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Like a frog in a pot of slowly heating water, criminal elements coax more and more from MLM with each passing day, and the lack of maintenance to infrastructure makes it a walk in the park. Scenes such as this one in Erica Avenue is commonplace, with more and more substation doors, coverings, wiring and internals making a miraculous disappearance with each passing day. Ripe for the picking 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 16 June 2020 Like a frog in a pot of slowly heating water, criminal elements coax more and more from MLM with each passing day, and the lack of maintenance to infrastructure makes it a walk in the park. Scenes such as this one in Erica Avenue is commonplace, with more and more substation doors, coverings, wiring and internals making a miraculous disappearance with each passing day. Amidst constant electricity outages and rotational load shedding by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), sub- and mini-substations are systematically stripped away and vandalized. Like a frog in a pot of slowly heating water, criminal elements coax more and more from MLM with each passing day, and the lack of maintenance to infrastructure makes it a walk in the park. Scenes such as this one in Erica Avenue is commonplace, with more and more substation doors, coverings, wiring and internals making a miraculous disappearance with each passing day. This coverless substation begs to be vandalized, and should the surrounding field be set alight, the internals will be melted beyond repair. Alas, this is but one of many substations being left without maintenance, without doors and coverings, to rust away and be systematically stripped, and MLM all the while lamenting and blaming the inadequate electrical infrastructure for outages. As the old saying goes, a bad workman always blames his tools. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Saturday, 20 August 2022, Ermelo CPF members, 303 Security, Kunene Security, ACSU, AfriForum Buurtwag and Sinqobile Equestrian Security Services partook in a community security patrol, following the learner that passed away at Cebisa School. The funeral was held on Saturday, where all the members assisted the family to ensure that the funeral could proceed without incident. After the funeral, all the different security units took part in patrol through town, as well as informal settlements, to make sure that Ermelo is safe. During the night, there was another patrol, where different taverns, shebeens and party places in town where searched for any drugs, underage drinking, and to ensure that all the establishments close at the times that are stipulated on their liqour license. At some establishments, there were weapons found, and suspects were arrested on possession of dangerous weapons charges. Emelo SAPS and CPF members would like to thank all roleplayers that were involved in this patrol, to make sure that Ermelo is clean and safe. A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag, for a well served lunch and dinner during the patrol. You can view more photos and videos on Ermelo CPF Facebook page. Ermelo CPF members keep the streets safe Ermelo CPF members keep the streets safe 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 23 August 2022 A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag. On Saturday, 20 August 2022, Ermelo CPF members, 303 Security, Kunene Security, ACSU, AfriForum Buurtwag and Sinqobile Equestrian Security Services partook in a community security patrol, following the learner that passed away at Cebisa School. The funeral was held on Saturday, where all the members assisted the family to ensure that the funeral could proceed without incident. After the funeral, all the different security units took part in patrol through town, as well as informal settlements, to make sure that Ermelo is safe. During the night, there was another patrol, where different taverns, shebeens and party places in town where searched for any drugs, underage drinking, and to ensure that all the establishments close at the times that are stipulated on their liqour license. At some establishments, there were weapons found, and suspects were arrested on possession of dangerous weapons charges. Emelo SAPS and CPF members would like to thank all roleplayers that were involved in this patrol, to make sure that Ermelo is clean and safe. A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag, for a well served lunch and dinner during the patrol. You can view more photos and videos on Ermelo CPF Facebook page. < Previous Article Next Article >

Carel, rus sag 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 26 January 2021 Hy was gereed om te groet met ‘n breë glimlag en, net ‘n “sharp” te wys. Carel Jacobsz is op die ouderdom van 72 skielik oorlede op Maandag, 25 Januarie. Hy was ‘n welbekende in die gemeenskap, asook onder die boere gemeenskap. Hy het groot liefde vir perde gewys, en het ook sy eie stoet genaamd Calela SA Boerperd gehad. Hy was ook by die perdry kompetisies deel van die beoordeelaaars gewees. Carel was ‘n wonderlike mens, altyd gehelp waar hy kon, en het altyd tyd gehad om ‘n geselsie aan te knoop. Hy was vir verskeie jare deel van die skou kommitee, en het altyd gehelp met al die reëlings wat daarmee saam gaan om seker te maak dat dit ‘n reuse sukses was. Hy was vreeslik geliefd in die gemeenskap, en het gelewe vir sy vrou, vriende en familie. Wanneer hy in die dorp gery het, was sy bakkie se venster altyd oop, en was hy gereed om te groet met ‘n breë glimlag en, net ‘n “sharp” te wys. Hy laat ‘n groot leemte in die gemeenskap agter, en sal altyd onthou word. Hy word oorleef deur sy vrou, Martie, Jannie, Lana, Wim, hulle eggenote en kleinkinders. < Previous Article Next Article >

An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) COSATU displays power on day of action 1/3 Share GK Cronje 11 Oktober 2022 An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) On Friday, 7 October 2022, members of the SACP and COSATU braved the sweltering heat to partake in the national strike and day of action. An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), where a memorandum was handed over and signed. However, upon arrival at MLM, the crowd did not have any inclination of entertaining the mayor, Cllr Nkosi’s speech. Instead she was booed and did not present a statement. The group expressed their solidarity with workers and residents suffering under the current leadership and economic climate. The group expressed concern over employers who fail to adhere to labour laws and the stipulated remuneration increases and unnecessary retrenchments. Furthermore, the firm directive to fight corruption, nepotism, load shedding, load reduction, gender based violence, gender pay gaps, and to assert the Collective Bargaining Agreements. The also lamented the slow implementation of law enforcement and prosecution of criminals. Lastly, lifestyle audits of officials are demanded, and that politically exposed be banned from doing business with the state. Many other issues have also been raised, to which the recipients of the memorandum has 14 days to reply to. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

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 >

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

Mpumalanga Working on Fire’s Busi Mohlala leads from the front 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 25 August 2020 “I had blisters on both feet, and I couldn't walk for two weeks, but with encouragement from my Regional Manager, Vincent Lubisi, and WOF OHS, I kept going, became strong, and continued with the course. It was very difficult for me completing that course because after that, my husband and daughter were involved in a car accident and I couldn't cope, but with the support from WOF, fellow colleagues and friends, I continued and completed it.” Press Release - Ms Busi Mohlala is breaking boundaries, rewriting the script and changing the narrative as a crew leader in Mpumalanga Working in Fire’s Breyten team in the Highveld. In its 17 years of existence, the Working on Fire programme, funded by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, continues to support and promote women leadership and equality with 30 percent of their more than 5 000 firefighters being women, the highest number compared to similar firefighting fraternities worldwide. August is Women’s Month, and the theme this year is “Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights for an Equal Future”, and Ms Mohlala and her counterparts continue to prosper in a male-dominated industry. She joined the WOF programme, as a firefighter, in 2010, having been recruited at the Graskop base and she worked her way through the ranks to become a SHE-rep. Her work ethic was rewarded when she was nominated to go study a Type 2 crew leader course in 2013, which did successfully, and was appointed in that position in the same year. After years as a Type 2, Ms Mohlala got the opportunity to further her career, and WOF gave the chance to study the Type 1 crew leader course, which she successfully completed. Ms Mohlala was appointed crew leader of the Breyten team, based and partnered with Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, which is under the Msukaligwa Local Municipality. She leads a team of 19 firefighters, who conduct Integrated Fire Management (IFM) services, which include fire management planning, detection, prevention, suppression of runaway veld fires, dispatch and coordination, and community fire awareness activities. A mother to a daughter, Ms Mohlala recalls her best memories within the WOF programme being many and very memorable. “I have had many great moments in my career, however, being awarded best crew leader after completing my Type 2 crew leader course, at Kishugu Training Academy in Nelspruit, remains my favourite,” Ms Mohlala said. With success, challenges are bound to arise, and Ms Mohlala remembers how during her vigorous firefighting training for the Type 1 crew leader, she developed blisters because Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) is required to be worn at all times. “I had blisters on both feet, and I couldn't walk for two weeks, but with encouragement from my Regional Manager, Vincent Lubisi, and WOF OHS, I kept going, became strong, and continued with the course. It was very difficult for me completing that course because after that, my husband and daughter were involved in a car accident and I couldn't cope, but with the support from WOF, fellow colleagues and friends, I continued and completed it.” When asked what she enjoys the most about her job and leading a team in ‘fiery’ situations, Ms Mohlala proudly stated she loves the challenges that always arise on the fireline, and all the new things she learns about her colleagues every day. “The fitness part I love as well, because daily fitness tests keeps me healthy and WOF continues to develop its firefighters,” Ms Mohlala concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

MLM announced the submitted proposals, but was met with a scourge of dismay and irritation from the majority of residents. Service delivery failure steals renaming spotlight 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2021 MLM announced the submitted proposals, but was met with a scourge of dismay and irritation from the majority of residents. The embattled Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) recently requested proposals for name changes to several council owned buildings, which includes the Ella de Bruin Halls, Ermelo Civic Centre, Sports Inn, Cassim Park Library and various other buildings in Breyten and Davel. MLM announced the submitted proposals, but was met with a scourge of dismay and irritation from the majority of residents. Dissatisfaction has been displayed regarding the service delivery within Msukaligwa, questioning the logic behind the renaming of these buildings. While some names make sense, one resident jokingly commented, asking is Andrew Mlangeni even knew about Ermelo. This light-hearted banter is overshadowed by negative feedback, with complaints including non-working street lights, which have been left for years on end, the dismal state of the roads in Ermelo, Wesselton, Sun City and Breyten. However, the star of the show is the infamous 88kVA line, which, according to MLM, is at the root of the daily electrical issues in De Bruin Park, Nederland Park, Cassim Park, John Vorster Park and parts of the business district. Conflicting reports from MLM regarding this cable has seen the light, with one department claiming that the cable isn’t under pressure, whilst other departments claim that the cable and substation are being overloaded, thus causing the rolling blackouts and electrical failures. The Tribune has sent an enquiry to MLM regarding these issues. At the time press, MLM ignored the lodged enquiry. < Previous Article Next Article >

The municipality requests the community to protect electrical cables from cable thieves. SLP initiative relieves inventory strain Appearing on the photo (f.l.t.r): Gabriel Diedericks, chief safety officer, Eric Mosums, mine overseer, Aaron Tsotetsi, mine manager, Anatjie Meiring, finance manager, Gugu Buthelezi, municipal technical manager, and Nkitseni Moleki, planning and economic development. Appearing on the photo (f.l.t.r): Gabriel Diedericks, chief safety officer, Eric Mosums, mine overseer, Aaron Tsotetsi, mine manager, Anatjie Meiring, finance manager, Gugu Buthelezi, municipal technical manager, and Nkitseni Moleki, planning and economic development. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 17 May 2022 The municipality requests the community to protect electrical cables from cable thieves. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) recently received a delivery of electrical cable for the replacement of 1000 meters of MV cable (95mm² XLPE) valued at R1.4 million, from Mooiplaats Colliery. This was made possible through the Social and Labour Plan (SLP). This project was the third bout of cable delivery, which is aimed at stabilizing the electrical infrastructure within the municipality. The projects were supplied through the agreed SLP, which covered the period from 2018-2022. The total amount spent by the mine on these projects amount to R2.9 million. MLM covers a vast area, in which the infrastructure is aged and vulnerable, according to the municipality. The assistance from Mooiplaats Colliery has brought about stabilization to the areas that have been attended to, according to MLM’s technical manager, Gugu Buthelezi. “Furthermore, the assistance is highly appreciated, and the municipality certainly hopes that there will be more projects of this nature to help improve and ascertain its consumers of a more stable and reliable power supply.” Mooiplaats Colliery delivered on the cables as per the commitments made in 2020 with the municipality. It is however very sad to indicate that the mine has completely ceased to operate in December 2021 due to reaching end of life. “The municipality is thankful to the mine in honoring these commitments, even though they have stopped operating in the area. Additionally, the municipality requests the community to protect electrical cables from cable thieves.” < Previous Article Next Article >

For now, residents wishing to renew their driver’s licenses need to take a day off work and be sure to be the early bird in line. Residents who have to renew their license discs may stand in line, or use a queuing service such as J&P Queuing Service, which handles renewals of license discs on your behalf, provided you supply the appropriate documentation. Frustration at the Ermelo licensing office 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 22 September 2020 For now, residents wishing to renew their driver’s licenses need to take a day off work and be sure to be the early bird in line. Residents who have to renew their license discs may stand in line, or use a queuing service such as J&P Queuing Service, which handles renewals of license discs on your behalf, provided you supply the appropriate documentation. Since the relaxation of the national lockdown, life as we know it is slowly returning to normal. However, since the re-opening of Ermelo’s licensing office, the institution has been inundated with license renewals and learner’s license applications. Reports have been received of residents queuing from 19:00 the previous evening, just to be one of the lucky few being assisted the next morning. According to the information at hand, a mere 50 residents are assisted per day, with COVID-19 regulations being put to blame. Desperate residents sleep in their vehicles at night to secure their spaces, and have even resorted to having a braai to alleviate the tension of standing in line for hours on end. Licensing office staff also allegedly close their booths early (before end of business) and also close their booths whilst on extended lunch and tea breaks. It is also alleged that the staff often never return to their booths, leaving residents in frustration and infuriated. Residents are now left high and dry, with a massive backlog of applications that needs to be processed, which could take weeks, if not months. The limited number of applicants being assisted per day also shows no positive effect, as this does little to reduce the backlog. Due to tighter regulations, residents are also now forced to stand in queue in Ermelo, as Breyten and Hendrina no longer accepts renewals and applications from Ermelo residents, and Morgenzon’s license office is bogged down with system issues and protest action. Speaking to Mr. Zwane, Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s spokesman, he stated that the municipality is aware of the issue, and is working on implementing a solution. “It is true that the licensing office assists a limited number of residents on a daily basis, due to the current lockdown. However, we are waiting for the new regulation after the President has announced that we are moving to level 1 of the lockdown. Management had also to consider the health and safety of both employees and residents, as the office has to be sanitized from time to time. It is also true that there is a huge backlog, due to ongoing lockdown, hence we are appealing to the community to bear with us in this trying times. It should be noted that learners licenses are only done Mondays, and not on Wednesdays as reported, and that the office have decreased the number applications to avoid further infections of the virus. As part of ameliorating the situation, government has appointed the South African Post Office to rendered services like MVL (motor vehicle licensing) renewal. Ermelo post office is one of the branches that will render such services in not too distance future. This will reduce the number of people visiting the license office by 20%.” For now, residents wishing to renew their driver’s licenses need to take a day off work and be sure to be the early bird in line. Residents who have to renew their license discs may stand in line, or use a queuing service such as J&P Queuing Service, which handles renewals of license discs on your behalf, provided you supply the appropriate documentation. For more information regarding their services, you may contact Janecka on 073 120 8312, or Pieter on 071 854 7915.Other than that, residents have little choice but to grin and bear the delay in service provision. < Previous Article Next Article >

Desperate times call for desperate measures, as more and more business opt to move their operations online. A large part of a successful business online, is the feedback received from clients who search for your services. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) statistics play a large part in how easily your business can be found on Google, and various paid services can help increase your visibility rating. However, a company called White Pages, claim to provide interested parties with free SEO listings on Google. While this might seem like a perfect investment for your company, it is in actuality, a shameless moneymaking racket. When you are cold-mailed by White Pages representatives, or happen to stumble across their “free” service, take a look at the fine print on the documentation sent to you. While it may seem at a glance that this is a service rendered by Telkom, listing your contact details in a directory similar to the Yellow Pages, White Pages holds no affiliation to Telkom whatsoever. While a large, eye-catching sentence draws your attention, claiming to be a “free service”, the fine print is the flopped pudding. The fine print, which is almost always ignored, or simply glanced over when filling in a submission form, states that White Pages Directory Pty Ltd is an independent online advertising company, who is not affiliated to Telkom or Trudon. Furthermore, you are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. To make matters even worse, this contract will renew annually unless cancelled in writing, and White Pages Directory Pty Ltd needs to send confirmation acknowledging the request to cancel the service. Advertising is to be carried out for the above mentioned company as per the details above. It should also be noted that this contract is subjected to cancellation within five days of signing. Delayed payments will incur penalty fees after 30 days, and will be handed over for collection including costs on an attorney and client scale. Unsuspecting clients are also duped into signing a contract which binds them to 50% of the total amount being payable upon cancellation. Ironically, the “debt collection” e-mails often come from a Gmail account, which brings into question the validity of the White Pages, as well as the dubious means in which they trap unsuspecting individuals. There have been numerous complaints laid against the White Pages at the ombudsman, as well as the South African credit bureau. Complaints have also been lodged against the White Pages regarding harassment from their “debt collection department”, and affiliated legal threats. Be wary of White Pages contractual traps Be wary of White Pages contractual traps 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 You are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. Desperate times call for desperate measures, as more and more business opt to move their operations online. A large part of a successful business online, is the feedback received from clients who search for your services. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) statistics play a large part in how easily your business can be found on Google, and various paid services can help increase your visibility rating. However, a company called White Pages, claim to provide interested parties with free SEO listings on Google. While this might seem like a perfect investment for your company, it is in actuality, a shameless moneymaking racket. When you are cold-mailed by White Pages representatives, or happen to stumble across their “free” service, take a look at the fine print on the documentation sent to you. While it may seem at a glance that this is a service rendered by Telkom, listing your contact details in a directory similar to the Yellow Pages, White Pages holds no affiliation to Telkom whatsoever. While a large, eye-catching sentence draws your attention, claiming to be a “free service”, the fine print is the flopped pudding. The fine print, which is almost always ignored, or simply glanced over when filling in a submission form, states that White Pages Directory Pty Ltd is an independent online advertising company, who is not affiliated to Telkom or Trudon. Furthermore, you are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. To make matters even worse, this contract will renew annually unless cancelled in writing, and White Pages Directory Pty Ltd needs to send confirmation acknowledging the request to cancel the service. Advertising is to be carried out for the above mentioned company as per the details above. It should also be noted that this contract is subjected to cancellation within five days of signing. Delayed payments will incur penalty fees after 30 days, and will be handed over for collection including costs on an attorney and client scale. Unsuspecting clients are also duped into signing a contract which binds them to 50% of the total amount being payable upon cancellation. Ironically, the “debt collection” e-mails often come from a Gmail account, which brings into question the validity of the White Pages, as well as the dubious means in which they trap unsuspecting individuals. There have been numerous complaints laid against the White Pages at the ombudsman, as well as the South African credit bureau. Complaints have also been lodged against the White Pages regarding harassment from their “debt collection department”, and affiliated legal threats. < Previous Article Next Article >

The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. Oosthuizen Street nears completion 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. Work had recently commenced on the sewerage network in Oosthuizen Street, which, according to Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), is the cause of the four year long sewage overflow in an adjacent field. The overflow has negatively impacted businesses in this area, and has caused irreparable damage to the ecosystem and nearby water sources. The work commenced, hindered by soggy soil caused by the ongoing overflow of sewage. “The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. During excavation, the MLM team caused the perimeter wall of a local business to collapse, further hindering progress. MLM stated that the preliminary investigation indicates that the wall was constructed on top of the sewer line, which is illegal or against the municipal by-law. < Previous Article Next Article >