Search this site

"A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures." Residents have had it in chunks 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 3 May 2022 "A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures." Chaos erupted at Msukaligwa Local Municipality on Thursday, 28 April 2022, when a number of answer-seeking community members arrived at the municipal offices. Whilst the main reason for the gathering was the fact that they have been left without water and electricity for more than ten days while municipal officials beat around the bush, they also vented their frustration at the alleged nepotism and corruption within the municipality. According to the well known community champion, Mzwandile Zulu, several decisions have been made within the municipality that contravenes both the ANC mandate, as well as the rules of conduct as set forth in the constitution. According to Zulu, far-reaching decisions were made during a council meeting where an inadequate number of councillors were present. Therefore all members of council were either not aware or consulted on decisions taken by the acting troika members. The question of the original troika members also lingered, where the community stated that the elected troika was unlawfully removed, and replaced with the action trio, who had allegedly been appointed through means of nepotism. On the day, the community demanded answers as to the lack of transparency at the municipality, and the empty promises made by the acting leadership. Despite the fact that, according to the community, the municipality stated that a transformer was the cause of the extended electrical in a large area, which included Everest and Thusi Village, they failed to deliver the needed repairs and replacement in the timeframe promised. The municipality had relayed a message to the community that the transformer would be fixed a week prior to the date of the community protest. However, no action had been taken by the municipality at the time of the gathering. From behind barred entrance gates, the municipality provided a proof of payment for the equipment needed, and claimed that the transformer would be delivered on the same day 28 April 2022. However, residents were having none of it, claiming it's just more deception from the municipality. Community leaders demanded to speak to one of the municipal leadership, of which none were to be found. The acting mayor, municipal manager and speaker were nowhere to be found, which further infuriated residents. Instead of a person in a leadership position stepping up and taking the rap, it was left to councillors and community leaders to convey messages to try and quell the fed-up community. Instead of municipal leaders taking charge of the situation and providing clarity on questions from the community, the municipality opted to bar the entrance to the municipality. Thousands of Rands in income had been lost, as residents who wished to pay their utility bills were turned away due municipal officials refusing to unlock the entrance gates. The security company employed by the municipality had blatantly refused to unlock the entrance, despite pleas from several councillors. With the acting mayor and municipal manager disappearing like needles in a haystack, Cllr Zulu was forced to step up to the plate, attempting to answer the questions set fort by the community. However, he could only provide limited answers, being an outsider himself, while municipal top brass allegedly take important decisions behind closed doors. The elected council is reportedly hampered around every corner, being excluded from important decisions which require a majority vote to pass. Community members also claim that the top structure at the municipality has laid off various long-time municipal employees to make way for friends, wives, girlfriends and more, who are reportedly wholly unqualified to perform their duties. Some of the alleged cadre employments do not, according to Mzwandile Zulu, possess a Grade 12 qualification. This is one of the fundamental requirements of employment, which is circumvented. "The acting leadership should step down at Msukaligwa Local Municipality. There is no accountability in the municipality. First and foremost, they have been appointed to their positions without the mandate being followed. Protocol has been breached with their employment at the municipality, which flies directly in the face of what President Ramaphosa had said during the recent ANC election rally. Corruption is running rampant while the community suffers. The entire town is going to the dogs while the leadership at Msukaligwa fight for the political top positions. If you don't agree with the methods, you simply get removed without warning. The community needs selfless leadership, which adheres to the mandate set forth my the ANC. Instead, they are making up their own rules, and in so doing they violate the constitution and the rights of the community. How is this acceptable?" Mzwandile Zulu said. He also stated that the political power play within the municipality is bringing the municipality, services and everything surrounding it, to its knees. The decisions taking behind closed doors are negatively affecting the community and businesses of Msukaligwa. "How can a decision be taken when a large number of council members are not present to partake in the decision? Fourteen council members out of more than thirty were present, and major decisions have been taken which serve no purpose other than political power plays. Whenever there are questions to be answered, they run and hide in their offices. How can a municipality function if there is nobody in the office, as they claim? There is nobody to take responsibility for what is happening to our town. Look at the roads. Look at the business district. Look at the informal settlements. It is a disgrace. It is one acting official after the next acting official, of whom none have a stake in our community. They are brought in from outside locations and unconstitutionally and unlawfully placed in power positions, without being elected. President Ramaphosa has clearly stated the mandate and requirements to be elected, but a large number of power positions are filled by dropouts, who have friends in high places. A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures,” he said with disdain. The community has vowed to return, and demand that a complete cleanup of the municipality be put in order. Demands include that the acting troika step down, and that an internal investigation and audit be conducted within Msukaligwa Local Municipality to oust the political rot. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

VLU Amersfoort geniet spesiale dag 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 23 August 2022 Die tak bedank ook vir Anne-Marie, wat ‘n spesiale geskenk aan Carina oorhandig het. Amersfoort VLU Tambuki Streek het op Vrouedag, 9 Augustus 2022 hul vergadering gehou by die AGS kerksaal. Carina Bam, ‘n somatoloog van Platteland Aesthetics in Ermelo het vir die dames ‘n demonstrasie aangebied, en hul meer vertel van “needling”, sowel as vele ander vel prosedures. Martie Struwig was die gelukkige wenner van ‘n gratis velbehandeling sessie, en elke dame het op die dag ‘n geskenkpakkie ontvang. Amersfoort VLU bedank graag elkeen wat die dag geniet het saam hul, en sien uit na volgende maand se vergadering. Die tak bedank ook vir Anne-Marie, wat ‘n spesiale geskenk aan Carina oorhandig het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Danger, stray cattle ahead 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. As reported by various media houses, the issue of stray livestock in Ermelo residential areas, parts of the CBD and the outskirts has been ongoing for years, with no action on part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and its departments. A warning is hereby issued to residents traveling in the vicinity of Pick n Pay, as there are a group of stray cattle at the traffic light on a daily basis. At an intersection where vehicles often travel at moderate to high speeds, this is a life-threatening situation. In the case of stray livestock in Ermelo and the surrounding areas, the by-laws are wholly ignore. This is hardly surprising, as the by-laws set forth by the municipality are failed to be upheld. This creates a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and a danger for motorists. The stray livestock in Ermelo have become so used to traffic and scolds from angry residents, that not even car horns or angry yells spook these animals. Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. This an ongoing, serious and pressing issue in Ermelo. Alas, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. < Previous Article Next Article >

“We have adopted a zero tolerance towards unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We have turned down for condonation of the expenditure. We are demanding accountability where wasteful expenditure has occurred.” Msibi said. COGTA to probe municipal disarray Mandla Msibi, COGTA MEC. Mandla Msibi, COGTA MEC. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 November 2020 “We have adopted a zero tolerance towards unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We have turned down for condonation of the expenditure. We are demanding accountability where wasteful expenditure has occurred.” Msibi said. Co-operative governance and traditional affairs (COGTA) chairperson, China Dodovu, and COGTA MEC Mandla Msibi, are probing the financial status of local municipalities, governance, audit outcomes and service delivery matters were among the key issues that the committee focused on during a visit to three embattled municipalities. More municipalities are under scrutiny, and will be announced in due course. Non-compliance to legislation, lack of consequence management and failure to adhere to payment plans are among the contributing factors that caused the troubled local municipalities, Govan Mbeki, Thaba Chweu and Dr JS Moroka to collapse, the oversight committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) announced. “We observed the tendency to ignore legislation in the municipality (Govan Mbeki). We also noted that it has failed to submit financial statements to the Auditor-General (AG). The Eskom debt escalated into millions of rands. This is a serious cause for concern. Where was the leadership when all of this occurred?” asked Dodovu during the sitting in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. COGTA briefed the committee about the decision to invoke Section 106 of the Constitution as an intervention to deal with allegations of maladministration, and as a measure for clean governance in Govan Mbeki. Msibi told the committee about the steps being taken to address financial mismanagement in all municipalities. “We have adopted a zero tolerance towards unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We have turned down for condonation of the expenditure. We are demanding accountability where wasteful expenditure has occurred.” Msibi said. < Previous Article Next Article >

Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Poo troubles in Pet Street 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 21 September 2021 Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Complaints from businesses and residents in Pet Street led to the discovery of a massive sewage overflow, with raw sewage encompassing an area of several hundred meters. Apart from the health risks associated with the overflow, where pedestrians and nearby residents have to traverse, the sewage also flows into a stream flowing towards Klein Drinkwater stream, ultimately ending up polluting the Vaal Dam. Residences on the opposite side of the read also has their fair share of sewage overflow, as the main lines were seemingly blocked. Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Speaking to Mandla Zwane, spokesman for Msukaligwa Local Municipality, he has confirmed that the relevant teams have responded to the issue. “According to the sewer section, two of the three main holes were cleaned and unblocked last week. Today (Monday, 20 September 2021) they are cleaning the last one. The municipality appeals to the public to report any sewer spillage to the municipal contact centre for speedy responses. Our sincere apology to the affected community,” he stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. Felons make off with R6 million worth of cables 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has suffered and estimated combined loss of R6 million after a burglary at two of their storage rooms. Speaking to the municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, the thieves gained access to the storage rooms after damaging the locks. “The cables were stolen from the two storage rooms, which are in close proximity to one another. The locks were damaged, despite rumors indicating otherwise. A case has been opened with the SAPS, and the Secunda Organized Crime Unit also investigated the incident.” At the time of publication, no further information could be gleaned from MLM. The spokesman stated that the incident is still under investigation, and additional information released could hamper the investigation. According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. < Previous Article Next Article >

PROJECT ERMELO - Mike Bolhuis to intervene as MLM falls apart 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 June 2021 "If a municipality fails to fulfill any of the mandates set forth by the national government, it is a crime. As simple as that." As you sit in the dark for 20 hours a day, for the fourth consecutive day, as yourself if it is acceptable. As you watch how polluted and muddy water runs from your taps, ask yourself if it is acceptable. As you hit yet another pothole, and have to replace yet another tyre on your vehicle, ask yourself if it is acceptable. As Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) simply blames your woes on the 88kVA and 11kVA being “overloaded”, the onus of appliances ruined by electrical spikes are on you as tax paying resident. As new developments are approved left and right by MLM’s apparent town planner, no foresight is given to the residents who suffer without electricity on a daily basis. While MLM claims that the electrical infrastructure is overloaded and at maximum capacity, more developments are approved by MLM on a monthly basis. While MLM claims that non-paying residents are to blame for the lack of maintenance, the municipality has set forth a mandate that consumer debt be written off under certain conditions, to the tune of nearly R600 million. Does this make sense to you? While you have to weave and bob to miss the thousands of potholes and sinkholes on the roads in Ermelo and the surrounding areas, MLM claims to have a “shoestring budget” that they receive from government. Thousands, if not millions of Rands, are wasted on half-hearted patchwork of the roads, instead of repairing the roadway as mandated. Potholes are filled with dirt and gravel, and expand exponentially as the surface deteriorates to a state of non-existence. Are you satisfied with this? As you stand in your front yard, and take a deep whiff of rank, raw sewage flowing in the streets in front of your house... Are you satisfied? As you have to drive through pools of sewage as you exit your yard, and your children have to tread carefully not to be contaminated with raw sewage, does it make you feel good? While you sit without street lights, and your residence is shrouded in darkness, are you complacent with the fact that you can be robbed blind without even knowing it? Are you content with the fact that hijackers and criminals can sit outside your yard and wait for you to open your gate, remaining unseen due to the street lights that have been out of commission for over ten years? Are you content with the fact that your tax money is wasted on fruitless expenditures by Msukaligwa Local Municipality, that you are overcharged by the municipality’s archaic billing system, that you pay penalties on payments that are not logged by the municipality, and that year after year, you are done in with bogus property taxes that are thumbsucked by municipal officials? If the answer to any of the above is no, then it your time to shine. It is time for residents to stop talking and complaining, and to take action. A group of like-minded residents, that have had it in chunks with the utter incompetence displayed by Msukaligwa Local Municipality, have approached Private Investigator, Mike Bolhuis, to assist in solving the humanitarian crisis that Ermelo is steering towards. Mr. Bolhuis has thus requested that all complaints be submitted in a categorized fashion. Speaking to Mr. Bolhuis, residents are urged to take heed of his words. “I would like to issue a friendly but serious warning to residents of Ermelo. Project Ermelo, that we are requested to assist with, can only be a success if everyone sets their differences and varied opinions aside, and sets the issue of crime as the main focus and problem. Residents of Ermelo should look past race, politics and differences in faith. We are all just human, and God has no blue-eyed boys. We request unequivocal unity from the community, that all residents and tax payers take hands and stand together, and assist us in any way necessary with our project and investigation. With Project Ermelo, we can not afford infighting between residents, where the best apples are compared to the best oranges. The main and singular focus of the community and this project should be to identify, solve and prevent crime. This trio of goals are of utmost importance. There is no place for persons who dislike one another, and each and every community member is urged to be part of the investigation, e-mail messages and WhatsApp groups. I would like to urge the community to keep all issues that are not relevant to Project Ermelo to be set aside, and that all energy should be focused on the project goal. The fact of the matter is that a crime is being committed. If a municipality fails to fulfill any of the mandates set forth by the national government, it is a crime. As simple as that. If the municipality does not maintain the infrastructure, it is a crime. A municipality can not be called a municipality, if it does not deliver a service. The solution to this problem can only be had if the community as a whole stands together, and works together. We will be the spearhead, and in this way work for the community. We appreciate any donations, no matter how big or small. When the opportunity presents itself, we visit Ermelo, we conduct the investigation, we collect audio and video evidence, and we confront the municipality. If no heed is paid by the municipality, it is escalated to a national project, complete with audio and video, and will be presented to national government.” If you have a complaint regarding electricity, sewage, road conditions, lack of service delivery, suspected corruption, financial mismanagement and more, please send each complaint in a separate e-mail, with the subject stating the category of the complaint. This way it will be easier to sort and compile a list of the issues that need attention. You may send your categorized complaint to ermeloproject@gmail.com . Please ensure that your e-mail body and complaints match the subject heading as described above. Residents who wish to make a donation, no matter how big or small, towards the compensation of service from Mr. Bolhuis, may do so by depositing funds into the slated trust account. Mr. Bolhuis has agreed to come to Ermelo and address the community as a whole to take note of all complaints right through the board. Kevin Duggan on 071 476 2028, or Lynette Hattingh on 082 542 9592 with any enquiries. The account details are as follows: PWG Attorneys, FNB Ermelo (270 344) Account Number: 52180048278. Reference: E747, please include your initials and surname afterwards. These funds will thus be regulated and tightly controlled, and will be utilized solely for the purpose of reimbursing Mr. Bolhuis and his team for their provided service. At the time of publication, more than 150 detailed and categorized complaints have been submitted by businesses and residents. From here, what the community does as a whole will affect the future of Ermelo. All residents are urged to unite in solidarity, and to take back the power which rightly belongs to them as paying consumers. < Previous Article Next Article >

Strife within the ANC continues 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 February 2022 Resignation would force the municipality into by-elections. On Thursday, 27 January, ANC members opposing the alleged corruption, nepotism and fraud within the structures of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), as well as the regional branch of the ANC Gert Sibande, gathered at the gates of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM). These steely protestors are standing their ground against the alleged plot by the regional ANC and corrupt entities within the municipality. The group also stands on behalf of the present board of councillors at MLM, who have repeatedly highlighted the corruption that drills to the core of the municipality. The executive mayor, Cllr Mahlalela, have also made her stance against corrupt acitivities within the establishment quite clear, and has subsequently been accused of defying instructions from the ANC regional executive committee (REC). It had been stated in a memorandum that the REC has resolved to have her recalled, along with the chief whip, Cllr Buthelezi, and the speaker, Cllr Mandini, effectively dissolving the Troika, which consists of these members. The sudden recall and infighting within the ANC hierarchy is the result of an explosive list of corrupt activities that has been ongoing for years withing the municipality, laid bare by the current councillors and Troika. The Troika has refused to step down, claiming that they are being bullied into turning a blind eye to corruption. The councillors also claim that the REC has ordered a halt on the investigation lodged against a dodgy tender awarded to 303 Security to the tune of R103 million. According to the councillors, this is just one of many instances of where the chain of supply has been circumvented to benefit a select few individuals. It has been confirmed that the executive mayor has opened criminal cases against the said company, as well as he director of community and social services. The ANC REC claims that there is no vendetta, and that the recall comes after a “glitch in the ANC registration of the candidates”. However, councillors are having none of this, citing that the PR list has been altered by the REC, and that the IEC is in cahoots with those fiddling with official documentation. The councillors, along with a large mass of the community, has taken a firm stance, also verifying that the PR list was different to the original list. This list has been the topic of debate for an extended period of time. The councillors have threatened to resign in unison should the REC continue to, according to council, interfere with the daily operations of the municipality. Resignation would force the municipality into by-elections. < Previous Article Next Article >

Heavy rain impacts tomato price 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 We've already seen a slight improvement and as the weeks go on, probably in the next two to three weeks, the situation should return to normal. ZZ2, the country's biggest supplier of tomatoes' marketing manager, Clive Garrett, has stated that heavy rainfall experienced in the country recently has caused a drop in the supply of tomatoes, a much-loved South African staple. “In dry conditions, tomatoes flourish as long as you have enough water or water rivers or dams but when you have excessive rains like we've had in January and February, generally tomatoes don't thrive. We've already seen a slight improvement and as the weeks go on, probably in the next two to three weeks, the situation should return to normal. In January and February we had more rain in those two months than we generally have in a year,” he said. Garrett added that when there is heavy rain, it brings on infestations of insects and damage to the plants and the fruit from the rain. All salad-type vegetables have been hit hard, as there have also been reports of a shortage of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and potatoes due to the excessive rain. “Our prices in South Africa are determined by demand and supply. Still, the majority of our products happen to land up on the national fresh produce market. I think the supermarkets take their leads from what happens on the national fresh produce market. It happens all over the world when there is a shortage of goods the price goes up,” Garret concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

The underground electrical cables around the swimming pool has been excavated and melted down inside the building. Enterprising looters have also begun breaking down sections of the walls and chipping the bricks clean, presumably for personal use or sale. Vandalism rife as MLM looks the other way 1/8 Share GK CRONJE 13 July 2021 The underground electrical cables around the swimming pool has been excavated and melted down inside the building. Enterprising looters have also begun breaking down sections of the walls and chipping the bricks clean, presumably for personal use or sale. With great execrations and excitement, the Pet Dam reform project was announced in mid 2016. Golden promises of ablution blocks, braai areas, security gates and operating hours turned out to be little more than a lick and a promise. Sibongintuthuko Construction was awarded the tender to construct the Betwaview fence, which would be part of the reform project. The fence spans a distance of 720 meters, and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) stated that the costs were covered by a Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG). According to MLM at the time, the fencing of the Pet Dam was an initiative bt Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM). However, absolutely nothing has come of the project, and to date, the state of the Pet Dam, public swimming pool and surrounding area has, in fact, regressed in shocking fashion. Since its construction, the fence has rusted, sagged and is now lopsided. Sections have been destroyed by vehicular accidents, and a section has been cut open by vandals to provide easy shortcuts to the loot at the abandoned public swimming pool. Despite promises from MLM and GSDM that the area would be spruced up, and that the public swimming pool would be, once again, be an popular attraction, the exact opposite has transpired. The main purpose of the fence has been defeated, and loitering, littering and groups of vagrants and vandals setting up camp in the husk of the swimming pool building is the order of the day. Despite enquiries from over the span of several months, no response has been received from neither the GSDM Communication Unit, nor MLM. Several instances of vandalism and looting had been reported since approximately 2017, where intoxicated residents partying at the swimming pool building damaged the building in their drunken stupor. Fast forward to 2021, and the swimming pool, building, pump house and storage room has been looted of all that is valuable. A lack of action taken by both MLM and the SAPS is to blame. Residents in the vicinity of the Pet Dam has complained on several occasions that they have reported instances of looting and vandalism to the SAPS, who in turn claimed that they either did not have vehicles, or did not have officers to respond to the complaints. Upon investigation, the swimming pool building is an empty husk. Literally everything for value has been stripped from the building. The bathrooms have been vandalized beyond repair, with basins, toilets, shower heads and taps being long gone. The pump room has been systematically looted, with the water pipes being sawn off to access the inner copper lining. The filtration tanks are being cut apart piece by piece, and will soon be carried away as well. The lower parts of the roof has been looted and the beams are missing. Even the metal front gate, which was once locked, is missing. All window frames have been looted, and bricks have been gouged from the walls to strip the water pipes. The inside area of the swimming pool is strewn with melted plastic casings of electrical cables, and the remnants of the electrical infrastructure leaves nothing to be looted. The underground electrical cables around the swimming pool has been excavated and melted down inside the building. Enterprising looters have also begun breaking down sections of the walls and chipping the bricks clean, presumably for personal use or sale. The swimming pool, as well as the kid’s splash pool, is kept full by a water leak emanating from a looted water pipe. The leak had been reported to MLM in 2017, and the municipality has, to date, failed to take action to remedy the leak. It begs the question as to who foots the bill for this colossal waste of potable water, and why MLM has failed to take action in this regard. When all is said and done, the swimming pool, the surrounding buildings and the ghastly Pet Dam are all part of the large-scale collapse of Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The once glorious swimming pool is but a shadow if its former self, with the smell of urine and feces further tainting the dilapidated image of the site. Even amidst loud, yet hollow barking from councillors who threatened to lock the gates of the Pet Dam and hire security companies, the deafening silence of utter incompetence overbears all. < Previous Article Next Article >

DOH worried by rising COVID-19 infections 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 23 October 2020 The country was also warned that putting South Africa into a hard lockdown is still on the cards as a precautionary measure in a state of ignorance, as residents disregards COVID-19 regulations. South Africa’s health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, has expressed his worry and dismay following a steadily inclining rise in COVID-19 cases. South Africa's latest epidemiological reports shows an increase of 9.1% in new cases of COVID-19 over the past seven days, with an increase of 10.7% over the past two weeks. An increase in new cases has also been noticed in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng, and a shocking 42% increase in new infections in the Western Cape. “ As we emphasize that the risk of a COVID-19 resurgence is still high, we do not do it to instill fear. We, as government, has a responsibility to keep people informed when we notice trends. It would be irresponsible to ignore 'small ups and downs' that we see in some parts of the country.” Mkhize stated. He further says that the rate of new cases and deaths affects the recommendations to the National Command Council for dealing with issues concerning COVID-19 and regulations. “As we continue to monitor the development of a vaccine, our social behavior and our continuous adherence to health protocols and social distancing are the only weapons we have as a country. All of us must accept this responsibility, and encourage others to do the same.” he concluded. The country was also warned that putting South Africa into a hard lockdown is still on the cards as a precautionary measure in a state of ignorance, as residents disregards COVID-19 regulations. < Previous Article Next Article >

GSDM touted that the tankers handed over culminated in an amount of R10.3 million, which equates to approximately R1.4 million per tanker. This has already raised eyebrows, and stirred up a hornet’s nest, as similar tankers can be procured for as little as R450 000 each, if working on a tight budget. Residents bemoaned this fact, and claims that the prices of these tankers have been grossly overinflated. GSDM's water tankers do little to appease disgruntled communities Delegates during the handover of the water tankers. Delegates during the handover of the water tankers. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 August 2020 GSDM touted that the tankers handed over culminated in an amount of R10.3 million, which equates to approximately R1.4 million per tanker. This has already raised eyebrows, and stirred up a hornet’s nest, as similar tankers can be procured for as little as R450 000 each, if working on a tight budget. Residents bemoaned this fact, and claims that the prices of these tankers have been grossly overinflated. Delivering on their promise to assist municipalities to deliver basic services, Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) handed over seven 10 000 liter water tankers to seven municipalities, in a bid to improve service delivery to rural areas. “Gert Sibande District Municipality remains focused on its mandate which is to support local municipalities to provide excellent services and development. During the State of the District Address (SODA) for 2020, District Executive Mayor, Cllr. Muzi Chirwa, made a commitment that GSDM would continue to support local municipalities with service delivery fleet which is needed by the municipalities in the provision of basic services, especially in rural areas. On 12 August 2020, GSDM lived up to its promises. Seven 10 000 liter water tankers, amounting to R10.3 million, were handed over to the local municipalities to help improve the provision of water to communities without access to running portable water particularly amid the corona virus outbreak,” the statement from GSDM read. While this act, in itself, is a boon for residents who struggle with potable water, the reception of the announcement of these tankers were less than positive. What is supposed to be a positive act, has turned to fury from residents questioning the logic, as well as the math, behind these water tankers. Residents lamented the fact that money is being wasted on fruitless expenditures, instead of implementing lasting solutions to issues faced. Community members questioned why boreholes weren’t considered, and why groundwork for running water weren’t laid with these funds. Another lamented the fact that townships are riddled with overflowing sewerage pipes and manholes, and that water tankers do nothing to assist the struggling communities. Many residents outright stated that they do not trust the municipalities to use the tankers to its full potential, stating that they’ve never received potable water on the municipality’s own accord, even though they were so promised. Others were infuriated by the fact that a skyhigh Eskom bill, and the dismal electrical infrastructure could have been serviced with the cost of the tankers. GSDM touted that the tankers handed over culminated in an amount of R10.3 million, which equates to approximately R1.4 million per tanker. This has already raised eyebrows, and stirred up a hornet’s nest, as similar tankers can be procured for as little as R450 000 each, if working on a tight budget. Residents bemoaned this fact, and claims that the prices of these tankers have been grossly overinflated. Rubbing salt in the already smarting wounds of local municipalities that are teetering dangerously close to the brink of bankruptcy, GSDM has placed the onus of maintenance and upkeep of these tankers on the respective municipalities. The majority of these local municipalities can barely keep the ship afloat as is, without the need of additional financial strain. Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (GMM) is facing massive backlash from residents for their gross lack of service delivery and shocking mismanagement of their payment agreement with Eskom, which has resulted in municipal load shedding of up to 14 hours per day, coupled with incalculable water supply issues due to owing the Rand Water Board in excess of R245 million. Lekwa Local Municipality is knee-deep in lawsuits, as basic service delivery is virtually non-existent, and the ongoing pollution of the Vaal river being a major issue which the municipality has turned a blind eye to. Closer to home, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) owes Eskom a whopping R170 million, with a monthly repayment of nearly R10 million. In a trajectory that is distressingly similar to that of GMM, the supply of electricity to residents have been rationed considerably, with outages of up to 48 hours in some area due to alleged cable faults and transformer overloads. Coupled with load shedding, which wreaks havoc on the ill-maintained electrical infrastructure of MLM, residents sit in the dark for hours on end, while MLM technicians desperately scramble to patch up the mess caused by the gross lack of maintenance. It’s six months later, and MLM still plods along with the rotational load shedding, and is yet to announce a recovery plan for the situation, if one exists at all. Unfortunately, this isn’t an issue that will resolve itself with dreams and good wishes, and MLM isn’t forthcoming with information. This does not bode well for MLM, nor the frustrated, angry and desperate residents under it’s governance. In 2018, Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane announced that MLM, amongst others, were announced as “being placed under financial rescue to address issues of financial mismanagement.” Alas, this initiative has failed, as the state, and mountains of debt of all mentioned municipalities, including MLM, have worsened. Frankly, Mpumalanga municipalities are in a deep financial crisis, and are on the brink of total collapse, and no amount of honey around the mouths of residents is able to hide this fact. Funds and assistance received from district, provincial and government levels are poured into an endless black hole of cadre employment, exorbitant salaries, luxury vehicles and a myriad of other fruitless expenditures. < Previous Article Next Article >