Search this site

The MLM communication department simply stated that “the installation of new sewer pipeline near Global Filling Station is progressing very well”. Reprieve from sewage stench is in sight MLM in progress of replacing sewerage pipelines. The devestating effect of the 4-year long sewage overflow. The devestating effect of the 4-year long sewage overflow. MLM in progress of replacing sewerage pipelines. 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The MLM communication department simply stated that “the installation of new sewer pipeline near Global Filling Station is progressing very well”. After years of sewage spillage, and a barrage of endless complaints, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has taken it upon themselves to unblock and repair the disheveled sewerage network opposite Oosthuizen Street. In this week’s update on the progress of the project, the MLM communication department simply stated that “the installation of new sewer pipeline near Global Filling Station is progressing very well”. < Previous Article Next Article >

While Msukaligwa Local Municipality has replaced a section of sewerage line, the damage is already done, and raw sewage continues to pollute the environment and underground water sources. Residents of Extension 7 have to make do with the raw sewage flowing past their dwellings, along with a wide range of garbage, animal carcasses and other debris floating in the sewage. Sewage spillage wreaks havoc on environment 1/13 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 While Msukaligwa Local Municipality has replaced a section of sewerage line, the damage is already done, and raw sewage continues to pollute the environment and underground water sources. Residents of Extension 7 have to make do with the raw sewage flowing past their dwellings, along with a wide range of garbage, animal carcasses and other debris floating in the sewage. Residents and businesses familiar with the ongoing sewage spillage in the vicinity of Oosthuizen Street is in for a even bigger shock. While Msukaligwa Local Municipality has replaced a section of sewerage line, the damage is already done, and raw sewage continues to pollute the environment and underground water sources. Residents of Extension 7 have to make do with the raw sewage flowing past their dwellings, along with a wide range of garbage, animal carcasses and other debris floating in the sewage. The Tribune has, in light of the unimaginable environmental impact, approached various roleplayers within government, as well as AfriForum, VF Plus and Ermelo Business Association for input and potential solutions. MLM will also be approached for input on the matter. Read the full article in next week’s publication. You may view videos relating to this article on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Take a stand against poor service delivery 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 February 2021 This will assist the MB&CF’s legal team in bringing the municipality to penance. The Msukaligwa Business & Community Forum (MB&CF) has launched an initiative to get the public involved in bringing Msukaligwa Local Municipality to fulfil their service delivery obligations towards tax paying residents within its jurisdiction. Residents are requested to download the GPS Camera Map on their mobile phones, available from all app stores. Once installed, this application will allow the user to take photos of any and all service delivery issues, be it potholes, electrical issues, refuse, street lights, or any other service delivery related issues. The GPS Camera Application automatically overlays the exact coordinates of the photo, along with other essential information, which will assist the MB&CF’s legal team in bringing the municipality to penance. The MB&CF requests that all residents play their part in this by sending photographs via WhatsApp to 072 401 1449, or by sending an e-mail with the photo attached to mbc@myermelo.co.za . All received photographs will be presented as evidence in upcoming court cases. < Previous Article Next Article >

Spotlight on local illegal mining 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 Recently, an excavator has also been offloaded at Ding Dong, which proves the defiance of these operations that flies directly in the face of the law. Zama zama, a colloquial term which stems from Zulu, means “to try again” or “take a chance.” The term refers to artisanal (zama zama) miners that conduct illegal mining. Following the harrowing ordeal in Krugersdorp which involved illegal miners, both national and international scrutiny is on authorities, who are expected to pull up their socks and deal with the illegal mining scourge. Mpumalanga is especially rife with artisanal mining activity, with a surprising amount of these miners located in the immediate vicinity of Ermelo. Due to the entrance fee and security risks, artisanal mining is a dangerous method of making a living, with low-level miners often being misused and underpaid by ruthless kingpins and syndicates. It is estimated that more than six thousand of these illegal miners are underground nationwide, at any given time. In some areas, the illegal mining operations are dominated by immigrants who have entered illegally from neighboring countries, using violence and intimidation as a controlling force. Of the 400 abandoned coal mines across the country, Ermelo has been pointed as a troubling area, where abandoned mines lures crime, opportunity and many accidental deaths. Many if these deaths and injuries go unreported, due to undocumented immigrants, and the illegality of these mining operations. The long abandoned, and unrehabilitated Imbabala and Golfview mines, amongst others, have long been a topic of discussion. These sites still have open shafts, large bodies of water, extensive wash plant equipment and a number of deserted, multi-million Rand machines left behind. While the illegal mining is as clear as day, no official presence on the part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, the mine, the SAPS or the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) can be seen. The SAPS has, however, told the Tribune that organized sting operations with all roleplayers are required at sites such as these, with the involvement of provincial and national authorities, and that the SAPS can not act as lone gunmen in this regard. Certain protocol needs to be adhered to before action can be taken. Load after load of coal and other minerals are packed on to coal trucks, who in turn head off to their illicit destinations. Some of these illegal operations have unbranded mining vehicles in their employ. The incapacity or unwillingness of authorities to step in may be the cause, while it may be considered that wide scale payoffs take place in order to have authorities avert their eyes. Mpumalanga is, after all, known for its rampant and blatant corruption. Unfortunately, these illegal activities and unrehabilitated mines have serious implications for the environment, food production and proper management of water resources in these areas. The additional issue is the unregulated and illicit nature of the mining often brings about violence, corruption, and turf warfare. Rival miners have been known to fight over profitable territory, rob fellow miners and trap one another in the mines to deter competition. Complaints from the community have also been a matter of interest, where it is alleged that these artisanal miners lure violent behavior to neighborhoods. Case en point, on Sunday evening, 7 August 2022, at approximately 18:30, reports had been received of approximately five bakkies that had cordoned off the entrance to the illegal mining sites. These bakkies seemingly prevented the heavy vehicles from entering and exiting the sites. According to the source, visible tension between the parties could be seen, which indicates that the nationwide crackdown on illegal mining sites are already putting pressure on the artisanal miners in the Ermelo region. The tension is expected to increase as authorities are poised to move from Gauteng towards Mpumalanga in the bid to halt the spread of these artisanal miners. Mine collapses and rock falls have also killed hundreds of artisanal miners, due to the lack of support structures within these mines. The local SAPS is, understandably, unwilling to take the considerable risk required to go into the deep mines to confront these miners. The local illegal sites, named Ayoba, Ding Dong and Estepiseni, are crawling with literally hundreds of artisanal miners, coal trucks, bakkies, trucks and other vehicles, all vying for a slice of the illicit pie. Recently, an excavator has also been offloaded at Ding Dong, which proves the defiance of these operations that flies directly in the face of the law. One of the mines stretch underground for nearly 600 meters, with nary a support pillar in place. Surrounding areas are also being independently investigated for signs of illegal mining, where at least one suspicious site had been noted on the N11, approximately 5KM from Ermelo. A reliable source has told the Tribune that these illegal mines pose a major concern, especially for surrounding power plants. According to the source, the sub-standard product mined from these sites, known as duff coal, are mixed with other coal at yards in Middelburg and Witbank, and these loads are subsequently transported to local power plants. The sub-standard nature of the coal causes damage to Eskom generators and equipment. The Tribune has also received reliable information that drivers who transport these dubious loads, are paid up to R20 000 cash for delivering a single loads to a designated point. For the more daring drivers, an offer of more than R40 000 per load stands if they are willing to deliver the coal directly to Eskom power plant offload sites. These figures obviously draws a pretty clear picture of the extent of these operations, and the various levels of corruption, bribery and other means of illicit activities are involved. While the DMRE and authorities are well aware of what transpires, these sites are left to be. These artisanal miners are also at risk of contracting various pulmonary diseases from inhaling coal dust, including coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Coal miners are also exposed to crystalline silica dust, black lung, silicosis, bronchitis, and emphysema. Despite Msukaligwa Local Municipality vowing to erect fences and safeguard problematic areas after an investigation by Human Rights Watch circa 2017, to date, no action has been taken. The fact of the matter is that the situation has worsened considerably. The South African government has not taken adequate steps to ensure coal mining companies rehabilitate mine sites, despite the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) requiring companies to do so. Improper assessments of future cleanup costs by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and a systemic lack of enforcement have left residents all contribute to the illegal activities around Ermelo, of which the top criminal dogs get away with much too easily. Of all the mine closure certificates granted by the DMRE between 2011 and 2016, only six were in Mpumalanga. Disturbingly, none of these closure certificates were for coal mines, according to Human Rights Watch. This means that, to date, Imbabala and Golfview mines have been simply abandoned, with no responsibility taken by controlling companies. The Tribune has directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. Additional enquiries have been directed to the Ermelo SAPS, as well as both Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Gert Sibande District Municipality. The combined response from the above roleplayers, should a response be received, will be available in the next publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

Residents are again warned to take extra precautions and be careful with their money, as many fall into traps which scammers set for their unsuspecting victims, defrauding them of their hard earned cash. Since the festive season begun last year up to this far, the police in Mpumalanga received more than 15 cases where members of the public were lured via Internet and social media platforms to deposit sum of money into deals, which were later found to be unscrupulous and never materialized, resulting in them losing a considerable amount of money. Perpetrators often post appealing advertisements regarding sale of cars, household appliances, cell phones, pets, generators, containers for sanitizers and other valuable items on social media platforms. These suspects would then convince their targets who are in a dire need of the mentioned items that they can be obtained at an unbelievable price. Vulnerable victims would then engage in some form of communication with these faceless sellers, who would then insist on urgently receiving a cash deposit either via EFT or deposit at the bank before the needed items are delivered. After such a fraudulent transaction is made, the suspect would confirm having received the money, and at times even demand more cash, and then vanish into thin air without fulfilling the promise. In a recent incident in Bethal, a complainant was defrauded a total amount of R150 000, after being made to believe that a white Toyota bakkie posted and advertised on social media was authentic. The victim got hooked, and was told by the fraudster to make an urgent deposit of the cash in order to secure the said vehicle urgently. He was further convinced that the vehicle documents will be prepared for him immediately after the payment. He then excitedly made the deposit and unfortunately, that was the last time he had his hands on his money. The police were notified about the incident, and a case of fraud was opened. The SAPS had since learned with great concern that others across the province were scammed of thousands of Rands in the same fraudulent process. The public is therefore again urged to approach reputable businesses, shops or car dealerships that are operating within the ambit of the law whenever they want to make purchases. The community members are further advised to conduct a proper research, rather than naively relying on advertisements displayed on social media, as most of the information tends to be misleading. The public should also guard against the idea of quickly depositing or transferring cash to unknown people without proper verification. Anyone with information that can assist the SAPS in apprehending these perpetrators, should call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, they can send information via MySAPS application, which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information will be treated with strictest confidentiality, and callers may opt to remain anonymous. SAPS warns against social media scams SAPS warns against social media scams 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 February 2021 The public is therefore again urged to approach reputable businesses, shops or car dealerships that are operating within the ambit of the law whenever they want to make purchases. Residents are again warned to take extra precautions and be careful with their money, as many fall into traps which scammers set for their unsuspecting victims, defrauding them of their hard earned cash. Since the festive season begun last year up to this far, the police in Mpumalanga received more than 15 cases where members of the public were lured via Internet and social media platforms to deposit sum of money into deals, which were later found to be unscrupulous and never materialized, resulting in them losing a considerable amount of money. Perpetrators often post appealing advertisements regarding sale of cars, household appliances, cell phones, pets, generators, containers for sanitizers and other valuable items on social media platforms. These suspects would then convince their targets who are in a dire need of the mentioned items that they can be obtained at an unbelievable price. Vulnerable victims would then engage in some form of communication with these faceless sellers, who would then insist on urgently receiving a cash deposit either via EFT or deposit at the bank before the needed items are delivered. After such a fraudulent transaction is made, the suspect would confirm having received the money, and at times even demand more cash, and then vanish into thin air without fulfilling the promise. In a recent incident in Bethal, a complainant was defrauded a total amount of R150 000, after being made to believe that a white Toyota bakkie posted and advertised on social media was authentic. The victim got hooked, and was told by the fraudster to make an urgent deposit of the cash in order to secure the said vehicle urgently. He was further convinced that the vehicle documents will be prepared for him immediately after the payment. He then excitedly made the deposit and unfortunately, that was the last time he had his hands on his money. The police were notified about the incident, and a case of fraud was opened. The SAPS had since learned with great concern that others across the province were scammed of thousands of Rands in the same fraudulent process. The public is therefore again urged to approach reputable businesses, shops or car dealerships that are operating within the ambit of the law whenever they want to make purchases. The community members are further advised to conduct a proper research, rather than naively relying on advertisements displayed on social media, as most of the information tends to be misleading. The public should also guard against the idea of quickly depositing or transferring cash to unknown people without proper verification. Anyone with information that can assist the SAPS in apprehending these perpetrators, should call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, they can send information via MySAPS application, which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information will be treated with strictest confidentiality, and callers may opt to remain anonymous. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron groet ‘n legendendariese onderwyseres 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 6 April 2021 "Miss Aucamp will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the Liggie community." “Juffrou Ilze Aucamp het nie net reuse spore getrap in die Afrikaanse klas nie, maar ook op die atletiek- en hokkievelde van Ligbron. Hier het sy die ekstra myl met haar leerders en spelers geloop, en hulle baie meer geleer as net vakinhoud of vaardighede. Getrou aan haar aard wou sy, tot op die laaste, ‘nog net ‘n week’ in haar klas staan en met kinders werk. Die Liggies was bevoorreg om haar as ‘n kollega, vriendin, mentor, onderwyser en afrigter te kon ken. It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and colleague, Miss. Ilze Aucamp, passed away due to cancer. Miss Aucamp will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the Liggie community. Our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Alhoewel dit 'n dringende kwessie in Ermelo is, wag almal in spanning dat MLM -amptenare nog beslissend optree. Rondloper beeste steek inwoners dwars in die krop 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 28 September 2021 Alhoewel dit 'n dringende kwessie in Ermelo is, wag almal in spanning dat MLM -amptenare nog beslissend optree. Die kwessie van verdwaalde en rondloper vee in Ermelo woongebiede, omliggende areas en die buitewyke is al jare aan die gang, sonder enige optrede van die Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) en die relevante departemente. In hierdie geval word verordeninge heeltemal geïgnoreer, en die wette word nie deur die owerhede afgedwing nie, wat 'n bose kringloop van frustrasie, saakbeskadiging en gevaar vir motoriste veroorsaak. Verskeie inwoners het gerapporteer dat hul honde onbeheerbaar opgewerk word deur die rondloper vee wat ronddwaal in die woongebied, veral in die De Bruin Park omgewing. Klagtes vanaf inwoners beweer dat dié rondlopers so gewoond geraak het aan verkeer en gevloek van frustreerde motoriste en inwoners, dan die diere hul geensins steur aan die kwaad wat hul stook nie. Inwoners het ook klagtes ingedien van die rondlopers wat hul kom tuismaak in erwe, en ook vullissakke oopskeur op soek na peuselhappies. Verskeie motoriste het nouliks vermy om met hierdie diere te bots, wat ‘n veer voel vir aankomende verkeer. Motoriste wat moet uitswaai, skielik remme aanslaan, en aan die teenoorgestelde kant van die pad ry om hierdie diere te vermy, is teen die tyd al keelvol vir MLM, wat Gods water oor Gods akker laat loop. Hierdie kwessie is egter nie net tot diewoongebiede beperk nie, aangesien inwoners verskeie klagtes ingedien het oor beeste wat in die begraafplase wei, en kosbare herinneringe vertrap, blomme opvreet en vase beskadig, en ander gedenkwaardighede verniel. Alhoewel dit 'n dringende kwessie in Ermelo is, wag almal in spanning dat MLM -amptenare nog beslissend optree. Op hierdie tydstip draai beide MLM en die SAPD in Ermelo ‘n blinde oog na die groeiende kwessie, wat al telkens ernstige beserings en lewensverlies tot gevolg gehad het. Navrae rakende die kwessie was op 9 September 2021 gerig aan die MLM woordvoerder, Mandla Zwane. Dié het egter die navraag doodluiters ignoreer, en het tot hede geen terugvoer gegee nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rest in peace, Nipho 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 30 June 2020 Ligbron would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nhlakanipho ( Nipho). It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Nhlakanipho Starbulberg, a fellow Liggie, due to a vehicle accident. Ligbron would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nhlakanipho ( Nipho). May loving memories ease your loss and bring you comfort. < Previous Article Next Article >

This agreement requires the current account is serviced up to date by the consumer. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2021. Have 50% of your utility bill expunged 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 27 July 2021 This agreement requires the current account is serviced up to date by the consumer. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2021. The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) Act 56 of 2003, aims to modernize budget and financial management practices in municipality in order to maximize the capacity of the municipality to deliver services to all residents, customers and users. Qualifying consumers within Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) may apply to have half of their debt expunged, allowing once-off assistance with debt owed to MLM, pertaining to debt ending on 31 December, 2020. Several municipalities have employed this tactic in an effort to recover funds and improve liquidity. Should the application be approved according to qualifying criteria, a singular arrangement with the consumer in question will be entered into. Should the consumer immediately pay 50% of their outstanding debt as on 31 December 31, 2020, the balance of the outstanding amount will be immediately expunged. Another option is also available, where a qualifying consumer will have a period of no more that eight months to repay half of their outstanding debt, of which the balance will be expunged. This agreement requires the current account is serviced up to date by the consumer. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2021. Consumers with enquiries may contact Vivian Ngwenya on 017 801 3552/3. Consumers may also send enquiries to mvngwenya@msukaligwa.gov.za , or accounts@msukaligwa.gov.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

SA staar hoër grendelvlak in die gesig 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 27 October 2020 Suid-Afrika het op Sondag, 25 Oktober 2020, 1 622 nuwe infeksies aangemeld, wat die totale aangemelde gevalle tot 715 868 geneem het. Premier Sihle Zikalala het gesê dat 'n terugkeer na 'n hoër grendelvlak op die spel is, tensy die land 'n afname in die aantal gevalle van COVID-19 infeksies sien. Gesondheids- en regeringsamptenare het die land gewaarsku oor 'n toename in COVID-19-gevalle in Suid-Afrika as gevolg van inwoners wat regulasies teenstaan, versuim om maskers te dra en groot byeenkomste bywoon. “As ons na die statistieke kyk, kan ons nou met veiligheid sê dat ons beslis weer ‘n verhoodge grendelvlak gaan instel as daar geen dringende en drastiese verandering in gedrag is nie,” het Zikalala op Sondag laat hoor. Die premier het veral klem gestel op roekelose verbruik van alkohol, en sosiale byeenkomste en partytjies, wat die potensiaal het om al die vordering wat gemaak is om die gesondheidsorgstelsel voor te berei op 'n moontlike aanslag van COVID-19, te laat ontspoor. “Ons kan dit nie duld nie, en daarom sal ons inspekteurs ten volle optree om die wet toe te pas,” het hy afgesluit. President Cyril Ramaphosa sal na verwagting vandeesweek die land toespreek oor die toenemende aantal COVID-19-infeksies in die land. Suid-Afrika het op Sondag, 25 Oktober 2020, 1 622 nuwe infeksies aangemeld, wat die totale aangemelde gevalle tot 715 868 geneem het. Sterftes het 18 960, 'n daaglikse toename van 16, bereik, terwyl herstel tot 646 170 geklim het. Daar is tans 50 738 aktiewe gevalle in die land. Inwoners word gemaan om regulasies na te kom, en die nodige voorsorg te tref, wat die dra van ‘n masker in die publiek, insluit. < Previous Article Next Article >

Traveling motorists are urged to exercise caution when stopping next to the road, or when ordered to stop by other motorists, as they could be potential hijackers. Motorists are requested to exercise caution when stopped by unknown persons, and to report such incidents to the nearest police station. If you are stopped by SAPS or traffic officials, and you feel unsafe or threatened, switch on your hazard lights and slowly drive to the nearest police station. Never offer a lift to a hitchhiker, and do not stop next to the road, except in the case of an emergency. People stopping to relieve themselves have also fallen victim to highjackers. As part of curbing highjacking incidents, motorists are requested to take heed of their surroundings. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down and leave you vulnerable. When traveling long distances, plan your route and let someone know what your route is, and when to expect you at your destination. Avoid driving with your windows open, keep the vehicle’s doors locked, and put all valuables out of sight. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to your nearest police station, or a busy public area. When approaching a red traffic light, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green, especially when driving at night. When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front so you can make an emergency escape if necessary Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible, and be wary of staged minor accidents, such as your vehicle being lightly bumped from behind without causing significant structural damage. If you do not feel comfortable with the individual involved in the situation, indicate that they must follow you, and drive to the nearest SAPS, or busy area for assistance. SAPS issues hijack warning SAPS issues hijack warning 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 December 2020 If you are stopped by SAPS or traffic officials, and you feel unsafe or threatened, switch on your hazard lights and slowly drive to the nearest police station. Traveling motorists are urged to exercise caution when stopping next to the road, or when ordered to stop by other motorists, as they could be potential hijackers. Motorists are requested to exercise caution when stopped by unknown persons, and to report such incidents to the nearest police station. If you are stopped by SAPS or traffic officials, and you feel unsafe or threatened, switch on your hazard lights and slowly drive to the nearest police station. Never offer a lift to a hitchhiker, and do not stop next to the road, except in the case of an emergency. People stopping to relieve themselves have also fallen victim to highjackers. As part of curbing highjacking incidents, motorists are requested to take heed of their surroundings. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down and leave you vulnerable. When traveling long distances, plan your route and let someone know what your route is, and when to expect you at your destination. Avoid driving with your windows open, keep the vehicle’s doors locked, and put all valuables out of sight. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to your nearest police station, or a busy public area. When approaching a red traffic light, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green, especially when driving at night. When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front so you can make an emergency escape if necessary Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible, and be wary of staged minor accidents, such as your vehicle being lightly bumped from behind without causing significant structural damage. If you do not feel comfortable with the individual involved in the situation, indicate that they must follow you, and drive to the nearest SAPS, or busy area for assistance. < Previous Article Next Article >

Tribute to Johanisi Mandla Mahlangu 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 February 2021 Be assured, you will be missed. Hamba Kahle Johannes, ‘til we meet again. In the time of COVID-19 we hear about people falling ill, and people dying. Somehow, however, it remains a distant possibility, something that happens to other people. This is until a fateful morning when someone close to you confides that he is not feeling well. For Mandla Mahlangu’s colleagues at Willem Cilliers Attorneys, that date arrived on 3 February 2021. Despite Mandla immediately being sent for medical attention, his illness progressed steadily and led to his unfortunate demise on Friday, 12 February 2021. Though we are stunned by the suddenness and the finality of it all, we also have a heartfelt desire to honour Mandla as a loyal staff member and an invaluable cog in the machinery of our practice. Albert Einstein said: ‘The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.’ In one word, Mandla was a man who gave. He gave much to his work, he was loyal to his employer and loyal to our clients. That is why we would like to speak in celebration of his life. Here was a life that demanded notice, a life that inspired emulation, a life that burned so that others’ paths be lit. His neighbours in Wesselton will remember him as the guy with the Houghton house in Mabuza Street, the man with the dazzling garden who tried to uplift his community. A man strong of conviction and not shy to weigh in when needed. On a cold winter’s day, 11 July 1994, Mandla and I started a journey on an uncertain path. We started small with baby steps but with a firm belief that the future will be bright. Oh, what a journey it turned out to be, and along the way Mandla became a trusted friend. A journey that lasted for 28 years. The journey that ended to soon! The character of the life he lived might be summed up on a few words, he was sincere, he was earnest, he was loyal. The road without you beckons, Mandla, and it promises to be lonely. Be assured, you will be missed. Hamba Kahle Johannes, ‘til we meet again. - Contributed by Willem Cilliers. < Previous Article Next Article >