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Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. Stray cattle wreaks havoc 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. The issue of stray livestock in Ermelo residential areas, parts of the CBD and the outskirts has been ongoing for years, with no action on part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and its departments. In this case, by-laws are wholly ignored and remain unenforced by authorities, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and danger for motorists. Various residents have reported that their dogs get uncontrollably riled up by stray livestock roaming the residential wards, most notably in the De Bruin Park area. Reports have come in from residents stating that livestock has gotten so used to residential traffic and scolds from angry residents that not even car horns spook these cattle when they loaf around the streets, impeding traffic and grazing on the sidewalks of residences. Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. Motorists having to swerve, brake suddenly and drive on the opposite side of the roadway to avoid these animals pose a grave danger for motorists, pedestrians and the cattle alike. This issue, however, is not confined to the CBD and residential wards, as several complaints have been lodged by residents regarding cattle grazing the graveyards, trampling precious memories and damaging vases, flowers and other memorabilia left to honor those long gone. Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. At this time, both MLM and the SAPS in Ermelo turn a blind eye to the growing issue, which have, and will again, result in a loss of life as motorists collide with stray animals which are left to their own devices. Stray cattle have been reported lounging around the non-working traffic light at the Church- and Voortrekker Streets intersection. The photo right depicts the damage a motorist suffered after colliding with a stray calf in Border Street, which darted across the road while shrouded in darkness. < Previous Article Next Article >

Carolina gemeenskap staan saam teen grusame moord Petrus Phakamile Sitho, wat alle Suid-Afrikaners van enige ras aanmoedig om op Maandag, 7 Maart, in Carolina te wees tydens die hofsaak. Leonora Steenkamp (63) en Renier Lens (82) Petrus Phakamile Sitho, wat alle Suid-Afrikaners van enige ras aanmoedig om op Maandag, 7 Maart, in Carolina te wees tydens die hofsaak. 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 1 March 2022 Tydens die verdagtes se eerste verskyning, het die Carolina gemeenskap reeds voor die Carolina hof gebou bymekaar gekom en ‘n optog gehou. Leonora Steenkamp (63) en Renier Lens (82), jarelange inwoners van Carolina is op Saterdag, 19 Februarie 2022, vermoor in hul woning in Vootrekker Straat te Carolina. Die twee inwoners is vir ‘n tydjie nie gesien nie, waar daar dadelik onraad vermoed is. Carolina SAPD is op Dinsdag, 22 Februarie, om 07:10 ontbied na die huis, waar die inwoners gevind, en later deur nood personeel dood verklaar is. Die SAPD het die huis binne gegaan, waar beide deure wat nie gesluit was nie. Enkele ure nadat die inwoners in die huis gevind is, was daar reeds 2 verdagtes gearresteer. Gedurende die loop van die week is daar nog drie verdagtes gearresteer deur verskeie Ermelo SAPD lede, naamlik Adjudant-Offisier Thomo, Sersant Maharaj, Sersant Mkoko, Konstabel Sikhonde, Sersant Nkuna en Konstabel SE Nkosi. Al vyf wat gearresteer is, is tussen die ouderdomme van 18-30 jaar oud. Daar is klagtes teen hul geopen vir dubbel moord, asook diefstal. Tydens die insident is daar ‘n vuurwapen en ‘n Toyota Carolla gesteel. Die voertuig is later gevind naby die toneel. Die verdagtes het op Donderdag, 24 Februarie 2022 hul eerste verskyning in die hof gemaak, waar die saak uitgestel is na Maandag, 7 Maart 2022. Tydens die verdagtes se eerste verskyning, het die Carolina gemeenskap reeds voor die Carolina hof gebou bymekaar gekom en ‘n optog gehou. Petrus Phakamile Sitho, ‘n aktivis teen plaasmoorde, het mense van Suid-Afrika gevra om op Maandag in Carolina te wees vir die hofsaak, en om saam te staan teen moord. Met ‘n video opname het Petrus in sy boodskap gesê “Mense, ek gaan daar voor wees vir julle, want ek is nie bang nie. Dit is so hartseer as ek sien wat met hierdie ou mense gebeur het”. Kyk gerus na die video op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. Mev. Steenkamp word oorleef deur haar vier kinders en tien kleinkinders. < Previous Article Next Article >

The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. Fire hydrant still a missing link The worksite, left as is after the hydrant was removed. The worksite, left as is after the hydrant was removed. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. More than 6 months ago, Msukaligwa Local Municipality teams removed a fire hydrant from its placement to repair a reported leak from this area. The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. Hopefully, one of the many surrounding buildings won’t be subject to a fire, and leave officials red-faced and struggling. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the Mpumalanga provincial government is too silent as an armed gang is causing havoc on the N4 and N12 highways by spiking vehicles where victims are robbed of valuables. More than 24 incidents of spiking were reported in Mpumalanga between 1 April and 18 May 2021. The police have also warned that these incidents happen especially on Friday evenings and throughout the weekend between 18:00 and 04:00 in the morning. Mpumalanga residents are mostly the victims of the vehicle spiking incidents, so the DA calls on the provincial MEC of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, to engage with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deploy additional officers to help the Highway Patrol Unit on the routes identified as hotspots. Phola/Ogies on the N12 near Arbor off-ramp, Delmas along the N12, Bronkorstspruit towards Witbank along the N4 highway, Belfast on the N4 next to Wonderfontein and Acornhoek in Matsikitsane area, Witbank on Dellville Street, Verena Road and the R555 Old Ogies Road, Calcutta area, the R40 around Marite area and the N4 highway in Middelburg, Bethal and Kendall have been identified as hotspots for the spiking activities. It has been reported that the spiking gang is using two vehicles. One of the vehicles is used to follow around victims who do not stop after hitting the spikes. Of late, residents in the approximate area have also been warned of road spikes, most notably roads leading to Breyten, Piet Retief, Amersfoort and Chrissiesmeer. The N17 towards Bethal has also been identified as concerning. Never stop your vehicle if you had a puncture while spiked, instead drive slowly to the nearest garage while contacting the SAPS. If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them immediately to the nearest police station. If your vehicle has had a complete break down on the road, remain in the vehicle with your doors locked while seeking assistance. Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission. Should you realize that another motorist has been spiked in your presence, kindly stop and give the necessary assistance. Road spikes a cause for concern in MPU Road spikes a cause for concern in MPU 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 June 2021 If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the Mpumalanga provincial government is too silent as an armed gang is causing havoc on the N4 and N12 highways by spiking vehicles where victims are robbed of valuables. More than 24 incidents of spiking were reported in Mpumalanga between 1 April and 18 May 2021. The police have also warned that these incidents happen especially on Friday evenings and throughout the weekend between 18:00 and 04:00 in the morning. Mpumalanga residents are mostly the victims of the vehicle spiking incidents, so the DA calls on the provincial MEC of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, to engage with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deploy additional officers to help the Highway Patrol Unit on the routes identified as hotspots. Phola/Ogies on the N12 near Arbor off-ramp, Delmas along the N12, Bronkorstspruit towards Witbank along the N4 highway, Belfast on the N4 next to Wonderfontein and Acornhoek in Matsikitsane area, Witbank on Dellville Street, Verena Road and the R555 Old Ogies Road, Calcutta area, the R40 around Marite area and the N4 highway in Middelburg, Bethal and Kendall have been identified as hotspots for the spiking activities. It has been reported that the spiking gang is using two vehicles. One of the vehicles is used to follow around victims who do not stop after hitting the spikes. Of late, residents in the approximate area have also been warned of road spikes, most notably roads leading to Breyten, Piet Retief, Amersfoort and Chrissiesmeer. The N17 towards Bethal has also been identified as concerning. Never stop your vehicle if you had a puncture while spiked, instead drive slowly to the nearest garage while contacting the SAPS. If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them immediately to the nearest police station. If your vehicle has had a complete break down on the road, remain in the vehicle with your doors locked while seeking assistance. Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission. Should you realize that another motorist has been spiked in your presence, kindly stop and give the necessary assistance. < Previous Article Next Article >

Shocking amount of school materials dumped in field 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 29 June 2021 A large number of named workbooks and assessment sheets have been noted, along with personal correspondence and documents of several of the school principals. A concerning amount of school materials, of which text books and learning materials from Department of Basic Education (DBE) forms a large part, has been discovered in a field near Chris Streicher Avenue. Amongst the text books, worksheets and stationery, discarded assessment sheets from Umpilusi Primary School, Thubilihle Primary School and Amersfoort Primary School . The dates and timestamps on the documents range from circa 2013 until recently. The reason as to why these materials have been dumped in this area remains unknown. Several bundled textbooks and workbooks, provided by the DBE, have also been discarded. Majority of the textbook- and workbook packs are still sealed in plastic wrapping. A number of stationery items have also been discarded, which included a multitude of pens, crayons and coloring pencils. The discarded textbooks are mostly in native languages. Several numbered editions of Colliers Encyclopedia, have also been discarded. A large number of named workbooks and assessment sheets have been noted, along with personal correspondence and documents of several of the school principals. An enquiry has been lodged with the DBE regarding the wasteful manner in which these learning materials have bene handled. At the time of publication, no response had been received. You may view a video, as well as more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

"On 16 August 2021, the municipality received a letter of appreciation and congratulation from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government: Head of Cooperative Governance And Traditional Affairs for its good performance in respect of the Eskom debt." MLM whittling down Eskom bill, no reprieve from NMD 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 21 September 2021 "On 16 August 2021, the municipality received a letter of appreciation and congratulation from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government: Head of Cooperative Governance And Traditional Affairs for its good performance in respect of the Eskom debt." Residents of Ermelo and the surroundings are, after years, still up in arms due to the constant struggles with electrical outages and fluctuating electrical supply from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). The myriad of exposed innards from coverless electrical kiosks, as well as unlocked substations adds to the rolling power outages. The thinly-spread municipal teams scramble to attend all issues reported by residents by means of limited resources, as stated by MLM. Complaints are also rife with regards to the call centre, which had been recently revamped and apparently operating at optimal capacity, yet phones are left unanswered, and complainants receive unsatisfactory feedback from the operators. Most frustratingly, many residents are left without electricity for days on end, and the sporadic outages add to the fury. Many residents have vented their frustration with the fact that MLM issues load reduction schedules on a weekly basis, yet rarely keep to the stated times on the timetable. Wards are often switched on and off at leisure, with no regard to the schedule. More often than not, load reduction is implemented earlier than scheduled by MLM itself, and electricity is subsequently to restored at the times stated. Call centre operators rarely provide accurate feedback in this regard, and revert to the standard response of “a cable fault” to appease public wrath. John Vorster Park struggles with fluctuating electricity supply on a daily basis, and both Netherland Park and De Bruin Park’s residents suffer extensively, shrouded in darkness. Fuming complaints on social media lamented the fact that the constant fluctuation of electricity had damaged electrical components, including DB boards, televisions, fridges and deep freezes. Residents are irked by the fact that MLM washes their hands of the damages suffered due to the outages. Residents in Cassim Park are also left with hands in the hair, as wards were left without electricity for hours, and even days, as technical teams struggle to keep up with reports and complaints. Residents in Wesselton and Sun City also lamented the fact that outages have been rolling and ongoing over the course of several days, much to the frustration of irrate complainants. It is known that Eskom has, out of necessity, reduced the Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) due to poor service of the Eskom account from MLM. MLM has, however, managed to whittle down the debt owed to Eskom, slowly but surely. While it is admirable to a certain degree, the issue of the reduced NMD still remains. While the MBCF and AfriForum champions for the reinstatement of adequate NMD, Eskom is having none of it, being once bitten, twice shy. Enquiries directed at MLM regarding the Eskom debt and the NMD, Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, shed light on the current situation. “As at 2 July 2020, the municipality was lawfully indebted to Eskom an amount R180 634 882.73. The municipality and Eskom entered into repayment plan agreement, which was signed on 2 July 2020. As of 17 September 2021, the balance is R135 000 000. The current account, as of August 2021, is R44 734 318.45. On 16 August 2021, the municipality received a letter of appreciation and congratulation from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government: Head of Cooperative Governance And Traditional Affairs for its good performance in respect of the Eskom debt. On 7 September 2020, the municipality applied/request for the Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) to be increased overa period of 10 years, from 14MVA to 30MVA, and 27MVA to 30MVA on the Ermelo 88Kv and 11Kv MD29 respectively. To date, Eskom has not responded on the above application. Also, on 7 September 2020, the municipality applied for the NMD to be increased over period of 10 years from 1.1 MVA to 7MVA on the Breyten – KwaZanele 11Kv MD29. Eskom has responded to the latter with a quotation to the municipality of R43 million.” < Previous Article Next Article >

LUR Shongwe besoek Ermelo, bedank plaaslike GPF 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 June 2022 Shongwe het ook ‘n skerp waarskuwing uitgestuur na SAPS lede en bevelvoerders wat die werk van die GPF ondermyn. Vusi Shongwe, LUR vir veiligheid en sekuriteit in Mpumalanga, het op Vrydag, 3 Junie 2022, Ermelo besoek om sy lof uit te spreek teenoor die plaaslike Gemeenskaps Polisie Forum (GPF). Die GPF, wyer bekend as CPF, is doodgewone lede van die gemeenskap wat hand aan hand met die SAPS en ander sekuriteit sektors werk om misdaad te bekamp. Dié lede ontvang egter tot hede geen vergoeding vir hul diens aan die gemeenskap nie, en doen die vrywilligheidswerk per eie keuse. Shongwe het egter tydens sy toespraak aan die SAPS, stasiebevelvoerders en GPF lede, gestaaf dat hy ‘n skrywe gerig het aan die regering om fondse opsy te sit vir toelae aan aktiewe GPF lede. Shongwe het sy opregte waardering uitgespreek teenoor die lede van die GPF, wat ‘n tasbare verskil maak in die misdaadsyfer in Ermelo en die omliggende omgewing. Shongwe het ook ‘n skerp waarskuwing uitgestuur na lede en bevelvoerders wat die werk van die GPF ondermyn, en versuim om hul samewerking te verleen tydens patrollie en misdaad tonele. Shongwe het verder die misdaad situasie in Ermelo betreur, veral met fokus op die bendes wat die informele nedersettings se inwoners teister, beroof, verkrag en vermoor op ‘n daaglikse basis. Hy het bevestig dat ‘n daadwerklike plan van aksie in die pyplyn is om die bende geweld te stuit, en uiteindelik op te los. Die departement het ‘n skenking aan die GPF lede oorhandig, wat bestaan uit ‘n GPF baadjie en kep met die embleem, sowel as ‘n swaardiens flitslig, wat uiteraard handig te pas sal kom in Ermelo se donker woonbuurte. Sien meer foto’s, sowel as die LUR se “live stream” toespraak op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Bethal had to endure daily bouts of load shedding that lasted up to 18 hours over the last few years, as the council did not meet its obligations to Eskom. It caused immense damage to the local economy and it grossly violated human dignity. Pressure from FF Plus results in R95 million payment 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 22 September 2020 Bethal had to endure daily bouts of load shedding that lasted up to 18 hours over the last few years, as the council did not meet its obligations to Eskom. It caused immense damage to the local economy and it grossly violated human dignity. Despite the non-payment of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which encompasses Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt, to Eskom, and the detrimental consequences thereof for residents, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Bethal. Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has made a payment of R95 million to Eskom. Although the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality still owes Eskom approximately R1,7 billion, the FF Plus has applied enough pressure to ensure that a payment is made with the specific aim of restoring the full electricity supply to Bethal and Emzinoni. Bethal had to endure daily bouts of load shedding that lasted up to 18 hours over the last few years, as the council did not meet its obligations to Eskom. It caused immense damage to the local economy and it grossly violated human dignity. GSDM has given Eskom three days to restore Bethal's power supply to its full capacity. < Previous Article Next Article >

Amidst the rising red flags of municipal corruption in Mpumalanga, especially regarding the issues of service deliver failure, the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga have decided to initiate an array of operations. The lack of service delivery and financial woes withing local municipalities are often attributed to corrupt tender processes, where unfathomable amounts are paid to tenderpreneurs, who maostly fail to deliver the service promises, or who are paid in full, en completely fail to render any form of service. Members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, assisted by Volkrust Local Criminal Centre and K9 Unit Secunda, conducted a search and seizure operation at Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality in Volkrust on Thursday, 11 March 2021. The investigation was carried out by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga after several complaints were received regarding service delivery failure. Preliminary investigations by the team revealed that tender processes within the municipality was not properly followed, and the team pounced with a search and seizure warrant  from the Magistrate. During investigation, suspicious irregularities and discrepancies were identified regarding tender awarding processes, whereby tenders were awarded to companies, which were paid without following proper procedure. Some tenders were accepted and fully paid before any form of service was rendered, with cost of millions toward the state. The team acquired tender documents awarded for certain companies during a particular period, to investigate suspected cases of theft , fraud and corruption. This should be a warning to all municipalities who dabble in corrupt activities and dubious tenderpreneuring, where service delivery is lacking due to said corruption. Hawks set their sights on municipal corruption Hawks set their sights on municipal corruption 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 Some tenders were accepted and fully paid before any form of service was rendered, with cost of millions toward the state. Amidst the rising red flags of municipal corruption in Mpumalanga, especially regarding the issues of service deliver failure, the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga have decided to initiate an array of operations. The lack of service delivery and financial woes withing local municipalities are often attributed to corrupt tender processes, where unfathomable amounts are paid to tenderpreneurs, who maostly fail to deliver the service promises, or who are paid in full, en completely fail to render any form of service. Members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, assisted by Volkrust Local Criminal Centre and K9 Unit Secunda, conducted a search and seizure operation at Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality in Volkrust on Thursday, 11 March 2021. The investigation was carried out by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga after several complaints were received regarding service delivery failure. Preliminary investigations by the team revealed that tender processes within the municipality was not properly followed, and the team pounced with a search and seizure warrant from the Magistrate. During investigation, suspicious irregularities and discrepancies were identified regarding tender awarding processes, whereby tenders were awarded to companies, which were paid without following proper procedure. Some tenders were accepted and fully paid before any form of service was rendered, with cost of millions toward the state. The team acquired tender documents awarded for certain companies during a particular period, to investigate suspected cases of theft , fraud and corruption. This should be a warning to all municipalities who dabble in corrupt activities and dubious tenderpreneuring, where service delivery is lacking due to said corruption. < Previous Article Next Article >

Loose gravel lining the roadside is a clear indication that the fillings were improperly compacted, and have degraded to a alarming degree, despite being filled less than a month ago. Throw-and-roll raises eyebrows 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 15 June 2021 Loose gravel lining the roadside is a clear indication that the fillings were improperly compacted, and have degraded to a alarming degree, despite being filled less than a month ago. With a big hoopla Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) announced on their Facebook page that teams will be repairing roadways, and proudly posted the surfaces repaired. While all is good and well, and the municipality used the proper material for patching, improper practices are the downfall of the work done. Residents have lodged several complaints with the Tribune ePaper regarding the methods used by MLM, and have collectively categorized the repairs as a waste of product and resources. Upon investigation of the wards in question, the cause of the complaint is clear. While the correct product had been used by the teams, the drop and go method used in some of the patchwork, where a mixture is simply poured into potholes and left to dry, proved to be ineffective and many of the potholes that were repaired, are once again a gaping danger to motorists. In other instances, the throw-and-roll method was partially implemented, but can also be deemed a waste of product and resources. The mixture used was clearly inadequate, and the potholes were not cleared of debris and soil before pouring of the mixture. Loose gravel lining the roadside is a clear indication that the fillings were improperly compacted, and have degraded to a alarming degree, despite being filled less than a month ago. To save resources, manpower and funds, the correct procedure should be implemented, but is not. While institutions and private companies in Ermelo have used the correct method, by cutting out a section of roadway around the pothole, filling and compacting the patch with the correct ration and product, the same cannot be said with MLM’s methods. A semi-permanent procedure for repairing potholes is often considered the best procedure besides full-depth replacement of the affected area. When done according to acceptable standards, the pothole is first cleared of water and debris and the sides of the pothole are squared to a depth where the roadway is sound. The material is placed in the patch area and compacted with equipment smaller than the patch area, is very tightly compacted and provides exceptional longevity. Alas, the majority of the potholes that were repaired by MLM teams are once again eroded to a large degree. According to reports, a joint venture launched by concerned citizens in an attempt to repair roadways to an acceptable level has also fallen through due to disagreements between MLM and the involved parties. Product wastage by municipal teams was cited as one of the main causes of the venture being snuffed. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Op Saterdag, 6 Junie, het ‘n botsing in Wesselton plaasgevind, waar twee voertuie betrokke was. Die bakkie het in die rigting van Wesselton gereis, en die Volkswagen vanaf Wesselton, op pad Ermelo toe. Die bestuurder van die Volkswagen het beheer verloor oor sy voertuig, en die bakkie getref. Tydens die botsing is een persoon oorlede, en ses ander passasiers wat in bedie voertuie was, geneem vir mediese behandeling. Botsing eis lewe Botsing eis lewe 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 9 Junie 2020 Tydens die botsing is een persoon oorlede, en ses ander passasiers wat in bedie voertuie was, geneem vir mediese behandeling. Op Saterdag, 6 Junie, het ‘n botsing in Wesselton plaasgevind, waar twee voertuie betrokke was. Die bakkie het in die rigting van Wesselton gereis, en die Volkswagen vanaf Wesselton, op pad Ermelo toe. Die bestuurder van die Volkswagen het beheer verloor oor sy voertuig, en die bakkie getref. Tydens die botsing is een persoon oorlede, en ses ander passasiers wat in bedie voertuie was, geneem vir mediese behandeling. < Previous Article Next Article >