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The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. Msukaligwa Local Municipality embroiled in High Court showdown 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 24 May 2022 The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. On 31 March 2022, the former troika of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, consisting of Cllr Mahlalela (former Executive Mayor), Cllr Madini (former Speaker) and Cllr Buthelezi (former Whip) was ousted from council by means of an alleged unlawful motion of no confidence vote. This vote, which took place without a sufficient number of councillors present to partake, has shaken MLM to the foundation. The Tribune has received documents from an anonymous source detailing the strife at the municipality. The former troika has now taken their removal to the Middelburg High Court, seeking to challenge the legality and legitimacy of the vote of no confidence taken against them. The court application also seeks that the current acting troika, consisting of Cllr Nkosi (current Acting Mayor), Cllr Xaba (acting Speaker), and Cllr Sibeko (acting Whip) should have their appointments declared null and void, and set aside. Cllr Lisa, currently serving as the acting municipal manager, and the Department Of Cooperative Governance (COGTA), is also cited in the application. The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. The former troika seeks to continue their functions in the interim, and their halted benefits restored. The unfortunate side effect of the ongoing power struggle within the already embattled municipality is the further downward spiral of already stunted service delivery, further lack of upkeep and maintenance of the wards and areas within the municipal bounds, and overall lack of transparency on every front from the municipality. No direct answers relating to service delivery, and more, can be gleaned from the current management structure, and an overall lack of transparency towards the community, as well as serving councillors, has the Msukaligwa region’s community hot under the collar. The court and affidavits includes information that is not limited to the information pertaining to this article. The semi-urgent applicants seek that the court order be handled as soon as possible, as a matter of public interest, as it involves plenary powers. It states that rights such as Section 160 (3), Section 30 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, as well as Section 80, have been deprived from the former troika during the vote of no confidence. Section 80 states that committees must process items on an agenda, whereafter these items are processed and approved, and sent to council for deliberation. The Speaker has exclusive rights to convene, postpone or adjourn a council meeting, as stated in the Municipal Structures Act, Section 29. Only matters on the agenda may be deliberated, where the Speaker may rearrange the agenda items. In the event of no quorum (insufficient number of present members), the meeting must be suspended for no more than twenty minutes. Thereafter, if there is still no quorum, the Speaker may reschedule the meeting. Should the majority of council members wish to convene a council meeting, and the Speaker does not accede, the Municipal Manager may be approached. However, he/she must first request permission, in writing, from COGTA’s Executive Council. The above steps have, according to the applicants, not been lawfully taken, hence the application to have their vote and appointment ruled null and void. The applicants also state that the decisions taken by the current, illegitimate troika, can have serious financial implications, such as entering into contractual obligations. The applicants also state that Cllr Nkosi, as acting mayor, had appointed acting mayoral committee members (MMCs) at the Gert Sibande District Municipality offices, instead of the Msukaligwa Local Municipality offices. Furthermore, these appointments took place during a community protest on 28 April, where the Cllr Nkosi failed to address the community members. The applicants also states that the offices of the current troika are closed, prohibiting them from performing their vital appointed functions. Councillors, as well as the community, are unable to engage with the acting troika, as an unauthorized change of locks of the municipal building has been implemented. The applicants further claim that the acting troika is conducting unlawful activities. Actions taken by the acting troika, which are deemed unlawful due their appointment, includes the reinstatement of suspended directors, revoking security detail and petrol cards, as well as grounding the vehicles of the former troika members. These are but a few examples. The fact remains that the required quorum for a council meeting to proceed is twenty councillors. Msukaligwa Local Municipality has a total of thirty eight councillors, of which a mere sixteen were present during the vote of no confidence. This, in itself, is a contravention of the former troika’s rights as presented. Furthermore, the applicants state that the acting municipal manager, Cllr Lisa, engaged telephonically with one Mr. Ngubane, head of department at COGTA. According to Cllr Lisa, Ngubane recognized the meeting. However, the municipal act states that an application must be submitted in writing, which it was not. The court application is viewed by the applicants as a last resort, as they have been stonewalled attempting every other amicable resolution to the matter. COGTA did not respond to the matter at the time of publication. The Tribune has directed an enquiry to Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding this matter. This enquiry has, however, been ignored. < Previous Article Next Article >

Vosman kidnapping and murder suspects Thulani Thobela (26), Donie Cavin Boshielo (22) and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize (26) had their bail application denied by the Witbank Magistrate’s Court. The fourth suspect, Thokozani Msibi (32), a Swazi sangoma, was also denied bail. The trio broke into a house on 2018 January 2018, and gained entry into the dinning/living room. They proceeded to kidnap two children, Gabisile Shabane (13) and 15-month-old cousin, Nkosikhona Ngwenya. Gabisile had been living with albinism. The children were residing with their 50-year-old grandmother. After the kidnaping, a nationwide manhunt ensued, and Msibi was the first one to be arrested. The SAPS discovered the remains of the two children at Cullinan, and along the N4 Highway respectively. Gabisile’s mutilated body was found buried in a shallow grave, and Nkosikhona was found floating in a stream. According to statements, Msibi mixed brake fluid with beer and forced Gabisile to drink it. She was also forced to smoke dagga with Mkhize. After killing her, they severed her arms, and removed her heart, lungs, vagina, uterus, ovaries, all the abdominal organs and the bladder. The head, one arm and a part of the vagina were later found at the home of Msibi. Nkosikhona, who was thought to have been abducted by mistake, was found drowned in a river. Msibi planned use her body parts to create muti for Thubane and Mhlanga to make their business, a private college, thrive. Mkhize wanted Msibi to make him rich through the same muti. On 3 March, Msibi’s new legal representative, Musa Mavasa of Legal Aid, told the court about disagreements during consultation with Msibi in preparation for trial. A week ago, Msibi fired his lawyer, Verner Smit, citing disagreements. Smit was the second lawyer to be fired by Msibi. The Middelburg High Court threatened to continue the trial of Msibi, without legal representation, if he fails to retain his new, and third, lawyer. This follows what the court said was a third delay tactic employed by Msibi in an attempt to evade being prosecuted. “This court has wasted enough time. I cannot allow you to keep changing lawyers more than you have done. This was the last time. You must remember that justice delayed is justice denied,” the judge said. The trial is set to begin from 4 October to 12 November 2021. “If this date comes, and you still have not decided who should represent you, the court will proceed with the trial,” said Brauckmann. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it would also not allow further delays. “As the NPA, we view this as delaying tactics. We will not allow further delays, because we want to bring this matter into finality,” said NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa. Court halts delay tactics by muti murderer Court halts delay tactics by muti murderer 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 Msibi mixed brake fluid with beer and forced Gabisile to drink it. She was also forced to smoke dagga with Mkhize. Vosman kidnapping and murder suspects Thulani Thobela (26), Donie Cavin Boshielo (22) and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize (26) had their bail application denied by the Witbank Magistrate’s Court. The fourth suspect, Thokozani Msibi (32), a Swazi sangoma, was also denied bail. The trio broke into a house on 2018 January 2018, and gained entry into the dinning/living room. They proceeded to kidnap two children, Gabisile Shabane (13) and 15-month-old cousin, Nkosikhona Ngwenya. Gabisile had been living with albinism. The children were residing with their 50-year-old grandmother. After the kidnaping, a nationwide manhunt ensued, and Msibi was the first one to be arrested. The SAPS discovered the remains of the two children at Cullinan, and along the N4 Highway respectively. Gabisile’s mutilated body was found buried in a shallow grave, and Nkosikhona was found floating in a stream. According to statements, Msibi mixed brake fluid with beer and forced Gabisile to drink it. She was also forced to smoke dagga with Mkhize. After killing her, they severed her arms, and removed her heart, lungs, vagina, uterus, ovaries, all the abdominal organs and the bladder. The head, one arm and a part of the vagina were later found at the home of Msibi. Nkosikhona, who was thought to have been abducted by mistake, was found drowned in a river. Msibi planned use her body parts to create muti for Thubane and Mhlanga to make their business, a private college, thrive. Mkhize wanted Msibi to make him rich through the same muti. On 3 March, Msibi’s new legal representative, Musa Mavasa of Legal Aid, told the court about disagreements during consultation with Msibi in preparation for trial. A week ago, Msibi fired his lawyer, Verner Smit, citing disagreements. Smit was the second lawyer to be fired by Msibi. The Middelburg High Court threatened to continue the trial of Msibi, without legal representation, if he fails to retain his new, and third, lawyer. This follows what the court said was a third delay tactic employed by Msibi in an attempt to evade being prosecuted. “This court has wasted enough time. I cannot allow you to keep changing lawyers more than you have done. This was the last time. You must remember that justice delayed is justice denied,” the judge said. The trial is set to begin from 4 October to 12 November 2021. “If this date comes, and you still have not decided who should represent you, the court will proceed with the trial,” said Brauckmann. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it would also not allow further delays. “As the NPA, we view this as delaying tactics. We will not allow further delays, because we want to bring this matter into finality,” said NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Saturday evening, two separate incidents of arson were reported. The first incident occurred when the field between Mauritz Read Street and President Fouché Avenue was set alight. Residents in this area chocked in bellows of thick smoke, and Msukaligwa Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS). In the second, unrelated incident, a yard where a house was demolished was set alight, and the fire quickly spread out of control. MFRS responded swiftly, and saved surrounding residents from certain damage, should the blaze have been left unchecked. MFRS battled the flames, which caused damage in three separate yards, and had the potential to cause much more damage than it did. The inferno was doused in record time, and despite just have fought a blaze, the firefighters were friendly and extremely well mannered. Authorities have, on several occasions, cautioned the public against acts of arson, as it is a crime. You may be liable to fine, prison sentence, or both if convicted. Culprits of arson may also be held liable for the costs incurred by rescue services. MFRS has subsequently voiced it’s concern and response to complaints and unwarranted criticism from the public. “Our firefighters had many times been accused of late arrival at the scenes of fire incidents. We’re well aware of such complaints. Fire fighters are generally accused of late arrival, even in developed countries. Reason is that fire service stations are not everywhere. That is why we are so much emphasizing on fire prevention. People should adhere strictly to fire safety rules by ensuring they avoid anything that can trigger fire outbreak. For the late arrival, mind you, our calculation of arrival time at fire scenes is different from that of victims of fire incident. We calculate arrival time from when we were alerted of the fire incident, not when the fire started burning. Our major challenge is always the distance between the fire station and where the fire outbreak occurred. Besides, we always tell the public that fire fighters are not the cause of the fire. We’re only coming to assist them in fighting the fire which they themselves caused. Considering the nature of the job and it urgency, people will never give right of way for the fire fighting trucks to pass even when they are hearing the sound of sirens. Rather than inform us immediately they noticed the fire, they would be running helter-skelter trying to quench the fire. They only remember to alert us when the fire gets out of hand. We are not spirits. We are only aware when we are informed. Another ugly experience we encounter, which ocassioned the allegation of late arrival is the periodic attacks on our officers and destruction of our equipment. One wonders what those who engage in this nefarious acts tend to achieve. We will continue to go on sensitizing the general public on the need to always assist Fire Service and stop the attack on Firefighters and fire trucks. If they end up destroying our trucks, what then are we going to fight the fire with?” When in an emergency situation, please remember the following contact numbers: 112 for the ambulance service, 10111 for the SAPS, and 017 801 3400 for Fire & Rescue. MLM Fire & Rescue clears the air MLM Fire & Rescue clears the air 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2021 When in an emergency situation, please remember the following contact numbers: 112 for the ambulance service, 10111 for the SAPS, and 017 801 3400 for Fire & Rescue. On Saturday evening, two separate incidents of arson were reported. The first incident occurred when the field between Mauritz Read Street and President Fouché Avenue was set alight. Residents in this area chocked in bellows of thick smoke, and Msukaligwa Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS). In the second, unrelated incident, a yard where a house was demolished was set alight, and the fire quickly spread out of control. MFRS responded swiftly, and saved surrounding residents from certain damage, should the blaze have been left unchecked. MFRS battled the flames, which caused damage in three separate yards, and had the potential to cause much more damage than it did. The inferno was doused in record time, and despite just have fought a blaze, the firefighters were friendly and extremely well mannered. Authorities have, on several occasions, cautioned the public against acts of arson, as it is a crime. You may be liable to fine, prison sentence, or both if convicted. Culprits of arson may also be held liable for the costs incurred by rescue services. MFRS has subsequently voiced it’s concern and response to complaints and unwarranted criticism from the public. “Our firefighters had many times been accused of late arrival at the scenes of fire incidents. We’re well aware of such complaints. Fire fighters are generally accused of late arrival, even in developed countries. Reason is that fire service stations are not everywhere. That is why we are so much emphasizing on fire prevention. People should adhere strictly to fire safety rules by ensuring they avoid anything that can trigger fire outbreak. For the late arrival, mind you, our calculation of arrival time at fire scenes is different from that of victims of fire incident. We calculate arrival time from when we were alerted of the fire incident, not when the fire started burning. Our major challenge is always the distance between the fire station and where the fire outbreak occurred. Besides, we always tell the public that fire fighters are not the cause of the fire. We’re only coming to assist them in fighting the fire which they themselves caused. Considering the nature of the job and it urgency, people will never give right of way for the fire fighting trucks to pass even when they are hearing the sound of sirens. Rather than inform us immediately they noticed the fire, they would be running helter-skelter trying to quench the fire. They only remember to alert us when the fire gets out of hand. We are not spirits. We are only aware when we are informed. Another ugly experience we encounter, which ocassioned the allegation of late arrival is the periodic attacks on our officers and destruction of our equipment. One wonders what those who engage in this nefarious acts tend to achieve. We will continue to go on sensitizing the general public on the need to always assist Fire Service and stop the attack on Firefighters and fire trucks. If they end up destroying our trucks, what then are we going to fight the fire with?” When in an emergency situation, please remember the following contact numbers: 112 for the ambulance service, 10111 for the SAPS, and 017 801 3400 for Fire & Rescue. < Previous Article Next Article >

Breyten, Sheepmoor, Lothair, Davel and Chrissiesmeer all showed a payment rate of 1%, which translates to virtual non-payment from these residents. MLM presents new budget figures - Outlook is bleak 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 1 June 2021 Breyten, Sheepmoor, Lothair, Davel and Chrissiesmeer all showed a payment rate of 1%, which translates to virtual non-payment from these residents. On Friday, 28 May 2021, the executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, presented the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) budget. While presenting the draft of the multi-year budget for 2021/2024. The budget layout was met with resistance from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), as well as the Democratic Alliance (DA), who did not accept the budget. The African National Congress (ANC) deemed the budget to be acceptable, and the draft was approved. Concerns raised by the opposing parties included the issue of service delivery and the lack thereof, the Eskom bill, the issues faced on a daily basis with provision of electricity, the lack of maintenance of roads and infrastructure, and a myriad of other issues. According to the presentation, the lack of payment from residents negatively impact the service delivery efficiency from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). MLM stated that a loss of 40% in electricity distribution is lost due to illegal connections, and 42% loss of water is due to the aged infrastructure and unmetered stands. MLM also stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on all operations across the board. It was also noted that bulk purchases for water and electricity, contracted services and salary cost, plus payment of creditors exceed the cash income that is not fully collected, and higher than the collection rate of 66 %. Interest for non-payment of creditors due to poor cash flow also has a great impact on the budget. According to the budget layout, bulk electricity and water cost is 35 % of the total operating expenditure budget, salaries takes 26 % of the total operating expenditure, but at a cost of 33% of the current cash flow, and between Eskom, Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and salaries, the cash budget is 99% of the available funds. According to a new valuation roll to be implemented from 1 July 2021, and property market values that could increase between 20-50%, the council will implement a 4% tariff increase, and that all properties of which is not indigent registered owners will now pay full property rates. All electricity services will be increased by 16%. Property rates increase will be 4%, on top of increased market value. Water services will see an increase of 6%, as will sewerage services, refuse services and all sundry tariffs. According to the budget layout, a mere 34% payment rate is noted in Ermelo. Wesselton has a measly 8% payment rate. Shockingly, Breyten, Sheepmoor, Lothair, Davel and Chrissiesmeer all showed a payment rate of 1%, which translates to virtual non-payment from these residents. Warburton has a 7% payment rate, with Departmental payment rates sitting at a poor 6%. In total, a payment rate of 64% is noted within MLM’s governance. The Tribune ePaper will communicate with Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesperson, to nail down finer details of the budget, which will be published in next week’s ePaper. Issues raised will include the infamous 88kVA issue, the collapsing sewerage network, the shoddy state of the roads and more. < Previous Article Next Article >

Tomahawks trap Marble Hall Leopards vas met harde rugby 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 “Die manne het implimenteer wat ons gedoen het tydens oefening, en die spelers het uitgeblink op hierdie reënerige dag. Baie dankie vir elkeen se puik spel!” Op Saterdag, 2 Oktober, het die Ermelo Tomahawks te staan gekom teen die Marble Hall Leopards in ‘n vriendskaplike wedstryd. Ten spyte van goor weer, het toeskouers hul gate uit geniet en die spanne ondersteun met lof. Die wedstryd was hard, met spelers aan beide kante wat hul beste spel gelewer het. Groot manne is van beide spanne is spoedig platgetrek deur opponente, en die ratse spelers het die ketels oopgemaak en laat wiel sodra hul ‘n opening gesien het. Na afloop van die wedstryd, klop die Ermelo Tomahawks die Marble Hall Leopards 54-24. Bennette Burger het laat hoor dat hy heel tevrede is met sy span se kwaliteit spel en taktiek. “Die manne het implimenteer wat ons gedoen het tydens oefening, en die spelers het uitgeblink op hierdie reënerige dag. Baie dankie vir elkeen se puik spel!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Dinsdag, 28 Junie 2022, het daar ‘n boodskap deur gekom op ‘n WhatsApp groep, wat laat weet het dat die Ermelo gemeenskap moet uitkyk vir ‘n swaarvoertuig wat vanaf Panbult in die rigting van Ermelo reis met gesteelde sleepwaens. Die swaarvoertuig is in Ermelo, Merinostraat voorgekeer deur ACSU, asook plaaslike SAPD lede. Die sleepwaens is reeds in November 2021 gesteel, en daar was ‘n saak geopen. Tydens ondersoek is daar gevind dat die VIN nommer op die lisensie skywe, en die VIN nommer wat gemerk is op die swaarvoertuig deur die fabriek, nie dieselfde is nie. Die eienaar van die sleepwaens is dadelik gekontak deur Mnr. Bester Maree van ACSU. Ermelo SAPD lede, saam met ASCU, het die swaarvoertuig geneem na die voertuig diefstal eenheid. Die eienaar van die sleepwaens was spoedig op die toneel, en het die nodige bewyse gestaaf dat die waens wel aan hom behoort. Die twee waens, asook die swaarvoertuig, is gekonfiskeer vir verdere ondersoek in die saak. Die eienaar van die waens wil graag vir ACSU, asook Ermelo SAPD, bedank vir hul vinnige en flinke reaksie om die waens te kon terug gekry. “Wel gedaan, ACSU en Ermelo SAPD!” ACSU fnuik kriminele ACSU fnuik kriminele 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 5 July 2022 Die swaarvoertuig is in Ermelo, Merinostraat voorgekeer deur ACSU, asook plaaslike SAPD lede. Op Dinsdag, 28 Junie 2022, het daar ‘n boodskap deur gekom op ‘n WhatsApp groep, wat laat weet het dat die Ermelo gemeenskap moet uitkyk vir ‘n swaarvoertuig wat vanaf Panbult in die rigting van Ermelo reis met gesteelde sleepwaens. Die swaarvoertuig is in Ermelo, Merinostraat voorgekeer deur ACSU, asook plaaslike SAPD lede. Die sleepwaens is reeds in November 2021 gesteel, en daar was ‘n saak geopen. Tydens ondersoek is daar gevind dat die VIN nommer op die lisensie skywe, en die VIN nommer wat gemerk is op die swaarvoertuig deur die fabriek, nie dieselfde is nie. Die eienaar van die sleepwaens is dadelik gekontak deur Mnr. Bester Maree van ACSU. Ermelo SAPD lede, saam met ASCU, het die swaarvoertuig geneem na die voertuig diefstal eenheid. Die eienaar van die sleepwaens was spoedig op die toneel, en het die nodige bewyse gestaaf dat die waens wel aan hom behoort. Die twee waens, asook die swaarvoertuig, is gekonfiskeer vir verdere ondersoek in die saak. Die eienaar van die waens wil graag vir ACSU, asook Ermelo SAPD, bedank vir hul vinnige en flinke reaksie om die waens te kon terug gekry. “Wel gedaan, ACSU en Ermelo SAPD!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Tread carefully during heavy rainfall 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 February 2021 Emergency Services have urged residents and motorists to be cautious when flooding occurs, and rather to be safe than sorry. The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga says persistent heavy rain has left a trail of death and destruction in the province. The rainfall has damaged infrastructure, roads and at least 100 housing structures in various parts of Mpumalanga. At least eight people were killed in a heavy storm which moved through the province on Saturday. The department’s spokesperson, George Mthethwa, stated that the SAPS is still searching for five people who are presumed to have drowned. He said there is a search operation led by the police to recover those who have drowned and are still unaccounted for, including a 13-year-old boy who was riding a horse when he drowned in a river. “We have eight certified fatalities which occurred as a result of drowning in our rivers. We must say some have been horrendous. For example, in one incident, we had a mother who was trying to cross a local river while carrying a baby on her back. Unfortunately, she could not survive. We still have five missing persons, those who have drowned in the local rivers.” he stated. Other areas, including Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, and Nkomazi were severely affected. Two weeks ago Mpumalanga authorities reported that a five-year-old boy died after he was swept by floods, while in KwaZulu-Natal, a 14-year-old also died after drowning during heavy rainfall. The South African Weather Service has issued a yellow moderate level two warning as more persistent rainfall is expected to hit. Emergency Services have urged residents and motorists to be cautious when flooding occurs, and rather to be safe than sorry. Drive safely and responsibly, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and make sure you don’t drive on flooded roads. < Previous Article Next Article >

The slightest moisture, drizzle or rain results in leaving hundreds of residents without electricity at any given time. Dilapidated kiosks lure idle hands 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 24 May 2022 The slightest moisture, drizzle or rain results in leaving hundreds of residents without electricity at any given time. Despite a ruckus made by political parties, warnings from NERSA and the slew of tampering, vandalism and damages suffered by Msukaligwa Local Municipality, waterproofing, safeguarding and maintaining the electrical kiosks and substations in Ermelo, Wesselton and the surrounding areas seems to be the last on the municipality’s agenda. 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. The outages caused by the exposed innards of the kiosks, coupled with municipal load reduction and national load shedding, residents and businesses are left in utter frustration. In reported incidents, neutral electrical wires were cut at various kiosks, the loose covers of the kiosks were carried away and presumably sold for scrap metal, long grass around kiosks were set alight, and in several instances, main switches were simply switched off, leaving ward upon ward in darkness. 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. 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. Furthermore, NERSA requires mini-substations and kiosks 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. While polictal strife ravages the inner workings of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, there is no bright light in the municipal tunnel ahead. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Clients have a difficult time reaching our premises, and have to take unnecessary alternative routes. The stench also makes it unbearable to open any windows or doors at our establishment,” a local business owner lamented. The road, which is already in a disturbingly shoddy state, has eroded to such an extent that sinkholes of nearly 40cm are present, filled with raw sewage. Excrement galore in Chris de Villiers Street 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 “Clients have a difficult time reaching our premises, and have to take unnecessary alternative routes. The stench also makes it unbearable to open any windows or doors at our establishment,” a local business owner lamented. The road, which is already in a disturbingly shoddy state, has eroded to such an extent that sinkholes of nearly 40cm are present, filled with raw sewage. Heavy vehicle drivers and other road users in this area have to make do with finding alternative routes, as a massive sewage overflow has turned the roadway and surrounding areas into a soggy, smelly mess. A nearby business stated that reporting of the overflow to Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) is yet to yield results, and that the overflow is of great inconvenience to them. “Clients have a difficult time reaching our premises, and have to take unnecessary alternative routes. The stench also makes it unbearable to open any windows or doors at our establishment,” a local business owner lamented. The road, which is already in a disturbingly shoddy state, has eroded to such an extent that sinkholes of nearly 40cm are present, filled with raw sewage. Brave HMV drivers who dare to attempt traversing the road quickly realize the error of their ways, as their tyres are submerged nearly halfway in sewage and all manner of unsavory excrement. Road users are hereby advised to avoid this area when traveling, and to find alternative routes. “The municipality appeal to the community to report any sewer spillage, as and when they see it, to the municipal Call Centre for speedy resolution,” MLM stated in response. You may view more photos and videos pertaining to this article on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo has reached that time of the month where the amount of road accidents rapidly increase. During the last week, a series of motor vehicle accidents kept the emergency busy, racing from one scene to the other. During all this racing up and down, there were two serious accidents, where in both accidents there were two fatalities. Accidents and pay weekend walk hand in hand Accidents and pay weekend walk hand in hand 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 30 June 2020 During the last week, a series of motor vehicle accidents kept the emergency busy, racing from one scene to the other. Ermelo has reached that time of the month where the amount of road accidents rapidly increase. During the last week, a series of motor vehicle accidents kept the emergency busy, racing from one scene to the other. During all this racing up and down, there were two serious accidents, where in both accidents there were two fatalities. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Duvenage represents MPU in reality show 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 15 November 2022 The show is filled with all the emotions, drama and suspense one would expect from a world-class reality show. Entries for Master Mechanic Season 2 closed in mid-August, with filming of the reality show wrapping in September and being released on 18 November on MF Master Mechanic YouTube and Facebook, supported by all major social media channels. All episodes will be released at once for viewers to binge watch. Six technicians will compete in three teams of two (red, black and grey) for a R100 000 grand prize. The winning team will also be afforded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit and train at the Massey Ferguson Beauvais factory in France where the Massey Ferguson high horsepower tractors are manufactured. The team selection will be announced in the first episode of four. The epic final challenge will see the teams attempt to successfully replicate a giant version of the iconic Massey Ferguson Triple Triangle logo by means of a MF 8S equipped with a 2 000 litre Eco Ranger sprayer with 12m booms and eight sections, spraying at 450 litres per hectare. Rate and section control are provided by the Massey Ferguson 8S OEM Data Tronic 5 screen, linked to the ISOBUS Liquid control system. Filter Dienste in Bethal, Mpumalanga is proudly represented by Jacques Duvenage, who says: “I get so much joy solving challenges. I get to learn new things all the time and apply the knowledge I gained to solve the next challenge as effectively. I enjoy working with the MF tractors. I know I am up for the Master Mechanic challenge as I understand diagnostics and technology.” Master Mechanic is designed and filmed in such a way that anyone can understand, together with some special items for those ‘seasoned’ technicians to enjoy. It is filled with all the emotions, drama and suspense one would expect from a world-class reality show. Be sure to subscribe to watch as the best MF mechanics go head-to-head for what they love and believe in: The MF brand. Follow our social media channels below and support your favourite teams! < Previous Article Next Article >