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Misuse of SASSA grant is a criminal offense 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 This comes after several complaints and allegations surfaced where misuse of the grant had been noted, whether it was for the purchase of alcohol, or transferring the funds to other accounts for personal use. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has vowed to leave no stone unturned to fight fraud with regard to social grants. SASSA said it has pursued an active fraud prevention strategy and has always exercised a zero tolerance to anyone who commits or is complicit in fraud in the social grant environment. If you are receiving a social grant illegally, you could soon be facing the full might of the law and end up behind bars. The agency will take legal steps against officials and members of the public who have defrauded the system. According to Renay Ogle, of SASSA’s Fraud Management Unit, the agency will show no mercy to the public or employees who are caught up in social grant fraud. “Social grant fraud and corruption does not pay. Do not continue with it and never get involved with it because you will be caught, investigated, arrested, prosecuted, convicted, jailed and separated from your family,” she warned. SASSA has also issued a stern warning to parents and guardians who misuse Child Support Grants, that they are violating the right of a child. “Any deviation from the purpose of supporting the child’s needs, according to the Social Assistance Act, will be deemed as abuse or neglect to the child, and classified as a criminal act, which is punishable by law. If the grant is received by the parent, who does not stay with a child not transfer the money to the caregiver, that person must be reported to SASSA offices and also open a criminal case at the local police station.” This comes after several complaints and allegations surfaced where misuse of the grant had been noted, whether it was for the purchase of alcohol, or transferring the funds to other accounts for personal use. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo to see construction of 360 social housing units 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 February 2022 While the concept is sound, the additional burden that these units will place on the already dilapidated sewerage and electrical infrastructure of Ermelo has raised red flags with residents and businesses alike. It has been announced that Ermelo will form part of an extensive housing construction project that will see social housing units being constructed, promising over 1000 employment opportunities. Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, revealed the projects that will roll out over the next two years, starting in the financial year 2022/23. The Ermelo project has been dubbed as Willow Creek development, and will, according to the department, be situated in the CBD. Additionally, 492 units are planned to be rolled out in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. Social housing units (SHU) is a rental or co-operative housing option for households earning between R1 501 - R15 000 per month. SHU projects require management by an institution, which should be an accredited Social Housing Institution, and projects are developed within areas that contribute to spatial, economic and social development. Through this subsidized programme, individuals can gain access to a rental house or apartment. Government funding is provided to SHU institutions to manage the rental units. Occupants are expected to pay a reduced rental amount, based on their household income, to the appointed institution. “Social housing is financed with a combination of government funding, debt and equity, making this sub-sector more dynamic and attractive for public-private partnership. These developments aim to increase the supply of rental housing in central locations for low- to middle-income earners,” said Kubayi-Ngubane. According to the minister, SHU solutions are government’s most promising programme that will help to disrupt the apartheid spatial development and make cities more inclusive. The Willow Creek moniker has been scurried around various developer’s hands since 2015, and if this project is related to the same as above, the housing development would be situated in the wetland between Wes Street and President Fouché Avenue. This is, however, conjecture. The Tribune ePaper repeatedly attempted to contact the Department of Human Settlements to clarify the project’s details, but were referred from person to person, and from department to department, each representative claiming that “it’s not their department” and that they could not provide any information regarding the project. Feedback had been awaited from Charlotte Porter from the department, who would refer the right representative for the department. She, however, failed to reply with the requested information. Additional enquiries lodged with the department’s Paul Mnisi, which had promised to provide a full scope of project as soon as possible. While the concept is sound, the additional burden that these units will place on the already dilapidated sewerage and electrical infrastructure of Ermelo has raised red flags with residents and businesses alike. Updates on the project will be provided as and when information is received from the department. < Previous Article Next Article >

Shoprite launches bigger carrier bag for taxi commuters 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 October 2022 Shoprite’s new red, 60-litre bags are 60 microns thick and more resilient, and costs R4. In response to customers and employees’ needs, national supermarket retailer Shoprite has launched a bigger, stronger 60-litre carrier bag primarily for taxi commuters and people who make use of public transport. Taxi passengers in South Africa are often charged extra for each bag they carry, particularly on busier routes. So, a larger carrier bag which can hold more groceries will save them money on every shopping trip. Shoprite’s new red, 60-litre bags are 60 microns thick and more resilient, cost R4 and are made from the same 100% recycled material as the standard 24-litre carrier bags which are 24 microns thick and cost R1. The 60-litre bag is also reusable and recyclable, supporting circular economy principles. “The idea came from listening to employees and customers who travel by taxi,” explains Sanjeev Raghubir, Group Sustainability Manager. “It’s also much easier to carry one big bag when walking or using public transport.” In 2013 the Shoprite Group became the first national retailer to introduce shopping bags made from 100% recycled content in its supermarkets. The Group recycled more than 5 400 tons of plastic in the last year, that’s more than 600kg per hour, through its reverse logistics operations. To promote a circular economy, the Group is also working towards ensuring that 100% if its own-brand packaging is reusable, recyclable and compostable, and that it contains on average 30% recycled material content by 2025. < Previous Article Next Article >

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Ermelo has been lauded for managing to arrest three suspects for the killing of two men at a local tavern, just days after they allegedly committed the crime. “The management of police in Mpumalanga has applauded SAPS members in Ermelo for their tenacity in arresting three men, aged between 24 and 29, on allegations of murder as well as attempted murder. These suspects are allegedly involved in a shooting incident where two men were murdered whilst four others sustained serious injuries. A probe into the incident was immediately sanctioned, as a result, the three were arrested yesterday, Friday, 19 March 2021. During the arrest, police recovered two firearms and ammunition, an act which culminated into additional charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police will also widen the scope of their probe with a view to establish if the firearms were not illegally used elsewhere” the SAPS in Mpumalanga said in a statement. The three suspects stormed a shebeen in Sun City, before firing randomly at patrons. According to SAPS, six men were shot. While four of them sustained injuries, the other two men were announced dead on scene. The suspects face murder and attempted murder charges and are due to appear before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 23 March 2021. SAPS Ermelo apprehends Sun City shooters SAPS Ermelo apprehends Sun City shooters 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 The three suspects stormed a shebeen in Sun City, before firing randomly at patrons. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Ermelo has been lauded for managing to arrest three suspects for the killing of two men at a local tavern, just days after they allegedly committed the crime. “The management of police in Mpumalanga has applauded SAPS members in Ermelo for their tenacity in arresting three men, aged between 24 and 29, on allegations of murder as well as attempted murder. These suspects are allegedly involved in a shooting incident where two men were murdered whilst four others sustained serious injuries. A probe into the incident was immediately sanctioned, as a result, the three were arrested yesterday, Friday, 19 March 2021. During the arrest, police recovered two firearms and ammunition, an act which culminated into additional charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police will also widen the scope of their probe with a view to establish if the firearms were not illegally used elsewhere” the SAPS in Mpumalanga said in a statement. The three suspects stormed a shebeen in Sun City, before firing randomly at patrons. According to SAPS, six men were shot. While four of them sustained injuries, the other two men were announced dead on scene. The suspects face murder and attempted murder charges and are due to appear before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 23 March 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

Buks Beukes gedenkdiens 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 23 Junie 2020 Weens die COVID-19 pandemie mag daar net ‘n sekere aantal persone bymekaar wees, so kontak gerus vir Antoinette op 082 920 9645 om te bevestig vir die diens. Wyle Buks Beukes, wat op 21 Mei oorlede is, se gedenkdiens sal op Vrydag, 26 Junie, om 11:00 plaasvind. Die diens sal vanuit die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk op die hoek van McDonalds en De Jager straat wees. Weens die COVID-19 pandemie mag daar net ‘n sekere aantal persone bymekaar wees, so kontak gerus vir Antoinette op 082 920 9645 om te bevestig vir die diens. “Rus sag, Buksie”. < Previous Article Next Article >

Opportunistic criminals sit and wait for the infamous load reduction to be implemented, and have themselves a jolly good time chopping off one cable after another. Ripe for the picking while MLM cries foul 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 15 June 2021 Opportunistic criminals sit and wait for the infamous load reduction to be implemented, and have themselves a jolly good time chopping off one cable after another. As you’re busy bathing your children and cooking dinner in the rush of peak evening time at home, the power suddenly goes out. The entire household curses in extremely colorful language, and you grab your phone to dial the call centre’s number. You’re informed that the outage is caused by cable theft, and that you’re going to have to make do without electricity for the next several hours. You sit and wonder how you’re going to finish the laundry, while your children stumbles in the dark, and your partner struggles to find the ever-elusive flashlight. According to Msukaligwa Local Municipality, thousands of Rands are spent every week to repair and tie in cables that have been stolen. Cables are being stolen in broad daylight, and entire wards are left without electricity. Opportunistic criminals sit and wait for the infamous load reduction to be implemented, and have themselves a jolly good time chopping off one cable after another. One cannot help and wonder as to how these criminals are so wily, and make a daring escape before anyone notices their wrongdoing and alerts ACSU or the neighborhood watch. Unfortunately, it is much easier than you might think, as various jerry-rigged electrical cables, ranging from low- to high voltage, are ripe for the picking. With shockingly low-quality workmanship, electrical cables are tied into substations and junction boxes, and draped over trees, fences and lamp posts, loosely tied down with flimsy wire. A shining beacon that screams “steal me” at the top of its voice. While MLM cries foul and laments the funds squandered on stolen cables, the old saying, idle hands are the devil's workshop, rings true. Ultimately, better craftsmanship, and correct procedures being followed, will both contribute to mitigating losses suffered by the hands of cable thieves. < Previous Article Next Article >

All systems go for municipal elections 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 2 November 2021 Once the voting officer is satisfied that you have the correct ID, that you are a registered voter and have not already voted, your name is marked off the roll, your ID is stamped, and your thumbnail is inked. South Africa's municipal elections were held on 1 November 2021, to elect councils for all district, metropolitan and local municipalities in each of the country's nine provinces. Ermelo saw a marked turnout of voters, and grandstanding of the various political parties involved. The day was declared a public holiday by President Ramaphosa. Municipal elections sees residents voting for a political party and a ward councillor, a mixed system of PR and a ward constituency system, to get seats at the municipal level. During national and provincial elections, you can vote at any station countrywide, but if you vote at a station outside the province in which you're registered, you can only vote in the national election. In order to cast a vote, you will be instructed to present your green, bar-coded, South African ID book or a temporary identification certificate to the voting officer. The voting officer checks that your name appears on the voters' roll. Once the voting officer is satisfied that you have the correct ID, that you are a registered voter and have not already voted, your name is marked off the roll, your ID is stamped, and your thumbnail is inked. You are then given a stamped official ballot paper/s. Residents who are physically disabled or visually impaired, could choose that someone assist at the voting station. < Previous Article Next Article >

Confident teachers the key to mathematical success 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 6 October 2020 At the same time, academic performance amongst learners who did write Mathematics decreased significantly, with 54,6% of candidates achieving 30% and above in 2019, and a mere 35% of learners achieving 40% or above. “The reason for this poor performance is that students do not fully comprehend key areas such as functions and graphs, calculus, probability, geometry and trigonometry. For Grade 12 Mathematics learners to confidently attempt more difficult questions, teachers need to challenge their students. This starts with developing confidence in educators, revealed Anne Eadie, Co-Founder of The Answer Series and Mathematics author, with 45 years’ worth of experience under her belt. To help build teacher confidence, and thereby inspire better performance amongst learners, The Answer Series recently hosted two virtual workshops centred on effectively teaching Level 3 and 4 Matric Maths questions to teachers around the country. Eadie was joined by Susan Carletti, Head of Advanced Programme Mathematics at Rondebosch Boys’ High School, and Jenny Campbell, Head of Mathematics at Bishops Diocesan College. The sessions formed part of The Answer Series’ goal of supporting South African teachers, for whom 2020 has been a particularly challenging year with remote learning, increased substitutions and a need for greater tech-savvy being just a few of this years’ hurdles. According to Eadie, knowledge is extremely important for building teacher confidence: “For teachers to impactfully educate their students and inspire interest in Mathematics, they need to have knowledge of Mathematical language, theory, concepts and contexts, and be able to apply this with ease. Only then can they successfully transfer these concepts to learners and help them to develop recognition for mathematical logic and ultimately self-directed learning. However, this all begins with confidence.” This is supported by the latest research conducted by the Department of Education, which found that fewer students opted to write mathematics in 2019 compared to learners between 2014 and 2018. At the same time, academic performance amongst learners who did write Mathematics decreased significantly, with 54,6% of candidates achieving 30% and above in 2019, and a mere 35% of learners achieving 40% or above. “The reason for this poor performance is that students do not fully comprehend key areas such as functions and graphs, calculus, probability, geometry and trigonometry. Learners do not understand the logic behind these Mathematical concepts, which is compounded by an over-reliance on past examination papers for revision. Hence, we see students struggling with complex procedures and problem solving, which together form 45% of the exam.” Eadie explained. At the workshops, which were conducted in both English and Afrikaans, The Answer Series also announced the launch of Maths Majors, a new community forum for Maths teachers to share knowledge, grow confidence and work together to overcome common challenges in the classroom. In addition, the organisation is also providing free e-books for teachers as well as video lessons for Grade 12s as part of its mission to further education in South Africa. George Eadie, CEO of The Answer Series, concludes: “By helping teachers, we jointly raise the standard of education in South Africa. Key to this is imparting confidence in teachers, which we aim to do by providing learning resources and materials for both staff and students, so that they can overcome their fears and become masters in their subject.” To find out more about how The Answer Series is empowering confidence in teachers, go to https://www.theanswer.co.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the Mpumalanga provincial government is too silent as an armed gang is causing havoc on the N4 and N12 highways by spiking vehicles where victims are robbed of valuables. More than 24 incidents of spiking were reported in Mpumalanga between 1 April and 18 May 2021. The police have also warned that these incidents happen especially on Friday evenings and throughout the weekend between 18:00 and 04:00 in the morning. Mpumalanga residents are mostly the victims of the vehicle spiking incidents, so the DA calls on the provincial MEC of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, to engage with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deploy additional officers to help the Highway Patrol Unit on the routes identified as hotspots. Phola/Ogies on the N12 near Arbor off-ramp, Delmas along the N12, Bronkorstspruit towards Witbank along the N4 highway, Belfast on the N4 next to Wonderfontein and Acornhoek in Matsikitsane area, Witbank on Dellville Street, Verena Road and the R555 Old Ogies Road, Calcutta area, the R40 around Marite area and the N4 highway in Middelburg, Bethal and Kendall have been identified as hotspots for the spiking activities. It has been reported that the spiking gang is using two vehicles. One of the vehicles is used to follow around victims who do not stop after hitting the spikes. Of late, residents in the approximate area have also been warned of road spikes, most notably roads leading to Breyten, Piet Retief, Amersfoort and Chrissiesmeer. The N17 towards Bethal has also been identified as concerning. Never stop your vehicle if you had a puncture while spiked, instead drive slowly to the nearest garage while contacting the SAPS. If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them immediately to the nearest police station. If your vehicle has had a complete break down on the road, remain in the vehicle with your doors locked while seeking assistance. Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission. Should you realize that another motorist has been spiked in your presence, kindly stop and give the necessary assistance. Road spikes a cause for concern in MPU Road spikes a cause for concern in MPU 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 June 2021 If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the Mpumalanga provincial government is too silent as an armed gang is causing havoc on the N4 and N12 highways by spiking vehicles where victims are robbed of valuables. More than 24 incidents of spiking were reported in Mpumalanga between 1 April and 18 May 2021. The police have also warned that these incidents happen especially on Friday evenings and throughout the weekend between 18:00 and 04:00 in the morning. Mpumalanga residents are mostly the victims of the vehicle spiking incidents, so the DA calls on the provincial MEC of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, to engage with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deploy additional officers to help the Highway Patrol Unit on the routes identified as hotspots. Phola/Ogies on the N12 near Arbor off-ramp, Delmas along the N12, Bronkorstspruit towards Witbank along the N4 highway, Belfast on the N4 next to Wonderfontein and Acornhoek in Matsikitsane area, Witbank on Dellville Street, Verena Road and the R555 Old Ogies Road, Calcutta area, the R40 around Marite area and the N4 highway in Middelburg, Bethal and Kendall have been identified as hotspots for the spiking activities. It has been reported that the spiking gang is using two vehicles. One of the vehicles is used to follow around victims who do not stop after hitting the spikes. Of late, residents in the approximate area have also been warned of road spikes, most notably roads leading to Breyten, Piet Retief, Amersfoort and Chrissiesmeer. The N17 towards Bethal has also been identified as concerning. Never stop your vehicle if you had a puncture while spiked, instead drive slowly to the nearest garage while contacting the SAPS. If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them immediately to the nearest police station. If your vehicle has had a complete break down on the road, remain in the vehicle with your doors locked while seeking assistance. Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission. Should you realize that another motorist has been spiked in your presence, kindly stop and give the necessary assistance. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks) in Mpumalanga have arrested 16 people for damaging and stealing Transnet infrastructure, including railway tracks and transformers. “Suspects aged between 35 and 45 were arrested by members of the Hawks' serious organized crime investigation in Middelburg, together with Transnet investigators during an intelligence-driven operation,” said Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi. “The team followed up the information and found four trucks inside Mashcor Scrap metal dealer, still loaded with railway tracks,” said Sekgotodi. “During further investigation, the fifth truck loaded with transformers and palisade fencing, which was positively identified by Transnet officials, arrived. The railway tracks were stolen from the decommissioned line, while the transformers and palisade were stolen from the working substation. Sekgotodi stated that of the 16 people arrested, 14 of them are foreign nationals. They were duly charged for possession of suspected stolen property, theft and damaging of essential infrastructure. The owner of the scrap metal institution was traced, and also arrested. The Hawks have issued a stern warning to scrap metal recyclers in Mpumalanga, especially the Middelburg, Witbank, Secunda, Ermelo and Standerton areas, to be vigilant when accepting scrap metal, and not to become involved in dodgy dealings and illicit operations. There is a high rate of theft and vandalism of Transnet, Eskom and mining operation infrastructure, and recyclable metals are often the target of these criminals. While the prospect of a quick profit may be alluring, the risk is not worth the reward, as you will be investigated, arrested and charged accordingly. Hawks issue stern warning to scrap metal recyclers Hawks issue stern warning to scrap metal recyclers 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 While the prospect of a quick profit may be alluring, the risk is not worth the reward, as you will be investigated, arrested and charged accordingly. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks) in Mpumalanga have arrested 16 people for damaging and stealing Transnet infrastructure, including railway tracks and transformers. “Suspects aged between 35 and 45 were arrested by members of the Hawks' serious organized crime investigation in Middelburg, together with Transnet investigators during an intelligence-driven operation,” said Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi. “The team followed up the information and found four trucks inside Mashcor Scrap metal dealer, still loaded with railway tracks,” said Sekgotodi. “During further investigation, the fifth truck loaded with transformers and palisade fencing, which was positively identified by Transnet officials, arrived. The railway tracks were stolen from the decommissioned line, while the transformers and palisade were stolen from the working substation. Sekgotodi stated that of the 16 people arrested, 14 of them are foreign nationals. They were duly charged for possession of suspected stolen property, theft and damaging of essential infrastructure. The owner of the scrap metal institution was traced, and also arrested. The Hawks have issued a stern warning to scrap metal recyclers in Mpumalanga, especially the Middelburg, Witbank, Secunda, Ermelo and Standerton areas, to be vigilant when accepting scrap metal, and not to become involved in dodgy dealings and illicit operations. There is a high rate of theft and vandalism of Transnet, Eskom and mining operation infrastructure, and recyclable metals are often the target of these criminals. While the prospect of a quick profit may be alluring, the risk is not worth the reward, as you will be investigated, arrested and charged accordingly. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. Fire hydrant still a missing link The worksite, left as is after the hydrant was removed. The worksite, left as is after the hydrant was removed. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. More than 6 months ago, Msukaligwa Local Municipality teams removed a fire hydrant from its placement to repair a reported leak from this area. The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. Hopefully, one of the many surrounding buildings won’t be subject to a fire, and leave officials red-faced and struggling. < Previous Article Next Article >