. It is also expected by NERSA that municipalities keep substations and mini-substations painted, numbered and marked correctly, and that hazard signs be clearly displayed. Lack of kiosk maintenance causes concern 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 11 January 2022 NERSA requires mini-substations to be free of rust, and be locked as to be of no safety risk to the public. It is also expected by NERSA that municipalities keep substations and mini-substations painted, numbered and marked correctly, and that hazard signs be clearly displayed. Despite several enquiries and reports regarding the issue from various media outlets, little to no information is available as to the action plan that Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s (MLM) departments are taking in waterproofing, safeguarding and maintaining the electrical kiosks and substations in Ermelo, Wesselton and the surrounding areas. The slightest moisture, drizzle or rain results in leaving hundreds of residents without electricity at any given time. Being a major inconvenience and that equipment and devices are damaged in the resulting electricity spikes, this is an issue which addressing is long overdue. Additionally, the sharp increase in wilful vandalism and alleged sabotage from unknown entities further aggravate the situation. In the latest of a string of instances of kiosk vandalism, neutral electrical wires were cut at a kiosk in George Botha Park. This act in itself is extremely dangerous, and can be the cause of thousands of Rands in damages to residents receiving electricity from this feed. When a neutral wire is broken, cut or disconnected, the unbalanced current cannot return to the supply through the star point, and this current takes the path back to the supply through the lines. This causes “hot” voltage or unequal voltage currents. An instance such as this has been reported recently in the area of Camden Avenue, where the supply current was measured at 380 volt, shockingly higher than the 220 volt that is supposed to be measured. When the voltage is too high, electrical wires may melt, light bulb would burned out real time, and other electrical devices may stop working, or may even burst into flames if an overvoltage is delivered to the circuit. However, the ease of which kiosks and substations in Ermelo can be tampered with is nothing short of laughable, with the vast majority of electrical kiosks being without doors, lids or covers. Nary a kiosk is locked with a padlock as required by law, and many kiosks are completely devoid of cover doors. Several instances have been reported to MLM, where their own technicians have jerry-rigged kiosks or substations in unsafe and dangerous manners. However, these reports have fallen on deaf ears. By now, it is no secret that MLM officials, as well as ward councillors are well aware of the myriad of electrical kiosks and substations which are without doors, have been severely damaged, either my accidents, vandalism or plain neglect on part of MLM, which carries direct correlation in the outages that plague Ermelo. The municipality has appealed to the public to report any suspicious persons near electrical infrastructures, and has stated that municipal employees are identified by overalls and reflector vest with the logo, and/or the name of the municipality. This statement from the municipality is contradictory, as many contractors employed by the municipality drive unmarked vehicles, and wear civilian clothing. This makes the point moot, aggravated by the fact that the call centre operators are all but a zero with regards to public assistance. According to the standards set forth by the National Energy Regulator (NERSA), any municipality, at any given time must, upon inspection, be able to provide a safe and reliable electrical network, that does not pose a hazard to personnel, especially during switching. It is expected of municipalities to provide evidence to NERSA of preventative maintenance on substations. Substations are expected to be built on well-constructed plinths to avoid contact with moisture, or minimize damage during flooding or heavy rain, and also be free of vegetation and/or grass that might pose a fire hazard. This is not the case of some of the substations in Ermelo, which are on ground level and covered in vegetation. Furthermore, NERSA requires mini-substations to be free of rust, and be locked as to be of no safety risk to the public. It is also expected by NERSA that municipalities keep substations and mini-substations painted, numbered and marked correctly, and that hazard signs be clearly displayed. Alas, this is not the case in Ermelo, with no bright light in the municipal tunnel ahead. An electrical kiosk in Steynberg Street has been reported to the municipality on numerous occasions, with no joy. The high voltage cable has been haphazardly connected and snaked through a tree’s branches by municipal teams more than two years ago. The cable poses a direct danger to small children of the nearby preschool, as well as to pedestrians and patrons of a nearby superette. This is but one of hundreds of exposed and dangerous kiosks with the municipal service area. < Previous Article Next Article >

Keep safe during municipal load shedding 1/0 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The increased occurrence of load shedding means also that there are more alarm activation signals received by armed response companies than usual. If the alarm is triggered because of a power surge, or because of load shedding, please contact your security company as soon as possible to cancel any false alarms. This helps ensure that armed response officers are allocated to legitimate emergencies. In light of the municipal load shedding, which has been ongoing since May 2020, residents have reported a spike in cases of burglaries, poisoning of animals and suspicious individuals skulking around under the shroud of darkness. With Msukaligwa Local Municipality dragging their feet and offering no reprieve or plan of action, the rotational load shedding can be expected to continue for the foreseeable future. This means that home owners, as well as business owners, need to make sure their alarm and security systems are tested regularly and in a working condition. These tests need to focus in particular on the battery backup systems, to ensure that it will still offer monitoring and protection when the power goes out. Many people are under the incorrect assumption that their alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted. However, if you have a stable and correctly programmed system, coupled with a battery that is in a good condition, it will continue to protect the premises during a power outage, regardless if the outage is because of load shedding or any other technical problem. The increased occurrence of load shedding means also that there are more alarm activations signals received by armed response companies than usual. If the alarm is triggered because of a power surge, or because of load shedding, please contact your security company as soon as possible to cancel any false alarms. This helps ensure that armed response officers are allocated to legitimate emergencies. This helps to free up call centre staff members to concentrate on legitimate incidents that they need to respond to. The only time any alarm system might not function correctly, is if there is a technical issue or the battery power is low. Most modern alarm systems have a back-up battery pack that activates automatically when there is a power failure. It is recommended to consider an additional battery backup pack, as load shedding puts additional strain on the battery. There are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during any power cuts, which includes always remaining vigilant, and reporting suspicious activity in your ward to the SAPS or security agency, and ensuring that all automated gates and doors are secured. With the added inconvenience of the lights going out at night due to power cuts, candles and touch-lights are handy alternatives. Test the battery backup system, and consider an additional battery pack for standby. Tests of alarm systems should ideally be conducted every six months. Power cuts can impact on fire systems and fire control systems, so these also need to be checked regularly. The best approach is to test your alarm system, for both your home and your business, and to make any fixes that are required as soon as you can. < Previous Article Next Article >

Aside from the immense health risks this sewage overflow poses, the issue is further aggravated by the fact that the surrounding businesses suffer loss in clientele due to the constant, unbearable stench that lingers in the air, as one of the overflows is but mere meters from their shopfronts. At the time of going to print, both GSDM and MLM once again ignored the enquiry submitted 4-Year long raw sewage overflow 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 28 July 2020 Aside from the immense health risks this sewage overflow poses, the issue is further aggravated by the fact that the surrounding businesses suffer loss in clientele due to the constant, unbearable stench that lingers in the air, as one of the overflows is but mere meters from their shopfronts. At the time of going to print, both GSDM and MLM once again ignored the enquiry submitted In May 2018, the Tribune reported on a persistent sewerage network issue in a field adjacent to Oosthuizen Street, where raw sewage flows freely. At the time of reporting, the issue had already been ongoing for nearly a year. It is evident that this sewerage line is subject to a major unresolved blockage. In the elapsed timeline, surrounding businesses stated that Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) had reportedly unblocked the line thrice, unfortunately haphazardly so, with continued spilling experienced within mere days after apparent unblocking. At the time, the issue was reported to MLM, Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), which yielded no results. Fast forward to July 2020, and the overflow is still ongoing. Birds, other wildlife and stray cattle feasts on the daily smorgasbord of excrement gushing from the sewerage lines, and residents who takes shortcuts to their homes across this field has to trudge through the soggy soil. To be frank, this ongoing overflow holds immense health risks to animals, and especially residents, facing the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. While authorities preach about hygiene, cleanliness and sanitizing, this overflow is a slap in the face of the community. Sewage contains a wide variety of dissolved and suspended impurities, and domestic sewage is also very likely to contain disease-causing microbes. The surrounding water sources that this massive pool and overflow of sewage in turn pollutes has a far-reaching impact. Sewage-contaminated water causes eutrophication, which is the increase in concentration of chemical elements required for life. The nitrates, phosphates, and organic matter found in human waste serves as a food for algae and bacteria. This causes these organisms to overpopulate to the point where they use up most of the dissolved oxygen that is naturally found in water, making it difficult for other organisms in this aquatic environment to live. Phosphates are also found in soaps and detergents, but there are other household products that we use everyday that can be toxic to many animals and humans if they are dumped directly into a water body. Residents who have to traverse this much, and stray cattle who return home to their owners, contaminated, poses a major risk of causing illness such as e-coli, diarrhea and hepatitis A, due to bacteria and viruses present in sewage effluent. Gastrointestinal disorders have been linked to sewage pollution, with viruses implicated as the cause. When toxic substances enter a body of water, they will be dissolved, become suspended in water or get deposited on the bed of the water body. The resulting water pollution causes the quality of the water to deteriorate, and affects aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants can also seep down and affect groundwater deposits, potentially ending up in the taps of residents. Aside from the immense health risks this sewage overflow poses, the issue is further aggravated by the fact that the surrounding businesses suffer loss in clientele due to the constant, unbearable stench that lingers in the air, as one of the overflows is but mere meters from their shopfronts. At the time of going to print, both GSDM and MLM once again ignored the enquiry submitted by the Tribune. Attempts to contact the Department of Environmental Affairs has proved fruitless, and the spokesman for the Mpumalanga division ignored submitted enquiries. To see a video footage of the overflow and the devastating effect it has had on the environment, a video is available on our Facebook page. You may also view more photos of the overflow on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op die foto staan die topleerders van 2020, saam met die hoof, Mnr. Brand. Liggies skitter as top leerders 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 Op die foto staan die topleerders van 2020, saam met die hoof, Mnr. Brand. Baie geluk aan die Graad 12's van 2020, wat by die Distrik Prysuitdeling vereer is vir hulle uitnemende akademiese prestasies. Top 10 in distrik is as volg: Ammaarah Arbee is die algehele toppresteerder in die distrik. Cristian Izquierdo Ortega plaas derde in die distrik, en Hannah Peer vierde op die gesogte lys. Ligbron blink weereens uit in Wiskunde, met 3 leerders op die Top 5. Tweede is Christian met 98%, derde is Shraddah Agre met 97%, en in vyfe posisie is Hannah Peer met 96.9%. “Baie geluk, Ligbron is besonders trots op julle prestasie!” Liggies take the honors! Liggies were given accolades at the District Award Ceremony for excellent academic achievement. Top 10 in district: Ammaarah Arbee takes the lead as the best academic learner in the district, with Cristian Izquierdo Ortega in third position, and Hannah Peer takes up fourth position in the district. Ligbron takes top honors in Mathematics, with 3 learners in the Top 5 of the district. Cristian Izquierdo Ortega takes second position with 98%, Shraddah Agre settles in third position with 97% and Hannah Peer secures the fifth position with 96.9 %. Op die foto staan die topleerders van 2020, saam met die hoof, Mnr. Brand. < Previous Article Next Article >

For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. Smouldering refuse leaves residents disgusted 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 20 September 2022 For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. The lack of effective law enforcement in Ermelo has long been a thorn in the sides of residents and businesses, especially with regards to council properties. The issue of effective refuse removal and management had also come under the spotlight recently, with the Pet Dam, residential wards and the CBD being a veritable pigsty, flooded in refuse. For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. The resulting smog is of great frustration, not to mention the health hazards. Ignored complaints of vagrants that have settled in a dilapidated public restroom at a popular shopping complex in the CBD also takes its toll, and these individuals, as well as the ghastly state of the area, are slowly creeping under the skin of surrounding residents and businesses. “I can't open the windows to my flat anymore, because the soot and smoke from the perpetually smouldering skip bins, along with the piles of refuse set alight on a near-daily basis, engulf my residence. The smell chokes us, and the smell from the building makes you nauseated,” a resident complained. Businesses in the area also suffer, with the parking area being littered with all manner of refuse, and shady characters lurking about, wringing their idle hands. “The vagrants are a big issue. One feels unsafe if you are constantly watched by drug-addled individuals every second of every day. You worry about your vehicle's wellbeing, you worry about being mugged. It's extremely stressful. Some days there are individuals openly abusing substances at this building, and no action is taken,” lamented another. On scene, the stench of urine and feaces, coupled with the piles of refuse lining the interior of the vandalized building is overwhelming, with the Tribune noting at least six different individuals entering and exiting the building, while clearly acting nervous and erratic. An enquiry had been sent to Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding this issue, as well as the removal of refuse, which is being neglected. The municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, failed to provide feedback to enquiries lodged. Yopu may view more photos and a video on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

MLM has, however, simply ignored the enquiry that was sent on 8 April 2021. Rubble left on the roadside 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 MLM has, however, simply ignored the enquiry that was sent on 8 April 2021. During the course of the last month, road repair vehicles have been spotted in Fourie Street, where sections of the road were cut out and patched up. Initially, SANRAL-branded construction vehicles were spotted initiating the repairs, and various sections that see extensive movement from heavy vehicles were reconstructed. Vehicles and work teams from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) were also noticed to be working on the roadway, although it is unclear as to the reason for the work done. Although many drivers consider the repairs as a welcome event, the residents and businesses in Fourie Street are not as fond of the idea. The Tribune ePaper has received complaints regarding rubble left on the sidewalks along the length of Fourie Street, where the removed sections of tar were piled up, accompanied by various materials, including tar drums and other construction materials. One resident complained that the roadworks that took place in front of his driveway impeded access to his property, and that the rubble from the maintenance has now been left next to his driveway. According to the complaints, the rubble has been left there for nearly 3 weeks, and is an unsightly addition to his driveway. The Tribune ePaper has sent an enquiry to MLM when the maintenance commenced, enquiring as to who is in charge of the maintenance, and requested more information. MLM has, however, simply ignored the enquiry that was sent on 8 April 2021. To date, no response has been received from the municipality. < Previous Article Next Article >

Baie geluk aan elke leerder en regisseur met die toekennings en toneelstukke uit die boonste rakke. EHS-Tienertoneel versamel toekennings by Streeksfees 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH Baie geluk aan elke leerder en regisseur met die toekennings en toneelstukke uit die boonste rakke. Op 2 Augustus het drie van Hoërskool Ermelo se toneelstukke aan die ATKV-Tienertoneel: Gauteng streeksfees 2 deelgeneem. Dit het te Unisa Little Theatre in Pretoria plaasgevind. Die terugvoer vanaf die beoordelaars, Pietie Beyers en Marie-Heleen Coetzee, was teenoor EHS, asook elke stuk individueel, besonder positief! Die blootstelling aan kompetisie van ’n uitsonderlike hoë standaard was vir die leerders en onderwysers ’n uitnemende leerskool en aangename ervaring. Die toneelstukkie behaal die volgende toekennings: Streng geheim: Produksie: Brons. Mnr Lourie du Plooy en Mnr Ruben Fouché: Brons vir regie, Mnr Lourie du Plooy en Mnr Ruben Fouché Brons vir klankbaanontwerp en/of samestelling, Wianke Cloete: Silwer vir Klankoperateur, Ruan Grobler: Brons vir individuele spel, Chrizanne Joubert: Brons vir individuele spel, An-Euné van Niekerk: Brons vir individuele spel en Franco Gibbens: Silwer vir individuele spel. kameR-5: Produksie: Silwer. Carla-Marie Myburgh: Bronsas Dramaturg: Me Mariaan Rust en Me Marli Murray: Silwer vir regie, Me Mariaan Rust en Me Marli Murray: Silwer vir Stelontwerp en -inkleding, Me Mariaan Rust en Me Marli Murray: Silwer vir Klankbaanontwerp en/of samestelling, Tian Luyt: Brons vir beligtingsoperateur, Isabelle Moussier: Brons vir individuele spel, Elizma Swart: Brons vir individuele spel, Mia van Deventer: Brons vir individuele spel, Lidmari Sheppard: Brons vir individuele spel, Mia Steenkamp: Brons vir individuele spel, Rebecca Cloete: Silwer vir verhoogbestuur, Eliska Duvenhage: Silwer vir klankoperateur en Mienke Cloete: Goud vir individuele spel. Al wat ek wil hê: Produksie: Silwer. Zara-Brezette Büchling: Silwer vir regie, Johan Strauss: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Marice de Jager: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Tilana Uys: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Zané du Plessis: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Liam Wilkinson: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Ignus Ferreira: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Otto van Schalkwyk: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Zanéke Ludick: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Ancois van den Berg: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Isabella Burgers: Silwer vir ensemble spel, Abigail Randall: Brons vir verhoogbestuur, Jan-Maarten van Schalkwyk: Brons vir beligtingsoperateur, Kayla van der Meyden: Brons vir beligtingsoperateur en Rikus van der Bank: Brons vir klankoperateur. Die lys toekennings getuig van uitstekende toneel en dissipline wat die leerders deur die loop van die jaar getoon het. Baie geluk aan elke leerder en regisseur met die toekennings en toneelstukke uit die boonste rakke! Hoërskool Ermelo is met reg besonder trots op wat EHS-kultuur vermag. (EHS) < Previous Article Next Article >

Jabu Ndlovu obtains MPRE certification 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 Jabu achieved the status of Master Practitioner in 2021 after completing his PDE 5 exams. Jabu Ndlovu, principal and owner of Candid Properties, a well-known and respected estate agency in Ermelo, has risen to new heights after obtaining Master Practitioner in Real Estate status. A Master Practitioner in Real Estate (MPRE) is a full-status professional estate agent, practicing as a Principal estate agent who has been issued with a valid fidelity fund certificate, as well as a certificate of professional recognition by the Estate Agency Affairs Board. The holder of such designation is accredited as being a knowledgeable, competent, and skillful principal estate agency practitioner, who is able to perform all estate agency activities, as defined in the Estate Agency Affairs Act, 112 of 1976, with the necessary degree of care and skill in the interest of protecting consumers of estate agency services. Jabu Ndlovu, a resident of Ermelo for more than 20 years, was born in Davel, grew up enjoying the farm life, attending high school at Lindile Secondary School. After completing his school career, Jabu started his upwards trajectory as estate agent at Remax Properties, and then moved to Vleissentraal, where he worked for five years. Candid Properties was established in 2010, with a branch in Ermelo. At first with association with RI Scholtz Estate Agency, but later spread his wings to find its feet in Ermelo. Jabu completed his NQF Levels 4-5 at UNISA, with the PDE 4 board exam following after that. Jabu achieved the status of Master Practitioner in 2021 after completing his PDE 5 exams. “My plans for the future is to create employment for as many aspiring practitioners as I can, and to build bridges to the future. My ultimate goal is to establish Candid Properties as a franchise, and become a household name in South Africa.” Candid Properties currently has branches in Ermelo, Secunda and Emalahleni, creating it’s footprint of real estate excellence.” Jabu would like to thank all his loyal clients for their support, and would like to invite all existing and new clients to contact him regarding their real estate needs on 079 134 2733, or info@candidproperties.net . < Previous Article Next Article >

“Groot dank aan ons borge, RE-bytes en RE Accounting, wat hierdie spanne ondersteun. Ons is baie trots op elke speler en die goeie uitslae van al die spanne. Die Liggies sien uit om te sien wat die res van die seisoen inhou!” Ligbron eSport spanne wys hul digitale staal 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 27 April 2021 “Groot dank aan ons borge, RE-bytes en RE Accounting, wat hierdie spanne ondersteun. Ons is baie trots op elke speler en die goeie uitslae van al die spanne. Die Liggies sien uit om te sien wat die res van die seisoen inhou!” Die eSport woeker alreeds vroeg in die jaar by Ligbron. Ligbron het vanjaar twee Counterstrike spanne, asook twee Rocket League spanne wat in die HSEL liga deelneem. Daar is hierdie jaar 47 CS:GO, en 103 Rocket League spanne wat ingeskryf het vir die 2021 liga. Die CS:GO A-span wen tot dusver 4 van die 6 wedstryde, en CS:GO B-span wen 2 uit hul 6 wedstryde. Hierdie spanne het onder andere deelgeneem teen skole soos Paul Roos Gimnasium, Grey Hoërskool en Hoërskool Waterkloof. Rocket League A en B vaar baie goed in die liga, en het meeste van hul wedstryde gewen. Rocket League A: verloor 2-3 teen Hoërskool Oos Moot C, wen 3-0 teen Hoërskool Zwartkop, wen 3-0 teen Hoërskool Oos Moot A, wen 3-1 Hoërskool Eldoraigne. Rocket League B: wen 3-1 teen Hoërskool Eldoraigne, wen 3-0 teen Hudson Park School, wen 3-2 teen Hoërskool Eldoraign en wen 3-1 teen Hudson Park. “Groot dank aan ons borge, RE-bytes en RE Accounting, wat hierdie spanne ondersteun. Ons is baie trots op elke speler en die goeie uitslae van al die spanne. Die Liggies sien uit om te sien wat die res van die seisoen inhou!” < Previous Article Next Article >

SA staar hoër grendelvlak in die gesig 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 27 October 2020 Suid-Afrika het op Sondag, 25 Oktober 2020, 1 622 nuwe infeksies aangemeld, wat die totale aangemelde gevalle tot 715 868 geneem het. Premier Sihle Zikalala het gesê dat 'n terugkeer na 'n hoër grendelvlak op die spel is, tensy die land 'n afname in die aantal gevalle van COVID-19 infeksies sien. Gesondheids- en regeringsamptenare het die land gewaarsku oor 'n toename in COVID-19-gevalle in Suid-Afrika as gevolg van inwoners wat regulasies teenstaan, versuim om maskers te dra en groot byeenkomste bywoon. “As ons na die statistieke kyk, kan ons nou met veiligheid sê dat ons beslis weer ‘n verhoodge grendelvlak gaan instel as daar geen dringende en drastiese verandering in gedrag is nie,” het Zikalala op Sondag laat hoor. Die premier het veral klem gestel op roekelose verbruik van alkohol, en sosiale byeenkomste en partytjies, wat die potensiaal het om al die vordering wat gemaak is om die gesondheidsorgstelsel voor te berei op 'n moontlike aanslag van COVID-19, te laat ontspoor. “Ons kan dit nie duld nie, en daarom sal ons inspekteurs ten volle optree om die wet toe te pas,” het hy afgesluit. President Cyril Ramaphosa sal na verwagting vandeesweek die land toespreek oor die toenemende aantal COVID-19-infeksies in die land. Suid-Afrika het op Sondag, 25 Oktober 2020, 1 622 nuwe infeksies aangemeld, wat die totale aangemelde gevalle tot 715 868 geneem het. Sterftes het 18 960, 'n daaglikse toename van 16, bereik, terwyl herstel tot 646 170 geklim het. Daar is tans 50 738 aktiewe gevalle in die land. Inwoners word gemaan om regulasies na te kom, en die nodige voorsorg te tref, wat die dra van ‘n masker in die publiek, insluit. < Previous Article Next Article >

Geliefde hoof verloor COVID-19 stryd 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 Onlangs het Morné 'n lewenslange doel bereik deur hoof van Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk te word. Dit is met diepe hartseer dat ons die afsterwe van Morné Scholtz (49) van Bethal aankondig. Morné is op 16 Maart 2021 in die Milpark-hospitaal, Johannesburg, vreedsaam oorlede na 'n geveg met COVID-19. Morné is gebore aan Jacob Salmon en Christina Caterina (Botes) Scholtz op 23 Februarie 1972, in Sasolburg. Hy het sy skoolopleiding in Secunda aan die Laerskool Secunda en Hoërskool Secunda voltooi, en was hoofseun by albei instellings. Nadat hy in die weermag diens gedoen het, het hy 'n graad aan die Onderwyskollege in Pretoria voltooi. Hy het later 'n meestersgraad in onderwys aan die Universiteit van Noordwes voltooi. Gedurende sy onderwysloopbaan het Morné die lewens van baie studente, ouers, kollegas en lede van die gemeenskap aangeraak. Deur sy passie, humor, ondersteuning, omgee, leiding en leierskap het hy lewens positief beïnvloed oral waar hy gegaan het. Onlangs het Morné 'n lewenslange doel bereik deur hoof van Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk te word. Onderwys, en om lewens te verryk, was vir hom van die allergrootste belang, en sy trots op sy werk was duidelik vir almal wat hom ontmoet het. Morné het diep spore in baie mense se lewens getrap. Morné laat twee seuns, MJ en Franco agter, asook drie broers Jacques, Bennie en Marius. As gevolg van die huidige pandemie, sal 'n klein en intieme gedenk diens gehou word om die herinnering van 'n man, wie se liefd geen perke geken het nie, te vier. - Inligting verskaf deur Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk < Previous Article Next Article >

Many fuming residents in Breyten sit without potable water for the 10th consecutive week. There has been no tangible action forthcoming from authorities. Breyten water woes at an end... In 2024 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 Many fuming residents in Breyten sit without potable water for the 10th consecutive week. There has been no tangible action forthcoming from authorities. Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has performed a sod-turning to mark the beginning of work on the Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme project in Warburton, Mpumalanga. he Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme project is part of the Msukaligwa Regional Bulk Supply Scheme, which aims to ensure that all water infrastructure has sufficient capacity to cater for the future water demands over a 30-year design horizon. The estimated cost of the project is reported to be approximately R330 million. he project, which is planned for 36 months and anticipated to be completed by 13 May 2024, will cover four magisterial areas in Msukaligwa Local Municipality, including Breyten, Chrissiesmeer, Lothair and Warburton. At the sod-turning ceremony, Mahlobo acknowledged that the community is not well served, especially when it comes to water provision. “Today marks a major milestone towards achieving the infrastructure goals, as articulated in our Water Master and National Development Plan of Infrastructure Development and Provision of Access to Water for our people. We are very confident that after the completion of these water projects, our people will have access to water and decent sanitation, which will restore dignity to our people.” Mahlobo said. This statement is hollow and frail, as many fuming residents in Breyten sit without potable water for the 10th consecutive week. There has been no tangible action forthcoming from authorities. Work is underway to draw water from Torbanite Dam and bring it to Breyten, Chrissiesmeer, Warburton and Lothair. “Today, together with the District Mayor and the Local Mayor, we are handing over to the contractor to start working under the implementing agent, which is the Gert Sibande District.” the Deputy Minister said. He condemned the vandalism and theft of water infrastructure, as this leaves people without water, and called on the community to work with the government to prevent theft and vandalism of water infrastructure. The project scope includes the refurbishment of the Torbanite Dam pump station, installation of new raw water rising main from Torbanite Dam to Breyten Water Treatment Works (WTW), refurbishment of the Breyten WTW, installation of a new rising main from Breyten WTW to Breyten WTW reservoirs, replacement of secondary bulk mains supplying Breyten town, and installation of a new rising main from Breyten WTW to Chrissiesmeer bulk reservoirs. It also includes the construction of a new pump station at Chrissiesmeer reservoir site to provide bulk water supply to Warburton, installation of a new secondary bulk main from new Warburton reservoir to Warburton reticulation, installation of new gravity main from Chrissiemeer bulk reservoirs to Lothair reservoirs, installation of reservoirs in Lothair, as well as the installation of new rising main from the inline booster pump station to the elevated tanks in Lothair. < Previous Article Next Article >