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 >

Leerders van Grade 7 en 12 is met ope arms terug verwelkom. Welkom terug aan die Graad 7's en Graad 12’s Ligbron JJ Learskool Skool Ligbron 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 9 Junie 2020 Leerders van Grade 7 en 12 is met ope arms terug verwelkom. Al die plaaslike skole het op Maandag, 8 Junie, hul Graad 7 en Graad 12 leerders terug verwelkom. Al die skole het die nodige maatreëls toegepas om te verseker dat die skool, asook die klaskamers, veilig en skoon is vir die leerders. Die Tribune wil graag al die leerders verwelkom, en sterkte toewens met die rowwe tyd wat voorlê. < Previous Article Next Article >

Baie geluk aan die Liggies wat silwer sertifikate ontvang het vir hul prestasie in die Geografie Olimpiade, die Liggies is baie trots op julle. Ligbron het rigting 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 24 August 2021 Baie geluk aan die Liggies wat silwer sertifikate ontvang het vir hul prestasie in die Geografie Olimpiade, die Liggies is baie trots op julle. Baie geluk aan die Liggies wat silwer sertifikate ontvang het vir hul prestasie in die Geografie Olimpiade, die Liggies is baie trots op julle. Links agter (v.l.n.r) staan: Ruan Matthee, Danika Drotsky, Hano van Dyk, Krynauw Mulder en Leri-Gene Nel. Voor sit (v.l.n.r): Amanda Lottering en Jeannette van Niekerk. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Vryburgers trakteer SAVF bejaardes tydens Tamaai Braai 1/16 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 Die Ermelo Vryburgers het besluit om hierdie jaar in Ermelo, Bethal en Carletonville hul gesogte braai- en potjiekos vaardighede op skou gesit, en oor 100 mense by die SAVF tehuis het dit op die dag vreeslik geniet. “Ons het hierdie jaar ‘n skaap- en hoender potjie voorberei. Die Vryburgers Ermelo het op Saterdag hul staal gewys tydens die Tamaai Braai, wat jaarliks landswyd plaasvind. Verlede jaar se Tamaai Braai kon nie plaasvind nie as gevolg van die pandemie, maar die manne van die Vryburgers het hierdie jaar weer gesorg dat die ou mensies hul gate uit geniet. Die dekor was pragtig, en die atmosfeer vol kameraadskap en opgewondenheid. Die Suid Afrikaanse Vryburgers braai vir ongeveer 2 500 mense regoor die land. Die Ermelo Vryburgers het besluit om hierdie jaar in Ermelo, Bethal en Carletonville hul gesogte braai- en potjiekos vaardighede op skou gesit, en oor 100 mense by die SAVF tehuis het dit op die dag vreeslik geniet. “Ons het hierdie jaar ‘n skaap- en hoender potjie voorberei. Net die feit dat dit bietjie ander kos as die gewone is, en om die dag saam buite te geniet maak die dag soveel beter. Ons bedank graag die SAVF personeel en George Kleinhans vir hul samewerking, bydrae en insette, sowel as elke lid van die Vryburgers wat betrokke was by die projek.” Op die foto verskyn Johan Jacobs, Johan van Jaarsveld, Janneman Robberts, Tollie du Plessis, Gerhardt Breedt, Billa van Wyk, George Kleinhans, Annalize Maré, Mientie Goslin en Nondumiso Manana. < Previous Article Next Article >

Complaints included the crime rate in Sun City, as well as alleged service delivery issues. Fed up residents demand change Sun City residents during their peacful demonstration of dissatisfaction. Sun City residents during their peacful demonstration of dissatisfaction. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 Complaints included the crime rate in Sun City, as well as alleged service delivery issues. Irate residents from Sun City Extension 33 displayed their dismay at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court yesterday, citing that they’re awaiting documents from the court. Complaints included the crime rate in Sun City, as well as alleged service delivery issues. Although the protestors were determined ti be noticed, the demonstration was peaceful and organized. < Previous Article Next Article >

Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. Raw sewage spillage in DBP unresolved since 2016 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 13 September 2022 Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. What was initially touted to be modern, safe and secure living, has turned to a sewage-soaked headache, with both new home owners, and residents in Autumn Ridge, Camden-and President Fouchè Avenues, Mauritz Read, Harold Edges and Mel Mentz Streets, all being at the end of their patience. The once-flagship security village project, Autumn Ridge, is rife with residents hot under the collar due to the constant stench of raw sewage. “They just keep building and building, but they don’t finish what they start. If a drain is blocked, we have to wait days, sometimes weeks, and even months for the municipality to assist us, if they ever do. In many cases, we have to make a plan ourselves, because the municipality never arrives. We have to think of our health and the health of our children,” one complex resident lamented. It is evident that the aged and dilapidated sewerage network in this area quite simply can not handle the influx of sewage and wastewater produced by the ever-growing number of houses. What one can only assume to be poor town planning from the municipality has now created a ever-expanding issue of environmental pollution. Alas, the municipality simply ignores these specific overflows, which ave been ongoing since 2015, and reported by numerous residents in this area in August 2016. At the time, the Tribune visited the site, which already showed evidence of overload, and since then, the residences have multiplied exponentially, without infrastructure provision being made by the municipality. Upon visiting the site in 2022, the environmental impact and pollution from these sewage overflows are simply flabbergasting. There are at least four overflow sites that could be noted in the vicinity of Camden Avenue, with more being visible in the distance. The sheer amount of raw sewage is shocking to behold, a stench to choke on. The Vaal River, a source of water for approximately 19 million South Africans, has been slated as polluted “beyond acceptable levels”, impacting on natural ecosystems and endangering the people's health. Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. However, the issue of MLM’s blatant disregard of environmental impact is no news. In 2014, Municipal Manager at the time, Mr M.W. Zungu, the Head of the Water Department, Mr B. van der Merwe, and the Director of Technical Services, Mr S. Magudulela, received a summons, whilst performing in their capacity as managers of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, in connection to blocked and overflowing sewage sites. Almost all of these sites, including the spillages near the Pet Dam, to this very day, still overflows into the Pet Dam and surrounding water bodies. In 2014, it was estimated that the spillages deposits a quantity of >1 000 000 E. Coli per 100ml of water. Currently, the situation has greatly increased in severity. The fact that, in terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence, the municipality pays no heed. With brazen nonchalance, MLM had recently dug trenches to redirect the constant sewage spillage in President Fouché towards the middle of the field, in an attempt to make the overflow less noticeable. To date, the municipality has failed to provide reasoning behind this, despite various enquiries by the Tribune. More laughable is the fact that the municipal manager at the time, is no longer serving the municipality. Unfortunately, the fact that scores of “acting” municipal officials trot through the municipal service delivery system doorways, leaves nobody in charge to take responsibility for the disasters left behind. However, this is of little comfort to residents in this area, as well as the local school, who have to suffer in the unsanitary environment and gagging stench, day in, and day out. This overflow, coupled with a myriad of other spillages, connect directly to the Klein Drinkwater stream. This stream flows through several farms an small holdings, to eventually contaminate the Vaal River with thousands of kiloliters of raw sewage each month. See 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 >

Die afgelope week was daar verskeie ongelukke op verskillende paaie. Die meeste van die ongelukke word veroorsaak deur padverbruikers wat nie die verkeersreëls gehoorsaam nie. Wanneer jy ‘n probleem ondervind met jou voertuig, moet nie in die middel van die pad tot stilstand kom nie, probeer om van die pad te gaan. Indien jy nie kan nie, sit jou voertuig se gevaar waarskuwingsligte aan, en sit jou rooi driehoek uit. Jou rigting aanwysers is daar om ander padverbruikers te wys dat jy wel links of regs gaan draai, so gebruik dit. Die eerste ongeluk het op Donderdag, 7 Januarie gebeur op die Hendrina pad. Die Kia het uit geswaai vir ‘n motor wat stil gestaan het in die middel van die pad, en het tot stilstand teen ‘n boom gekom. Die voertuig het aan die brand geslaan. Die bestuurder is na die hospitaal geneem vir mediese behandeling. Op Sondag, 10 Januarie, was daar ‘n grusame ongeluk op die Piet Retief pad tussen ‘n motor en ‘n vragmotor. Tydens die botsing is drie passasiers wat in die motor was oorlede, terwyl die bestuurder en nog ‘n passasier ernstige beserings opgedoen het, en is na ‘n hospitaal in Piet Retief geneem vir mediese behandeling. Die bestuurder van die vragmotor het ligte beserings opgedoen. Wees versigtig wanneer jy die openbare paaie gebruik, en gehoorsaam die verkeersreëls. Gehoorsaam die verkeersreëls Gehoorsaam die verkeersreëls 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 12 January 2021 Wanneer jy ‘n probleem ondervind met jou voertuig, moet nie in die middel van die pad tot stilstand kom nie, probeer om van die pad te gaan. Indien jy nie kan nie, sit jou voertuig se gevaar waarskuwingsligte aan, en sit jou rooi driehoek uit. Die afgelope week was daar verskeie ongelukke op verskillende paaie. Die meeste van die ongelukke word veroorsaak deur padverbruikers wat nie die verkeersreëls gehoorsaam nie. Wanneer jy ‘n probleem ondervind met jou voertuig, moet nie in die middel van die pad tot stilstand kom nie, probeer om van die pad te gaan. Indien jy nie kan nie, sit jou voertuig se gevaar waarskuwingsligte aan, en sit jou rooi driehoek uit. Jou rigting aanwysers is daar om ander padverbruikers te wys dat jy wel links of regs gaan draai, so gebruik dit. Die eerste ongeluk het op Donderdag, 7 Januarie gebeur op die Hendrina pad. Die Kia het uit geswaai vir ‘n motor wat stil gestaan het in die middel van die pad, en het tot stilstand teen ‘n boom gekom. Die voertuig het aan die brand geslaan. Die bestuurder is na die hospitaal geneem vir mediese behandeling. Op Sondag, 10 Januarie, was daar ‘n grusame ongeluk op die Piet Retief pad tussen ‘n motor en ‘n vragmotor. Tydens die botsing is drie passasiers wat in die motor was oorlede, terwyl die bestuurder en nog ‘n passasier ernstige beserings opgedoen het, en is na ‘n hospitaal in Piet Retief geneem vir mediese behandeling. Die bestuurder van die vragmotor het ligte beserings opgedoen. Wees versigtig wanneer jy die openbare paaie gebruik, en gehoorsaam die verkeersreëls. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die o/15's speel ook teen HPR, en kolf eerste. Ruben Kruger (23) en Adrien Sturgiss (21) teken flink lopies aan voordat Ligbron op 112 uitgeboul word. Uiteindelik klap die krieketkolwe weer 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 31 August 2021 Die o/15's speel ook teen HPR, en kolf eerste. Ruben Kruger (23) en Adrien Sturgiss (21) teken flink lopies aan voordat Ligbron op 112 uitgeboul word. Die lang sport droogte is weer gebreek, en die krieketspelers kon laat waai tydens die eerste wedstryde teen Piet Retief. Die o/14's stuur HPR eerste in om te kolf, en hulle teken 124/1 op die telbord aan. Ayden Lehmgrubler staan 12 lopies in 4 beurte af, en De la Rey Barnard neem 1 paaltjie vir 10 lopies in 2 beurte. Ligbron neem die kolf op, en steek die telling verby in die 14de beurt met 10 paaltjies staande. Renier van Staden (48) en Janco Kleynhans (44) blink uit met die kolf. Die o/15's speel ook teen HPR, en kolf eerste. Ruben Kruger (23) en Adrien Sturgiss (21) teken flink lopies aan voordat Ligbron op 112 uitgeboul word. HPR steek die telling verby in die laaste boulbeurt, met 9 paaltjies plat. Kyle Goslin neem 3 paaltjies in 4 beurte, en Ruben Kruger 1 paaltjie vir die verlies van 7 lopies in sy 4 beurte. < Previous Article Next Article >

Maak die harte oop vir Juan 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 25 May 2021 Op Woensdag, 12 Mei 2021, is sy linkerbeen bo sy knie geamputeer. Die hele prosedure het suksesvol afgeloop, en Jaun is tans in Ermelo. Jaun Walker (53) ‘n ou bekende in Ermelo, het dringend jou hulp nodig. Hy is werksaam by DJ Motors, waar hy voertuie verkoop. Jaun het tipe twee diabetes, en ‘n bosluis het hom gebyt op sy linker been. Jaun het mooi na die bytplek gekyk, en gehoop dat dit vinnig sal genees, maar die bytplek het glad nie genees nie. Hy het ‘n oggend opgestaan waar sy linker voet en toon begin swart word het, en hy is dadelik Steve Bhiko hospitaal toe. Daar was hy vir ongeveer twee weke waar hulle geensins na hom omgesien het nie. Hy is terug Ermelo toe, waar sy familie hom George Provinsiale Hospitaal toe geneem het vir behandeling, weens die feit dat hy geen medies het nie. Tydens sy aankoms by die hospitaal moes hy en die dokters dadelik ‘n besluit neem oor wat hul gaan doen met sy linkerbeen, want toe het hy reeds gangrene. Op Woensdag, 12 Mei 2021, is sy linkerbeen bo sy knie geamputeer. Die hele prosedure het suksesvol afgeloop, en Jaun is tans in Ermelo. Hy sterk aan saam met sy suster, waar sy na hom omsien. Die familie wil graag ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap doen om hul te help met bydraes om die mediese behandeling te kan doen. Daar is ‘n Trust rekening gestig by PWG Prokureurs. Die bank besonderhede: PWG Prokureurs, Eerste Nasionale Bank, Ermelo, Tak Kode: 270 344, Rekening Nommer: 521 800 48278, Verwysing: W270 - naam en van. Graag wil die familie ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank vir elke oproep, SMS, kospakkie asook die manne wat veranderings aan die huis gedoen het om na Jaun se belange om te gee en die lewe vir hom te vergemaklik. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Thea-Rita spreek dank uit teenoor die gemeenskap 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 19 October 2021 Die kopers van die bok, het weer die bok terug oorhandig aan die Tribune ePaper, waar dit goed gedink is om die bok aan die CMR Lighthouse te skenk. Op Saterdag, 16 Oktober, was daar ‘n fondsinsameling aangebied by Hein se Plaas, ten bate van Thea-Rita Botha (21), wat binnekort ‘n nieroorplanting moet ondergaan. Die gemeenskap was vermaak deur die bekende Pieter Naudé, asook Ermelo se eie bekende sangeres, Yolandie Terblanche. Daar was gesellig gekuier, en gedans dat die stof staan. Heerlike slaaie was voorgesit, asook twee verskillende soorte potjie kos. Tydens die funksie was ‘n blesbok opgeveil, waarna die bok weer terug gegee, is en weer opgeveil is. Daar was ook heerlike wyn wat opgeveil is. Met die veiling is daar ‘n enorme bedrag ingesamel. Die kopers van die bok, het weer die bok terug oorhandig aan die Tribune ePaper, waar dit goed gedink is om die bok aan die CMR Lighthouse te skenk. Elmarie Nel, Thea-Rita se ma wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om die volgende mense te bedank vir hul enorme bydrae: “Hein se Plaas, Midtest, Tribune ePaper, PanSolutions, Pick n Pay, Midway 2, SPAR Orient Apteek, die skenker van die blesbok wat graag anoniem wil bly, die Hoëvelder, AJO2 Water, Marinus Snyman, wat die afslaeër was, en dan vir Yolandie Terblanche, asook Pieter Naudé, vir die vermaak. Laastens, maar nie die minste nie, al die lede van die gemeenskap wat die aand bygewoon het, en aan elke donateur wat ‘n bydrae gelewer het, ons as gesin waardeer dit opreg.” Daar is tans steeds ‘n trust rekening by Pas Prokureurs. Persone wat ‘n bydrae wil maak, is welkom om die fondse in die trust rekening in te betaal. Pieter Stofberg Ingelyf Trust, Trustrekening FNB, Tak kode: 270 344, Rekening nommer: 620 921 503 26, Verwysing: BOT235/1. < Previous Article Next Article >