Accused of murder and kidnaping, three men from Carolina, William Wimpie Viljoen (32), Hannes Terblache (29) and Obi Nortje (32) appeared before the Carolina magistrate’s court for their bail application verdict, in which their bail was denied. The trio were arrested by the Carolina SAPS on 9 September 2020, and have been remanded in custody. It is alleged that on 14 August 2020, Viljoen, a store manager at SPAR, Terblanche the receiving manager and Nortje, local security reaction officer, kidnaped and assaulted Thabiso Sibanyoni (22) and Thulani Sibanyoni (35), accusing them of insulting one of their colleagues. Sibanyoni later succumbed to his injuries in Carolina Hospital. When delivering his verdict, Magistrate Sekgothe Madiba said the trio faces very serious charges, which have caused community outcry. Community members have been picketing outside court since their arrest, and if granted bail, this will cause unrest in the community. Bail denied for Carolina trio Bail denied for Carolina trio 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 20 October 2020 When delivering his verdict, Magistrate Sekgothe Madiba said the trio faces very serious charges, which have caused community outcry. Community members have been picketing outside court since their arrest, and if granted bail, this will cause unrest in the community. Accused of murder and kidnaping, three men from Carolina, William Wimpie Viljoen (32), Hannes Terblache (29) and Obi Nortje (32) appeared before the Carolina magistrate’s court for their bail application verdict, in which their bail was denied. The trio were arrested by the Carolina SAPS on 9 September 2020, and have been remanded in custody. It is alleged that on 14 August 2020, Viljoen, a store manager at SPAR, Terblanche the receiving manager and Nortje, local security reaction officer, kidnaped and assaulted Thabiso Sibanyoni (22) and Thulani Sibanyoni (35), accusing them of insulting one of their colleagues. Sibanyoni later succumbed to his injuries in Carolina Hospital. When delivering his verdict, Magistrate Sekgothe Madiba said the trio faces very serious charges, which have caused community outcry. Community members have been picketing outside court since their arrest, and if granted bail, this will cause unrest in the community. < Previous Article Next Article >

Warning against Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 January 2021 SAHPRA said it was not yet possible to recommend Ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug. Scientists, authorities and most notably, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States of America have warned against taking an anti-parasite drug as a treatment for COVID-19, despite headlines, WhatsApp chain messages and posts on social media that have touted it as a cure. Facebook posts and articles endorsing Ivermectin have proliferated in Brazil, France, South Africa and South Korea as governments around the world scramble to roll out vaccination programmes. However, citizens are cautioned against taking the drug. A myriad of health agencies have stated that there is not enough evidence to promote the drug as a remedy for COVID-19, and that research into the question has often been unsound. Authorities are clamping down on the dispensing of Ivermectin, which is being marketed as a COVID-19 “miracle drug”, and concern that an underground market may soon emerge is very real. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned the public against using the drug to treat COVID-19, as it has not been approved for use in humans. Ivermectin is a widely used drug for the treatment and control of parasites in animals, and is used to treat several tropical diseases in humans not commonly seen in South Africa, as well as scabies and head lice. In South Africa, Ivermectin is registered for use under Act 36 of 1947 (Department of Agriculture) for use in animals. This means that veterinarians and other trained personnel are allowed to prescribe it as an anti-parasitic agent for a variety of animals. The drug is not currently registered for human use, but SAHPRA occasionally grants Section 21 permits for the use of topical Ivermectin as an unregistered product for the treatment of individual patients with conditions such as scabies or head lice. Researchers stated that flawed studies backing the drug have stoked black market sales, hampered further scientific research and swayed government responses to the pandemic. “The policy decisions of Ivermectin in Latin America have been largely based on the analysis presented in a pre-print in early April,” experts at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health said. A pre-print typically means a study that has been put on the internet but not undergone peer review, the process by which findings are scrutinized by other scientists before they are published in a scholarly journal. The paper was later retracted after experts raised methodological concerns. Ivermectin is one of a string of medications tested as a potential COVID-19 treatment since the pandemic began, and there is currently no sound evidence that it is effective and safe to use. Much like the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which is also so far unproven by clinical trials, Ivermectin is widely available and relatively cheap. The FDA has also thrown its weight beind the caution against Ivermectin, and stated that drug had not been approved to prevent or treat COVID-19. “While there are approved uses for Ivermectin in people and animals, it is not approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19," it stated. A widely-cited study published in April in the Antiviral Research medical journal found that Ivermectin was effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in cells tested in a lab dish. However, the findings have been misconstrued by the public, as drugs that give promising results in a laboratory setting are frequently ineffective in humans, often because the dose required to neutralize a pathogen cannot safely be administered to patients. SAHPRA said it was not yet possible to recommend Ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug. “From the available randomized control trial evidence, Ivermectin is not superior to placebo in terms of viral load reduction or clinical progression. There is no evidence from randomized control trials for any reduction in mortality,” it said in a statement. “Some of the side-effects that may be associated with Ivermectin include skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial or limb swelling, neurologic adverse events (dizziness, seizures, confusion), sudden drop in blood pressure, severe skin rash potentially requiring hospitalization and liver injury (hepatitis). Laboratory test abnormalities include decrease in white cell count and elevated liver tests. Any use of Ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 should be avoided as its benefits and safety for these purposes have not been established. Data from clinical trials are necessary for us to determine whether Ivermectin is safe and effective in treating or preventing COVID-19.” < Previous Article Next Article >

NSFAS students urged to use allowances to buy devices 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 Nchabeleng said the work that NSFAS is doing in support of the departmental objectives to increase the number of poor students in higher education at no cost, is noted. He said more work needs to be done around a policy that will ensure access to the category of students who belong to the ‘missing middle’. Students receiving aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have been urged to use their learning material allowances to purchase learning devices so they can learn remotely during the lockdown. “Many students, who still have not bought laptops must do so, especially those who have been paid the annual teaching assistance allowance of R5 200, to buy gadgets that will facilitate their learning during this challenging time,” said the chairperson of the Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture, Elleck Nchabeleng. NSFAS qualifying students receive learning material allowance for the year, which includes R5 200 issued once a year to beneficiaries to purchase things like laptops, tablets and books. Nchabeleng said the committee is satisfied with the proficiency and efficiency with which the NSFAS Administrator, Dr Randall Carolissen has run the entity, even during the Covid-19 distraction. The committee also welcomed the task team announced by Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Blade Nzimande, over the weekend. The task team will investigate challenges associated with the move to the student-centred model at NSFAS in 2017. “The intervention will enhance the work of the Administrator and improve the service to poor students. Commendable work to stabilise the student financial aid scheme is being realised, and that has been demonstrated by how allowances are being distributed to students,” Nchabeleng said. Nchabeleng said the work that NSFAS is doing in support of the departmental objectives to increase the number of poor students in higher education at no cost, is noted. He said more work needs to be done around a policy that will ensure access to the category of students who belong to the ‘missing middle’. “NSFAS is now an entity where consequence management is prioritised. Certain employees and criminal syndicates that were operating within the student financial aid scheme have been reported to law enforcement agencies. “The committee will support NSFAS so that the entity does not regress from the progress that was realised during the administration period. NSFAS is a changed and a well-functioning student financial aid scheme,” Nchabeleng said. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Mpumalanga Department of Education has placed the principal and educator of Masizakhe Secondary School in Breyten on precautionary suspension, following allegations that they administered corporal punishment to learners. They are amongst the three who were arrested after the allegations were brought to the attention of the SAPS, and subsequently the department. The third educator is appointed by the School Governing Body (SGB), as such the department will convene a meeting with the to advise them about the course of action to be undertaken. Masizakhe Secondary School students protested against corporal punishment recently, in light of numerous learners that have allegedly received corporal punishment. It is alleged that the students were reprimanded for refusing to attend extra classes spanning over the course of weekends. The educators have been charged with misconduct, and will have to explain their actions before a departmental disciplinary hearing. They have also been placed under arrest on charges of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm, and have appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court. The department continues to render counseling to the affected learners. Educators arrested for alleged corporal punishment Educators arrested for alleged corporal punishment 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 September 2020 Masizakhe Secondary School students protested against corporal punishment recently, in light of numerous learners that have allegedly received corporal punishment. It is alleged that the students were reprimanded for refusing to attend extra classes spanning over the course of weekends. The educators have been charged with misconduct, and will have to explain their actions before a departmental disciplinary hearing. The Mpumalanga Department of Education has placed the principal and educator of Masizakhe Secondary School in Breyten on precautionary suspension, following allegations that they administered corporal punishment to learners. They are amongst the three who were arrested after the allegations were brought to the attention of the SAPS, and subsequently the department. The third educator is appointed by the School Governing Body (SGB), as such the department will convene a meeting with the to advise them about the course of action to be undertaken. Masizakhe Secondary School students protested against corporal punishment recently, in light of numerous learners that have allegedly received corporal punishment. It is alleged that the students were reprimanded for refusing to attend extra classes spanning over the course of weekends. The educators have been charged with misconduct, and will have to explain their actions before a departmental disciplinary hearing. They have also been placed under arrest on charges of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm, and have appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court. The department continues to render counseling to the affected learners. < Previous Article Next Article >

Two health officials, Jabulani Sam Mnguni, 45, and Pascal Mandla Gininda, 49, were arrested on Sunday and have since appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. The duo have been suspended after they were allegedly found in possession of human body parts, the Mpumalanga health department said on Wednesday. The two officials were stationed at the Ermelo Hospital and the Lothair Clinic, respectively. Mpumalanga Health MEC, Sasekani Manzini, expressed shock and dismay regarding the incident. “We are very shocked and dismayed at the criminal activities that the two officials have allegedly been involved with. Such dehumanising acts are indeed barbaric and as a department we do not condone such illegal activities. We shall allow the law to take its course while we, as a department, conduct our own internal investigation. For now, we have suspended the two officials to allow the SAPS to conduct their investigation without any interference,” said Manzini in a statement. Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, said their arrest follows an intelligence operation. “Their arrest spirals from an intelligence-driven operation which prompted police to follow up on information regarding a red sedan which was on its way to Elukwatini with two occupants conveying human body parts,” Hlathi said. The suspects were nabbed at the Lochiel-Nhlazatshe intersection. Police thoroughly searched the vehicle and discovered a leg, placenta, and a knee that was separately collected from a house. According to Hlathi, a third suspect, aged 45, will join the two on July 15 during their court appearance. The trio were remanded in custody when they appeared before the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. Local health officials nabbed peddling human body parts Local health officials nabbed peddling human body parts 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 Jabulani Sam Mnguni, 45, and Pascal Mandla Gininda, 49, were arrested on Sunday and have since appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. The duo have been suspended after they were allegedly found in possession of human body parts. Two health officials, Jabulani Sam Mnguni, 45, and Pascal Mandla Gininda, 49, were arrested on Sunday and have since appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. The duo have been suspended after they were allegedly found in possession of human body parts, the Mpumalanga health department said on Wednesday. The two officials were stationed at the Ermelo Hospital and the Lothair Clinic, respectively. Mpumalanga Health MEC, Sasekani Manzini, expressed shock and dismay regarding the incident. “We are very shocked and dismayed at the criminal activities that the two officials have allegedly been involved with. Such dehumanising acts are indeed barbaric and as a department we do not condone such illegal activities. We shall allow the law to take its course while we, as a department, conduct our own internal investigation. For now, we have suspended the two officials to allow the SAPS to conduct their investigation without any interference,” said Manzini in a statement. Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, said their arrest follows an intelligence operation. “Their arrest spirals from an intelligence-driven operation which prompted police to follow up on information regarding a red sedan which was on its way to Elukwatini with two occupants conveying human body parts,” Hlathi said. The suspects were nabbed at the Lochiel-Nhlazatshe intersection. Police thoroughly searched the vehicle and discovered a leg, placenta, and a knee that was separately collected from a house. According to Hlathi, a third suspect, aged 45, will join the two on July 15 during their court appearance. The trio were remanded in custody when they appeared before the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of  R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. Fraudster nabbed by Hawks Fraudster nabbed by Hawks 1/1 Share Supplied Content 26 August 2022 The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Los julle verskille by die deur” - Dié was die woorde van Mike Bolhuis 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 22 June 2021 Inwoners wat agteraf baie te sê het, maar as dit by die daad kom, geen bydrae lewer nie, moet hul deel begin bybring. Ongeag van wat se hoorsê in die gemeenskap rondflap, die tyd vir aksie is nou. In die woorde van Mnr. Bolhuis: “Skinder is ‘n nasionale sport van die Suid Afrikaner.” Nou is die tyd dat alle inwoners hul verskille op die kantlyn sit. Besighede word ook dringend versoek om hul klagtes in te dien. Op Vrydagaand, 18 Junie 2021, het privaat inspekteur, Mike Bolhuis, Ermelo se inwoners toegespreek rakende die swak dienslewering en finansiële wanbestuur van Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM). Inwoners wat die toespraak bygewoon het, was kans gegun om hul frustrasie en klagtes aan te meld, wat vanaf water en riool, elektrisiteit, geskatte meterlesings, die verkeersdepartement en lisensie kantore, tot by beweerde korrupsie vanaf die munisipale amptenare. Mnr. Bolhuis het dit duidelik gemaak vanaf die staanspoor dat die penarie waarin Ermelo hul bevind nie met die waai van ‘n towerstaffie opgelos gaan word nie, maar dat dit ‘n hewige proses sal wees. Na aanleiding van Mnr. Bolhuis, moet alle klagtes en besware gedokumenteer word. As ‘n inwoner ‘n probleem ondvervind met enige aspek van MLM, word hul versoek of foto- of videomateriaal bymekaar te maak. Sodoende sal die verdediging van MLM gekniehalter word met onbetwisbare feite. Geskatte water en elektrisiteit rekeninge moet gedokumenteer word en alles bymekaar gehou word. Mnr. Bolhuis het met lof bevestig dat geskatte rekeninge totaal en al onwettig is. Die feit dat MLM nie ordentlike en akkurate meterlesings doen nie, is ‘n misdaad. Inwoners wat ingedoen word met elektrisiteit en water rekeninge van derduisende Rande is ‘n misdaad. Die feit dat inwoners geforseer word om die geskatte rekening bedrae te betaal onder die dreigement vanaf MLM dat dienste gestaak sal word en elektriese toevoer afgesny gaan word, is ‘n misdaad. Foto’s moet geneem word van swak dienslewering en faal van dienslewering vanaf munisipale afdelings, onder andere die lisensie kantoor. “Jou foon is die belangrikste, maar ook die gevaarlikste ding wat jy by jou dra. Foto’s, video’s en klankgrepe (voice recordings) is onweerlegbare bewyse van gebeure. Neem foto’s van swak dienslewering. As jy swak dienslewering ontvang, maak ‘n video daarvan. Al hierdie dinge maak die saak net sterker,” het Mnr. Bolhuis gesê. Hy het egter ook laat hoor dat Projek Ermelo slegs ‘n sukses sal wees as alle inwoners saamstaan, ongeag van ras, ideologie en gemeenskap status. As inwoners nie kan saamstaan tydens hierdie aanslag teen MLM nie, sal die projek ‘n mislukking wees. Mnr. Bolhuis het ook inwoners genoop om nie hulself te verlustig in skinderstories, en staat te maak op hoorsê en derdehandse informasie nie. Die belangrikste deel van die projek is dat ieder en elkeen hul deel moet bring. In hierdie tyd van maak of breek is daar nie plek vir groot honde wat baie blaf en geen byt het nie. Elkeen moet hul klagte indien, elkeen moet hul bewyse van klagtes instuur na die Projek Ermelo e-pos adres. Inwoners wat agteraf baie te sê het, maar as dit by die daad kom, geen bydrae lewer nie, moet hul deel begin bybring. Ongeag van wat se hoorsê in die gemeenskap rondflap, die tyd vir aksie is nou. In die woorde van Mnr. Bolhuis: “Skinder is ‘n nasionale sport van die Suid Afrikaner.” Nou is die tyd dat alle inwoners hul verskille op die kantlyn sit. Besighede word ook dringend versoek om hul klagtes in te dien. Hoe meer bewyse ingevorder word, hoe sterker word die saak vanaf die gemeenskap teen MLM. Inwoners en besigheidseienaars word genooi om hul klagtes te stuur, gepaard met bewyse, hetsy fotografies of videomateriaal, na ermeloproject@gmail.com . U kan ook vir Kevin Duggan by 071 476 2028, of Lynette Hattingh by 082 542 9592 kontak indien u navrae het rakende Projek Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

An ACSU reaction vehicle patrolling Havenga Road noticed a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle sped away, and upon investigation, reaction members discovered nine cases of 750ml Johnny Walker Black Label Whisky, as well as five cases of 750ml Hennessy. The approximate value of the liquor is estimated at R218 000. The seized goods was handed over to the SAPS. ACSU seizes R218 000 worth of liquor ACSU seizes R218 000 worth of liquor 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 28 January 2021 ACSU reaction members discovered nine cases of 750ml Johnny Walker Black Label Whisky, as well as five cases of 750ml Hennessy. An ACSU reaction vehicle patrolling Havenga Road noticed a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle sped away, and upon investigation, reaction members discovered nine cases of 750ml Johnny Walker Black Label Whisky, as well as five cases of 750ml Hennessy. The approximate value of the liquor is estimated at R218 000. The seized goods was handed over to the SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die afgelope naweek was ‘n besige naweek vir die nooddienste, met verskeie botsings wat plaasgevind het. Al die nodige dienste was blitsvinnig op die tonele, en die owerhede vra alle motoriste of veilig te bestuur ten alle tye. Botsings teister motoriste Botsings teister motoriste 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 18 Augustus 2020 Nooddienste was druk besig met verskeie tonele, met skare wat hul vergaap aan die botings. Die afgelope naweek was ‘n besige naweek vir die nooddienste, met verskeie botsings wat plaasgevind het. Al die nodige dienste was blitsvinnig op die tonele, en die owerhede vra alle motoriste of veilig te bestuur ten alle tye. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mpumalanga SAPS is searching for a group of armed men who made away an undisclosed number of firearms from the Badplaas police station. According to information received, the men stormed the station, allegedly overpowered the officers and made off with the firearms. SAPS Brig. Leonard Hlathi stated that no arrests have yet been made: “A number of armed men entered the CAC in Badplaas police station and threatened the members on duty with their firearms. They managed to disarm to of the members of their service pistols, and forced them to open the safe in the community service centre, where they took one R5 rifle. The suspects fled the scene, no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.” Amidst contradicting reports stating that two pistols and an undisclosed amount of cash was also nabbed. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has come forward, blaming the incident on understaffing and a lack of leadership. “There has not been much progress in ensuring that we deal with the uneven allocation of resources within police stations, and in ensuring that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is restructured to ensure that we get more manpower on the ground where crime is actually happening.” Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU spoksesperson, stated. Badplaas SAPS robbed at gunpoint Badplaas SAPS robbed at gunpoint An example of an R5 rifle, which the group made off with. Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU spoksesperson. An example of an R5 rifle, which the group made off with. 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 The suspects fled the scene, no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.” Amidst contradicting reports stating that two pistols and an undisclosed amount of cash was also nabbed. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has come forward, blaming the incident on understaffing and a lack of leadership. Mpumalanga SAPS is searching for a group of armed men who made away an undisclosed number of firearms from the Badplaas police station. According to information received, the men stormed the station, allegedly overpowered the officers and made off with the firearms. SAPS Brig. Leonard Hlathi stated that no arrests have yet been made: “A number of armed men entered the CAC in Badplaas police station and threatened the members on duty with their firearms. They managed to disarm to of the members of their service pistols, and forced them to open the safe in the community service centre, where they took one R5 rifle. The suspects fled the scene, no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.” Amidst contradicting reports stating that two pistols and an undisclosed amount of cash was also nabbed. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has come forward, blaming the incident on understaffing and a lack of leadership. “There has not been much progress in ensuring that we deal with the uneven allocation of resources within police stations, and in ensuring that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is restructured to ensure that we get more manpower on the ground where crime is actually happening.” Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU spoksesperson, stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

NERSA rejects price hike application by Eskom 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 Power plants are being constructed at exorbitant inflated costs of nearly 300%, and have a 60% surplus of staff at a cost of an estimated R10 billion per annum. In January, Nersa allowed Eskom to recoup an additional R6-billion after a court set aside several of its earlier decisions. It had rejected Eskom’s fifth multi-year price determination (MYPD5) revenue application for the financial years 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 on the basis that it was based on an expired methodology. Eskom has also come under fire for their notorious fruitless en wasteful expenditure, which includes, amongst others, paying R300 per roll of toilet paper, coughing up a blistering R238 000 for a single floor mop, and purchasing kneepads at R80 000 each. This has been slated as cadre enrichment and gross corruption withing the struggling entity. In an effort to curb the corruption, and alleviate mounting pressure on consumers, NERSA has started its process to develop this new pricing methodology that will be applicable to the industry. The first step entails a consultation to determine the new pricing methodology. This will be followed by the development of the actual methodology. As is usual all stakeholders will be given an opportunity to influence the finalization of the new pricing methodology. Once this is finalized, utilities will be required to submit applications to NERSA for analysis to be undertaken before price increase decisions are made. According to Eskom, NERSA’s rejection of Eskom’s MYPD 5 application, has created a regulatory vacuum for the electricity supply industry in South Africa. Eskom is accordingly considering how to proceed, and is taking advice on its position following the NERSA decision. Eskom claims that the situation will create a legal liability for the company. Consumers and regulatory boards are having none of the wet dog attitude set forth by Eskom, stating that power plants being constructed at exorbitant inflated costs of nearly 300% and having a 60% surplus of staff at a cost of an estimated R10 billion per annum. Ultimately, consumers cannot, and should not pay for inefficiency in a state monopoly’s internal structural inflation. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Vrydag, 11 Februarie 2022, het die SACCW en buurtwag flink reageer na ‘n roep om hulp, nadat ‘n bejaarde man (76) in Smuts Straat voor ‘n woonkompleks se hek gevind is. Na aanleiding van beskikbare informasie, was die bejaarde in sy huis aangerand en beroof. Volgens die SAPD, het die verdagte gevra vir ys en water, en het die slagoffer aangerand nadat hy toegang tot die huis verkry het. Die verdagte was opsoek na ‘n vuurwapen, maar kon nie daarin slaag om een te kry nie. Na afloop van die aanranding het die verdagte homself uit die voete gemaak. Die slagoffer kon daarin slaag om hulp te soek by die bure. ER 24, buurtwag en die SAPD was spoedig op die toneel, waar SAPD beamptes met die slagoffer gesels het. Tydens dieselfde voorval het buurtwag ook informasie ontvang van nog ‘n roof wat in Smuts Straat plaasgevind het. Ten einde van verdere ondersoek deur die SAPD en buurtwag lede het die informasie uitgedraai as verkeerdelik oorgedra, en geen tweede voorval het plaasgevind nie. Sien meer foto’s, asook ‘n video, op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo Bejaarde man aangerand in Smuts Straat Bejaarde man aangerand in Smuts Straat 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 15 February 2022 Volgens die SAPD, het die verdagte gevra vir ys en water, en het die slagoffer aangerand nadat hy toegang tot die huis verkry het. Op Vrydag, 11 Februarie 2022, het die SACCW en buurtwag flink reageer na ‘n roep om hulp, nadat ‘n bejaarde man (76) in Smuts Straat voor ‘n woonkompleks se hek gevind is. Na aanleiding van beskikbare informasie, was die bejaarde in sy huis aangerand en beroof. Volgens die SAPD, het die verdagte gevra vir ys en water, en het die slagoffer aangerand nadat hy toegang tot die huis verkry het. Die verdagte was opsoek na ‘n vuurwapen, maar kon nie daarin slaag om een te kry nie. Na afloop van die aanranding het die verdagte homself uit die voete gemaak. Die slagoffer kon daarin slaag om hulp te soek by die bure. ER 24, buurtwag en die SAPD was spoedig op die toneel, waar SAPD beamptes met die slagoffer gesels het. Tydens dieselfde voorval het buurtwag ook informasie ontvang van nog ‘n roof wat in Smuts Straat plaasgevind het. Ten einde van verdere ondersoek deur die SAPD en buurtwag lede het die informasie uitgedraai as verkeerdelik oorgedra, en geen tweede voorval het plaasgevind nie. Sien meer foto’s, asook ‘n video, op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo < Previous Article Next Article >