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Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap. Errie-atlete gekies vir Mpumalanga span 1/5 Share SH HATTINGH 30 March 2021 Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap. Op Saterdag, 27 Maart, het van Hoërskool Ermelo se atlete deelgeneem aan die Mpumalanga-atletiek kampioenskap by die Secunda Atletiek stadion. Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap, wat plaasvind vanaf 7 tot 10 April in die Paarl. Die volgende EHS-atlete is vir die Mpumalanga span gekies: Mia Davel (o/16) behaal twee eerste plekke in onderskeidelik hoogspring, met ‘n hoogte van 1,63 meter, asook in die 300m-hekkies, met ‘n tyd van 47,17 sekondes. Mikaela Hand (o/16) behaal tweede plek in skyfwerp, met ‘n afstand van 30,89 meter, en sesde plek in gewigstoot, met ‘n afstand van 10,59 meter. Carla Ferreira (o/18) verower tweede plek in spiesgooi, met ‘n afstand van 39,92 meter. Tyrone Berning (o/16) spog met drie uitstekende eerste plekke. In hoogspring, spring hy 1,92 meter, hy voltooi die 300m-hekkies in 39,02 sekondes, en die 400m in 50,90 sekondes. Ruan du Toit (o/18) behaal tweede plek in die 400m, met ‘n tyd van 48,93 sekondes. Alhoewel die volgende atlete nie gekies is vir die Mpumalnga span nie, presteer hulle nie te min ook uitstekend: Chester Mphahlele (o/17) behaal agtste plek in die 3000m, en BongmusaVilakazi behaal ook agtste plek in die 1500m. Deidre van der Meyden (o/17) behaal tweede en vierde plek in onderskeidelik die 100m en die 200m, Johnke Prinsloo (o/17) behaal tweede plek in die 400m, Mia Steenkamp behaal sewende plek in die 400m-hekkies, Zané du Plessis (o/17) behaal derde plek in hoogspring, asook vierde plek in die 400m-hekkies, en Chantelle Swart (o/19) behaal tweede plek in die 800m. “Baie geluk aan elke Errie wat deelgeneem het, asook dié wat gekies is vir die Mpumalanga span. Die EHS is met reg trots op elkeen se uitsonderlike prestasie.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Xtra Savings can now also transact 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 November2021 To get a Money Market Account, register for a free account in-store or download the Shoprite app from the Apple Store, Huawei App Gallery or Google Play Store. Good news for all shoppers! Checkers and Shoprite Xtra Savings members can now transact using their Xtra Savings cards following a significant update to the Shoprite Group’s Money Market Account. The Money Market Account, which has attracted 530 000 users since it launched just over a year ago, now provides customers with transactional banking functionalities, including sending money and making withdrawals. “The development and roll out of the account have been driven entirely by customer needs,” explains Jean Olivier, General Manager: Financial Services at the Shoprite Group. Customers indicated that they like transacting with their phones, but also with a card, and some raised concerns about how to access their Money Market Account if their phone battery went dead or they forgot their phones. Realizing that 20 million customers already had the Xtra Savings rewards card, the Group worked on a solution. Customers can now link their Xtra Savings card to their Money Market Account and will be able to use these cards to pay for items provided shoppers have funds in their account. They can use their Xtra Savings cards to pay for goods at checkout points, as they would any other bank card. Money Market Accounts offer banked and unbanked consumers, many of whom are regular customers at the Group’s stores, access to basic transactional banking activities that are specifically aimed at their needs. The account gives them simplicity and transparency, as there are no fees and no physical forms, as it is all digital. It also offers low-cost banking with no monthly fees, no load fees, no transactional fees, only a R5 withdrawal fee, and no debit orders or deductions, as to ensure that customers are in full control of their money. Easy access is offered on any mobile phone, and available for free via the Shoprite app, USSD (*120*3534#), WhatsApp (087 240 5709) or the Xtra Savings card. Anyone can register for a Money Market Account, as a customers just need a South African ID or any passport and a South African cellphone number. “It is a straightforward account which allows customers to be in full control of their money and does not surprise them with any hidden fees,” says Olivier. To get a Money Market Account, register for a free account in-store or download the Shoprite app from the Apple Store, Huawei App Gallery or Google Play Store, or by by dialing *120*3534#. Customers can also add Shoprite on 027 87 240 5709, or Checkers on 027 87 240 5385 as a WhatsApp contact, and follow the prompts. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Community Police Forum new committee 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 22 February 2022 On Saturday, 19 February 2022, the community of Ermelo were invited to attend the Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting. On Saturday, 19 February 2022, the community of Ermelo were invited to attend the Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting. During the meeting, community members were able to talk about their concerns inside Ermelo, as well as the rural areas. The biggest concern from all the people of the community were the crime that takes place during the day, as well as at night, and all the people that walk so freely in town and injecting each other with the same needles, coupled with all the drug use. During the meeting there was an election for a new committee that wil assist the community and SAPS for the next 5 years. The Chairperson is Raphael Mthetwa, Deputy Chairperson is Jaco Kirk, Secretary is Sweetness Thela, Deputy Secretary is Sesi Msibi, Treasurer is Jenny Venter, P.R.O is Rulph Basson, Co-ordinator is Sue-Marie Hattingh. The following are the three additional members - Dumisani Mkhabela, Priscilla Nkosi and Themba Vilakazi. < Previous Article Next Article >

Community stands together to rehab roadway 1/12 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 Pick n Pay Ermelo rustled up meals and cold drinks, and delivered it to the teams on site, and showing their support in the initiative. Chris de Villiers Street, a notorious sight for sore eyes, and a menace to motorists and heavy vehicle drivers alike, as been partially rehabilitated in order to make the surface traversable once again. As complaints regarding this roadway has fallen on deaf ears at Msukaligwa Local Municipality for more than 4 years, residents and business owners decided to band together and take action. In an unprecedented joint operation, members of SG Coal, Van Wettens Towing Services, Wozani Berg Gasoline (WBG), Mavuso Towing and various other stakeholders toiled in the scorching heat of the past weekend, making the road surface fit for traffic yet again. Pick n Pay Ermelo rustled up meals and cold drinks, and delivered it to the teams on site, and showing their support in the initiative. Ellwyn Thomas of WBG and Gerhard de Kock from SG Coal has been on site from dawn until disk, motivating the teams, and ensuring that the rehabilitation was done in record time. FJ Oosthuizen from SG Coal was also in site, and encouraged and thanked his drivers for sacrificing their weekend for the benefit of the community. Ronnie and his team pumped water from the sinkholes to ensure easier compacting of materials, while Msukaligwa Local Municipality also provided teams and a roller to assist in the work. Vida Water Ermelo also contributed in quenching the thirst, by donating water to site workers and assistants. A local resident also expressed gratitude by providing lunch to the workers on site. A mention of thanks is also extended to James Gregory, CEO of WBG for donating fuel for trucks on site. It goes to show that if the community works together, much can be achieved. Thanks to a group of sterling individuals and companies, the nightmare that was Chris de Villiers Street is relieved for a while, and motorists and heavy vehicle drivers can traverse the roadway with very few issues. You may view more videos and photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Optimum Colliery tanks due to mismanagement 1/1 Share Supplied - DA Media Office 7 September 2022 Currently the mine is under business rescue and its issues are in courts Media Statement - The DA in Mpumalanga is concerned about the devastating economic effects in Hendrina left by the ANC government and the infamous Gupta brothers through the mismanagement and closure of Optimum Coal Mine. Optimum was leveraged out of Glencore’s hands by failing ANC officials straight into the hands of the Guptas’ Tegeta. Because of poor management, the mine which has been operating since 2002, was forced to shut down in 2018 and over 1000 employees and 500 contractors lost their jobs. On an oversight visit to the mine this week, the DA experienced first-hand, the devastating effect left by the closure of the mine on the communities of KwaZamokuhle Township and Pullens Hope. Majority of the people who live in Hendrina and surrounding areas depended one way or the other on a functional Optimum Mine, that is until Jacob Zuma’s ANC and the Guptas took over and brought the mine to its knees. Driving or walking around KwaZamokuhle Township, you meet young people who have lost hope and their livelihood. Many where employed by the mine – or had small businesses that supplied different resources to employees of the mine. There’s also a mushrooming new informal settlement of people who lost their houses when the mine closed down. As for Pullens Hope where the mine is located, it has become a Ghost Town and buildings or flats that accommodated mine employees – have been abandoned and left to ruins. There are also disturbing allegations that “ANC Forums” go around Hendrina, especially in KwaZamokuhle Township, charging desperate job seekers R1000 or R1500 to arrange employment for them on the nearby mines and the Hendrina Power Station. The ANC have failed the communities of Hendrina and surrounding areas. Their mismanagement of Optimum Coal Mine had crippling effects on our economy, our electricity supply and affecting ordinary coal workers who cannot afford to put food on their tables or books in their children’s school bags. Currently the mine is under business rescue and its issues are in courts. Through our counterparts in the National Assembly, the DA will approach the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to intervene and come up with urgent solutions so that mine can reopen and restore hope to the people of Hendrina. < Previous Article Next Article >

The ballsiest, bravest run to date 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 28 October 2021 Most South Africans know someone affected by prostate or testicular cancer. The bottom line is that early detection saves lives. What started twelve years ago with one brave soul running through peak hour traffic in a speedo to raise awareness about cancer, has since become a nationwide phenomenon. Usually held as a mass participation event in Johannesburg, the first ever COVID-edition national Hollard Daredevil Run 2021 recently took place across the country. This event, which raises funds towards prostate and testicular cancer awareness and screening, saw runners taking part countrywide dressed only in a purple speedo, including men from Mpumalanga, bravely showing off their inner Daredevil. “This is a run with a difference that makes a difference. The Hollard Daredevil Run has been a highlight on the South African social calendar since 2009, attracting thousands of brave men from all walks of life to do their part to raise awareness about male cancers,” says Heidi Brauer, Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard. Far from being limited to the streets of Johannesburg, this year the event attracted participants from every corner of the country, with teams closer to home spotted running from early morning in Witbank. A 2021 Hollard Daredevil Run highlight is most certainly the purple wildlife warriors, a team of game rangers dressed in nothing but purple speedos taking a run on the wild side through Skukuza in the Kruger National Park. Social media was abuzz with images from other participants around the province, some in more rural areas, some as part of high school teams and soccer and sports club teams as well as the bravest of them all, those running alone in their neighbourhoods. “At Hollard, we like to do things differently, to be bold, brave and ballsy. The act of stripping down to nothing but a speedo is not only challenging for runners, but also challenges stereotypes about male cancers. It takes courage to strip down to a speedo and run in public, but that’s the whole idea. The Hollard Daredevil Run challenges South African men to confront male cancers head-on by showing that they’re not afraid to run in a speedo, not afraid to talk about cancer and not afraid to get checked,” Brauer concluded. All proceeds from the annual Hollard Daredevil Run go to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, towards awareness and screening of prostate and testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged between 15-39 and can affect men of all races. The survival rate of stage 1 testicular cancer can be as high as 100%, making early detection and prompt action vital. Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and is on the increase. According to global research, one in every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with the risk of prostate cancer increasing with age. Early diagnosis can mean a 95% chance of being cured. Most South Africans know someone affected by prostate or testicular cancer. The bottom line is that early detection saves lives. Any members of the public wanting to support these purple cancer warriors can go to www.daredevilrun.com to donate further funds towards cancer awareness and screening initiatives. For more information about prostate and testicular cancer, go to www.prostate-ca.co.za , or www.cansa.org.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” Ligbron leerders streef hoog Elzaan van de Venter, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. Lohan Coetzee, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. Elzaan van de Venter, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. 1/2 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 1 September 2020 Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” Twee leerders van Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie, Elzaan van de Venter en Lohan Coetzee, het tydens die grendeltyd ingeskryf vir ‘n toneel talent kompetisie, genaamnd “Mentor My”. Beide leerders het deurgedring, en is gekies om deel te wees van ‘n groep leerders wat aanlyn opleiding sal ontvang. Die opleiding het reeds in Augustus begin, en sal ‘n jaar lank duur. Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo stoeiers gemaak van staal 1/3 Share GK CRON JE 19 October 2021 Die Ermelo Mpumalanga stoeispan het hul staal gewys, en die gemeenskap trots gemaak met puik prestasies tydens die SA’s. Die Ermelo Mpumalanga stoeispan het hul staal gewys, en die gemeenskap trots gemaak met puik prestasies tydens die SA’s. Woldermar Winkler en Lohan van Niekerk, beide o/9, AJ van Niekerk (o/11), Carlo van Staden en WP Human (beide o/13) en Teghan Breytenbach (o/15) het puik presteer, en bewys dat harde werk en dedikasie sappige vrugte werp. Woldermar het brons verower in die Presidente afdeling onder 42KG. AJ het silwer huistoe geneem in die o/11 vrystyl onder 55KG, WP palm brons in vir die o/13 vrystyl onder 57KG, asook 5de plasing in die Presidente afdeling. Laastens, maar nie die minste nie, het Teghan die stoeiers ore aangesit in die o/15 Griek Romyns onder 68KG met brons, en neem ook 4de plek in met die vrystyl afdeling. Die Ermelo Stoeiklub nooi graag alle belangstellendes om navraag te doen en betrokke te raak by dié sport. Alle ouderdomsgroepe is welkom om aan te sluit. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hierdie riool loop dan verby ‘n nabygeleë skool, wat eerstens onaanvaarbaar is. Tweedens eindig die riool op in die Pet Dam, wat dan veroorsaak dat die dam verslyk. Ruik soos gebrek aan dienslewering 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 25 May 2021 Hierdie riool loop dan verby ‘n nabygeleë skool, wat eerstens onaanvaarbaar is. Tweedens eindig die riool op in die Pet Dam, wat dan veroorsaak dat die dam verslyk. Die skokkende nalatigheid vanaf Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) rakende die onderhoud van die rioolsisteem in Ermelo en omliggende areas, laat talle inwoners om op te snork met rou riool, en die stank en gesondheidsrisikos wat gepaard gaan met verstopte rioolpype. Die rioolsisteem in President Fouché Laan is in so erge mate afgeskeep, dat daar op ‘n bykans weeklikse basis rou riool bruis vanuit die mangate. Hierdie area is al in die kollig vir meer as drie jaar, waar daar weekliks klagtes ingedien word, maar geen gehoor gegee word vanaf MLM nie. Geen daadwerkilike poging word aangewend vanaf MLM om die probleem op te klaar nie. Tot die bittere frustrasie van inwoners oorkant dié gemors, pleit MLM, sowel as wyksraadslede, bewusteloos, met die relevante departement van MLM wat die rioolpype halfhartig ontblok, in plaas van om direkte aksie te neem en die groter probleem van die infrastruktuur op te los. Inwoners moet maar net tevrede wees met die flou verskoning dat hulle die konstante probleme blameer op die feit dat daar onregmatig gebou en verleng word by baie wonings, sonder die goedkeuring van ‘n bouinspekteur of dorpsbeplanner. Ander verskonings sluit in ‘n gebrek aan finansies, gebrek aan gereedskap en masjienerie, en ‘n reeks ander belaglike bogstories. MLM het in die verlede ook aangedui dat uitbreiding van die aantal inwoners die reeds bouvallige rioolsisteem uiteraard oorlaai. Inwoners van dié area laat egter nie weer toe dat MLM heuning om hul monde smeer nie, en beplan om protes aan te teken teenoor die beplande meenthuis kompleks in die area. “Ek weet nie onder wat se klip hierdie munisipaliteit se stadsbeplanner uitgekruip het nie. Ek weet nie eers of daar ‘n gekwalifiseerde beplanner is wat weet wat hy doen nie. Ek is nie geniaal nie, maar logika sê vir my dat daar geen manier is dat hulle net planne vir komplekse kan goedkeur, terwyl hul duidelik weet dat die infrastruktuur klaar vrot is nie.” Dié is die woorde van ‘n inwoner in die area, wat anoniem wil bly. “Hulle bou en bou en bou net, waar gaan dit eindig? Soos dit is sit ons bykans elke dag sonder elektrisiteit, en nou wil hulle nog ‘n spul komplekse bou. Hulle sê dat die 88kVA lyn “oorlaai” is, en dat dit die rede is dat ons in die donker sit en vingers tel. Maar tog keur hulle links en regs nuwe ontwikkelinge goed sonder om te aarsel. Soos dit is loop die stront die strate vol voor my huis, ek kan nie my deure of vensters oppmaak sonder om te versmag in die stank nie. My kinders kan nie buite speel nie want dit is uiters gevaarlik, veral tydens die COVID pandemie wat ons in is. Die munisipaliteit preek oor higiëne en wat nog alles, maar hulle kan nie eers basiese dienste verskaf nie. Waar is ons raadslid? Wie is ons raadslid? Geen mens weet nie. Ek het telkens die gesondheidsinspekteur in die hande probeer kry, maar loop in mure vas by die munisipaliteit. Hulle is van geen hulp nie. Skandelik, dit is die woord. Skandelik.” Na aanleiding van die vorige verklaring wat deur MLM uitgereik was, is die toekoms donker vir inwoners van die area, omrede daar na bewering geen finansies in die MLM koffers is nie. Die toestand in President Fouché Laan is al van so aard dat daar slote gegrou is langs die mangate waar die rou riool uitborrel, en dié vloei dan vrylik na die middel van die veld toe. Hierdie riool loop dan verby ‘n nabygeleë skool, wat eerstens onaanvaarbaar is. Tweedens eindig die riool op in die Pet Dam, wat dan veroorsaak dat die dam verslyk. Die Tribune het met MLM se woordvoerder, Mandla Zwane, gepraat. Dié wil inwoners verseker dat daar aandag gegee word aan die probleem, en dat hy die relevante departement in kennis gestel het van die riool. Zwane het ook gesê dat hul ‘n plan van aksie bekend sal stel rakende die dienslewering in die area sodra die begrotingsvergadering afgehandel is. Sien meer foto’s en video’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sprankelende Tersia laat reuse leemte 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 28 September 2021 “Tersia, ons mis jou reeds, maar ons weet jy kyk af na ons met ‘n glimlag op jou gesig. Weet ons sal jou sprankelende persoonlikheid en jou glimlag altyd saam met ons dra.” Tersia Oosthuizen (56) het op Vrydag, 24 September haar engel vlerkies gekry. Sy was ‘n welbekende in die omgewing, en het altyd reg gestaan vir raad, ‘n geselsie en ‘n glasie wyn. Sy was baie geliefd in die gemeenskap, en het gelewe vir haar kinders, familie, diere en dan ook haar vriend, Flip Venter. Tersia was werksaam by De Wit Motors in Ermelo vir die afgelope dertien jaar. Tersia het in die laaste jaar vir Flip ontmoet, vir wie sy werklik baie lief was, en saam wie sy weer kon glo in liefde. Die paartjie het elke kans gebruik wat hul saam kon wees om mekaar se geselskap te kon geniet, en het altyd heerlik saam gedans. “Haar skielike afsterwe was vir ons almal ‘n groot skok, maar ons almal weet sy is nou op ‘n baie beter plek”, het haar kinders en Flip aan die Tribune gesê. Tersia se Facebook blad kan getuig hoe geliefd sy was, hoe baie mense werklik vir haar om gegee het, en in wie se lewens sy verskille gemaak het. Tersia was vreeslik lief vir haar huis en haar diere, en oor ‘n naweek sou jy altyd vir Tersia by die huis gekry het waar sy in haar tuin gewerk het en altyd gesorg het dat daar nuwe blommetjies geplant word. Sy was baie lief vir die buite lewe, en het die see vreeslik geniet. “Tersia, ons mis jou reeds, maar ons weet jy kyk af na ons met ‘n glimlag op jou gesig. Weet ons sal jou sprankelende persoonlikheid en jou glimlag altyd saam met ons dra.” Tersia word oorleef deur haar twee sussies, Lizette Joubert en Alta Lombard, haar drie kinders, Rynhard, Andrè en Liezl, en dan ook haar vriend, Flip Venter. Die familie wil net graag die gemeenskap bedank vir elke oproep, boodskap en vinnige inloer en al die ondersteuning. “Rus sag by Liewe Jesus se voete.” < Previous Article Next Article >

The municipality claims that the residents owe R909 557 309 in unpaid services. MLM proposes stiff tariff hikes for services 1/18 Share GK CRONJE 17 May 2022 The municipality claims that the residents owe R909 557 309 in unpaid services. As the infrastructure and overall condition of Msukaligwa declines, and hundreds of residents lament the abysmal failure in service delivery from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), the municipality has set forth proposed tariff increases for their services rendered. However, the proposal has not gone down well with residents, who have had it in chunks with the ineptitude from the municipality. The municipality has proposed a 5% (plus 5% rebate covered) increase in property rates, and a section mysteriously named “other” seeing a proposed 6% increase. The comment section of the posted proposed increase is a bloodbath, with angered and frustrated residents having their say. Nearly all residents who commented strongly oppose the increase, stating that the services aren’t even being delivered, yet the municipality looks to increase charges. On the electrical front, a myriad of residents have been, are still are, without electricity in many wards. Wesselton, Everest, Thusiville and Nyibe have sections that have been left weeks without water and electricity. A group of angered community members protested at the municipality recently, after they were left without water for four months due to alleged pump and transformer issues on part of the municipality. Residents in Cassim Park face a daily struggle with electricity, with a large number of wards being left in the dark while MLM drag their feet to restore the supply. De Bruin Park sees outages on a daily basis, and Netherland Park gets the short end of the stick on both fronts, with residents sitting in dark for days on end. The erratic electricity supply in Ermelo East is nothing to write home about either, with a large number of residents left without electricity for 5 days as MLM technicians struggled to power an extensively patched MV cable. This cable was ultimately fully replaced after uproar from frustrated residents. In addition to all the above, the implementation of municipal load reduction puts the icing on the cake, as the municipality is unable to provide sufficient electricity due to notified maximum demand constraints from Eskom. The municipality now proposes to put a 7.47% increase on electricity tariffs in effect, on top of the already loaded electricity prices. The municipality also proposes an expenditure increase of 9.61% for bulk electrical purchases, and a 15% expenditure increase on the interest of late Eskom payments. Msukaligwa Local Municipality is, at this time, R153 719 572 in arrears on their repayment agreement to Eskom. They have been listed by Eskom as one of the municipalities who have defaulted on their repayment agreement with the state utility. The municipality has since washed their hands of the breach of agreement, shifting the blame to the residents of Msukaligwa. The municipality claims that the residents owe R909 557 309 in unpaid services. Residents and businesses are having none of this, however, stating that the “owed” figure from the municipality is fabricated. According to disgruntled business owners, the financial system of the municipality leaves much to be desired, with the finance office simply accepting the estimated figures submitted by departments. It has been proven on several occasions that the wildly inaccurate estimates employed by the municipality is a borderline joke, with laughable amounts being billed to residents and businesses. These fabricated amounts are never rectified on the municipal billing system, and many residents and businesses are forced by the municipality to pay wildly inaccurate bills, only to be “credited” an X amount by the municipality. Not only has it been stated that charging a consumer by estimation being illegal, it also wreaks havoc on the already crippled municipal billing system. The estimates are rarely rectified on utility bills, and the chief financial officer of the municipality merely plods along, robbing Peter to pay Paul. In light of the water supply in Msukaligwa, the situation is equally bleak. Despite a multi-million Rand “infrastructure upgrade” in Breyten, which was announced with a great hoopla, residents still experience water outages for weeks on end. This, after both the municipality and DWS stated that the water woes of residents in the affected area would be at an end. Chrissiesmeer isn’t much better off, with residents sitting without water for weeks upon end, with no explanation from the municipality. Residents in Everest and Thusiville has literally been left without potable water for several months. Ermelo East residents have been with little to no water for more than a month, and residents in Netherland Park also left high and dry, approaching the 30-day mark without a single drop of water on Thursday this week. Despite the municipality being at fault for the outages, for which they can offer no acceptable explanation, residents are charged between R350 and R600 to fill up their JoJo tank, should they have one. The central business district is often left with dry taps, as damaged water pipes, coupled with sluggish response from the municipality, frustrate business owners in the CBD. Residents in Buhrman, Jansen and Smuts Street feel the effects of dry taps, with many residences sitting without water, while adjacent properties inexplicably have water supply. John Vorster Park seems to reportedly have the least issues with the water supply. The municipality has proposed a 6% increase in water tariffs, which has hundreds of residents and business owners hot under the collar. Sewerage services will see a proposed increase of 6%, along with the same being applied to refuse services. The increase is proposed amidst Ermelo and the surrounding areas resembling a veritable pig sty, with uncollected refuse lining the sidewalks of Cassim Park, Netherland Park and the outer edges of the CBD. Wesselton, Everest, Thusi Village and more have resorted to creating their own versions of landfills, as the refuse collection service in these areas are virtually non-existent. Cassim Park has large sections of the wards illegally dumping refuse in nearby fields and the area surrounding the once-beautiful central shopping complex. Ermelo, Wesselton, Breyten and many other areas are rife with sewerage network issues, with overflowing manholes and raw sewage lining the streets being no strange sight to residents. The municipality blames aging pipes being the reason for the hundreds of spillages polluting the environment, coupled with insufficient pipe dimensions attributing to stoppages and overflows. Residents aren’t biting on the story, as many have stated that the municipal town planner should have made providing for the influx of sewerage from living complexes and security villages that have been constructed left and right in recent years. While the population of Ermelo has increased exponentially, no infrastructure provision has been made by the municipality. The tariff increase is also frowned upon due to the fact that the municipality nary addresses the root of the problem of sewerage network issues, and instead opts for shortcuts and blame-shifting. The municipality has, for example, dug trenches in President Fouché Avenue to redirect a years-long sewerage overflow to the middle of the field. This field, which is actually supposed to be protected wetland, then directs kiloliters of raw sewage into the Pet Dam. The teams that have dug the trenches have also completely demolished the sidewalk and several storm drains, which have since collapsed. The clogged storm drainage system will inevitably lead to extensive water drainage issues in this area, which is already plagued by floods and polling water and sewage. The municipality further blames residents for obstructing the sewerage network with a variety of foreign objects. However, hundreds of sewerage line manholes withing the municipality have been left open, either from damage, or from alleged theft of manhole covers. These manhole covers are subsequently never replaced, inviting foreign objects into the network. Lastly, the municipality has proposed various other expenditure increases. These proposed expenditures include employee related costs being increased with 4.90%, councillor remuneration being increased with 4.90%, bulk water inventory being increased with 10%, and contracted services being increased by 4.40%. Repair and maintenance, which is stated as 10% of the municipality’s operating budget, is proposed to be increased by 100%. Lastly, diesel and petrol expenditures are proposed to be increased with 30%, stating the Ukraine conflict as the reason. The infamous “other” expenditures category sees a proposed 4.90% increase. The public is invited to submit their opinions on the proposed increases by sending an e-mail to either jthulare@msukaligwa.gov.za , or to smphiri@msukaligwa.gov.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

'n Dekade van stank vir dank 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 12 October 2021 Gesagsfigure van MLM laat veel te wense in terme van dienslewering, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede wat deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het. Met die munisipale verkiesing wat op 1 November 2021 plaasvind, staan munisipaliteite en politiese partye regoor die land paraat met goue beloftes en groot sprake van opgeknapte dienslewering en verandering in die land se chaotiese toestand. In Ermelo is dit egter ‘n heel ander storie. Terwyl die land se munisipaliteite benoude spronge gee, en soveel oënskynlike dienslewering as moontlik probeer lewer voor die verkiesing, gee Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) nie ‘n dooie duit om nie. Inwoners van President Fouché Straat is warm onder die kraag nadat verkiesingsplakkate opgerig was in die area, terwyl die mense wild en wakker uitswaai vir slaggate, en rou riool die velde vol vloei. “Dit is skandelik, hulle het geen skaamte, en geen trots nie;” het ‘n hoogs ontstoke inwoner aan die Tribune ePaper gesê. “Die manne wat die plakkate kom opsit het hier naby my huis, sal mos nou met hulle bakkie deur die riool ry, agter op die bakkie staan en die plakkate teen die boom vas sit, en dan nog lag oor hoe die rou riool spat terwyl hul deur dit ry. In wat se wêreld is dit ‘n grap? Hoe laag moet jy daal om te lag oor dienslewering wat gefaal word deur die bank, terwyl jy jouself weer in ‘n leierskap posisie probeer inwurm? Ek weet nie waar gaan ons dorp, en ons land opeindig nie. Skandelik, dit is al woord wat ek aan kan dink.” Ten spyte van die rioolprobleem wat al vir meer as ‘n dekade inwoners dwars in die krop steek, keur MLM steeds nuwe bouprojekte, bouplanne en uitbreidings links en regs goed, terwyl die omgewing, die fauna en flora, sowel as die inwoners aan die kortste end trek. Die vervalle rioolstelsel in President Fouchélaan en die omliggende wyke draai afwaarts op ‘n daaglikse basis, met munisipale bestuurders uit drie, en binnekort die vierde verkiesing, se beloftes wat steeds nie nagekom word nie. Die impak op die natuurlewe en vleilanddiere, veral die reiers wat Ermelo altyd verfraai het, is kommerwekkend. Die konstante riool besoedeling in hierdie area het die Pet Dam, wat altyd die tuiste van hierdie voêls was, so erg besoedel dat nie boom wat hulle nes gemaak het in, gevrek en verdor het. Die reiers het met die verdorring ook hulself skaars gemaak, en talle van die voêls is dood aangetref. Die impak van die besoedeling is ook bewys deur honderde visse in die Pet Dam wat gevrek het in 2016. Dié besoedeling, direk veroorsaak deur rou riool vanaf President Fouchélaan en die area tot bo Camdenlaan, is doodluiters onder die mat ingevee. Die kwansuise water toetse wat gedoen sou word deur die munisipalitiet en die Gert Sibande Distrik, se resultaat het nooit die lig van dag gesien nie. Alhoewel die Tribune ePaper telkens navrae gerig het aan MLM rakende die besoedeling en die water toetse, het die munisipale woordvoerder en relevante departemente absoluut geen reaksie, en geen terugvoer verskaf nie. Navrae word bloot geignoreer deur die munisipaliteit. Afgesien van die rioolstorting wat na die Pet Dam vloei en 'n spoor van besoedeling en dood in die natuur agterlaat, sluit die oorloop van dié dam aan by die Klein Drinkwater stroom, wat uiteindelik in die reeds hoogs besoedelde Vaalrivier beland. In 'n omgewingsstudie wat gepubliseer is, word MLM, sowel as drie ander Mpumalanga-munisipaliteite, uitdruklik as die grootste skuldige partye in die jare lange besoedeling van die Vaalrivier beskou. Helaas, tot op hede is geen opgraderings of aksie deur MLM onderneem nie. Die situasie het inteendeel vererger, met die gereelde verstoppings en oorloop van die rioollyn in President Fouchélaan wat duidelik die groter probleemfaktor met die rioolnetwerk in die kalklig stel. Ontevrede inwoners in die area, wat met die konstante reuk van rou riool moet opsnork, terwyl menslike ontlasting, sanitêre produkte, kondome, lappe en toiletpapier in die somer son lê en bak, se pleidooi val op dowe ore. Die velde in hierdie gebied word voortdurend deurdrenk en is ‘n moeras van rioolwater en vullis, en hou ernstige gesondheidsimplikasies in vir inwoners, asook die leerders van die nabygeleë skole. Gesagsfigure van MLM laat veel te wense in terme van dienslewering, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede wat deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het. Die Gert Sibande -distriksmunisipaliteit is ook by verskeie geleenthede oor die kwessie ingelig, maar beweer dat hul geen jurisdiksie in die aangeleentheid het nie, en dat die onus ten volle op MLM lê. Teen perstyd wag die Tribune ePaper steeds vir terugvoer rakende dié kwessie, wat al op 8 April 2021 aan Mandla Zwane, munisipale woordvoerder, gerig was. Hierdie navraag, sowel elke navraag vroeër, was bloot geignoreer. Meer foto's en video's kan op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo, gesien word. < Previous Article Next Article >