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Duvenage represents MPU in reality show 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 15 November 2022 The show is filled with all the emotions, drama and suspense one would expect from a world-class reality show. Entries for Master Mechanic Season 2 closed in mid-August, with filming of the reality show wrapping in September and being released on 18 November on MF Master Mechanic YouTube and Facebook, supported by all major social media channels. All episodes will be released at once for viewers to binge watch. Six technicians will compete in three teams of two (red, black and grey) for a R100 000 grand prize. The winning team will also be afforded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit and train at the Massey Ferguson Beauvais factory in France where the Massey Ferguson high horsepower tractors are manufactured. The team selection will be announced in the first episode of four. The epic final challenge will see the teams attempt to successfully replicate a giant version of the iconic Massey Ferguson Triple Triangle logo by means of a MF 8S equipped with a 2 000 litre Eco Ranger sprayer with 12m booms and eight sections, spraying at 450 litres per hectare. Rate and section control are provided by the Massey Ferguson 8S OEM Data Tronic 5 screen, linked to the ISOBUS Liquid control system. Filter Dienste in Bethal, Mpumalanga is proudly represented by Jacques Duvenage, who says: “I get so much joy solving challenges. I get to learn new things all the time and apply the knowledge I gained to solve the next challenge as effectively. I enjoy working with the MF tractors. I know I am up for the Master Mechanic challenge as I understand diagnostics and technology.” Master Mechanic is designed and filmed in such a way that anyone can understand, together with some special items for those ‘seasoned’ technicians to enjoy. It is filled with all the emotions, drama and suspense one would expect from a world-class reality show. Be sure to subscribe to watch as the best MF mechanics go head-to-head for what they love and believe in: The MF brand. Follow our social media channels below and support your favourite teams! < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Maandag, 28 September, het ACSU wagte ‘n verdagte man vasgetrek wat al lank soek was. Die verdagte het by verskeie huise al huisware gesteel, en weer probeer verkoop aan ander mense. ACSU het vir ‘n geruime tyd die verdagte dopgehou, en finaal vasgetrek. Die aanklaer het Maandag (gister) ‘n saak ge-open by die SAPD waar hy gearresteer is. Al die gesteelde goedere is terugbesorg aan die eienaar. ACSU wagte is wakker ACSU wagte is wakker 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 29 September 2020 ACSU het vir ‘n geruime tyd die verdagte dopgehou, en finaal vasgetrek. Al die gesteelde goedere is terugbesorg aan die eienaar. Op Maandag, 28 September, het ACSU wagte ‘n verdagte man vasgetrek wat al lank soek was. Die verdagte het by verskeie huise al huisware gesteel, en weer probeer verkoop aan ander mense. ACSU het vir ‘n geruime tyd die verdagte dopgehou, en finaal vasgetrek. Die aanklaer het Maandag (gister) ‘n saak ge-open by die SAPD waar hy gearresteer is. Al die gesteelde goedere is terugbesorg aan die eienaar. < Previous Article Next Article >

Inwoners genooi na jaarlikse e-Rommel insameling 1/1 Share Inhoud Verskaf 15 November 2022 Kom ons neem verantwoordelikheid, en pas ons omgewing op. Persverklaring - Hierdie logo verwys na die herwinning van e-Rommel. Wat is e-Rommel, of wyer bekend as “e-Waste”? Dit verwys na alle elektriese en elektroniese produkte wat nie meer in ‘n werkende toestand is nie of onbruikbaar geword het, en in wese die einde van hul leeftydbereik het. Omdat tegnologiese vooruitgang teen so 'n hoë koers plaasvind, word baie elektroniese toestelle uitgedien ná 'n paar jaar van gebruik. Dit kan egter uiters nadelig wees vir mens en natuur. Die NG Kerk De Bruin Park bied weereens sy gebruiklike e-Rommel projek aan op Donderdag, 17 November 2022. Let net daarop dat dit slegs vir dié een dag is, en nie soos die gebruiklike twee dae nie. Ons wil die gemeenskap eerder aanmoedig om e-Rommel deurlopend na die kerk kantoor van die NG De Bruin Park te neem, waar dit in ontvangs geneem sal word. Daar hoef dus nie meer gewag te word vir die spesiale dae by die gewone versamelpunte in die dorp nie. Op 17 November gaan Ermeloërs weer die geleentheid kry om alle elektriese en elektroniese toerusting wat stukkend is of nie meer gebruik word nie, na die Pick n Pay sentrum te Camden Laan. Hierdie versamelpunt is oop vanaf 09:00 tot 16:00. Hiervandaan word dit na ‘n wettige herwinningsaanleg geneem. Ons wil u aanmoedig om nou reeds daaraan te werk. Kry al die ou selfoonlaaiers en selfone, rekenaartoerusting, drukkers, radio’s, alarmstelsels, stofsuiers, strykysters, haardroërs en meer bymekaar. Moet ook nie die batterytjies vergeet nie, en X-straal plate is ook welkom. Indien u dalk enige vervoerprobleme het om dié toerusting by die versamelpunt af te lewer, skakel 082 801 4114. Vir meer inligting oor e-Rommel en hierdie projek, kan u gerus die webwerf besoek bywww.ngdebruinpark.co.za , en klik op die e-Rommel skakel. Kom ons neem verantwoordelikheid, en pas ons omgewing op. < Previous Article Next Article >

According to Ntekele, the electrical demand far exceeds the supply that the municipality is capable of providing. Mountain of Eskom debt blamed on consumers 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 3 May 2022 According to Ntekele, the electrical demand far exceeds the supply that the municipality is capable of providing. Amidst intermittent national load shedding, electrical outages and municipal load reduction, the community of Msukaligwa are gnawing on hard bones. According to Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s (MLM) director Ntekele, the load reduction is implemented as a last resort to avoid being completely switched off by Eskom for exceeding the notified maximum demand (NMD) set forth by the power utility. According to Ntekele, the electrical demand far exceeds the supply that the municipality is capable of providing. Ntekele claimed that Eskom has set forth an ultimatum that the municipality must manage the load to avoid exceeding the NMD, which, according to Eskom, will cause damage to transformers, cables and infrastructure. Ntekele has stated during a meeting that the current infrastructure isn’t rated to handle a higher electricity demand without suffering damage. According to the director, requesting a higher NMD from Eskom requires infrastructure upgrades, which the municipality simply does not have the fiscal capacity to provide. He also claims that Eskom charges an exorbitant amount to increase the NMD, and claims that Eskom does not have the appetite to supply a higher rating. Furthermore, the director claims that the agreement between Eskom and the municipality, which dates back to circa 1985, has not been sufficiently amended to provide adequate electrical supply to meet the demand of the rapidly expanding Ermelo and surroundings. The situation is of such a nature that even the Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken note, and wrote a letter to the COGTA MEC. “The DA finds it extremely concerning that during the recent load shedding, the residents and business owners of Ermelo have been forced to face 12 hours or more without electricity - as areas in Msukaligwa Local Municipality faced a combination of load shedding together with load reduction because the municipality goes over the Notified Maximum Demand from Eskom. In a number of municipalities across the province, situations like these not only place a strain on businesses in the area but it also can destroy household appliances due to fluctuating voltages and the potential surge when turning the power back on. It is shocking to note that if Msukaligwa Local Municipality was able to capitalize on reducing the exceptionally high electricity distribution loss of 45% as reported on in the 2019/ 2020 Auditor General’s report, the residents and businesses could have been saved from this prolonged darkness,” the DA’s Trudie Grové-Morgan said. To add insult to injury, Eskom has released a list of the top ten defaulting municipalities in Mpumalanga, which includes MLM. According to Eskom, the top ten owes a combined amount over R13 billion. eMalahleni is the biggest debt culprit, and owes Eskom nearly R6 billion in arrear payment. MLM is, as of 31 March 2022, R153 719 572 in arrears on their repayment agreement to Eskom. This, in turn also has an adverse effect on Eskom’s willingness to increase the NMD to MLM, seen as repayment is a clear hurdle. However, shortly after Eskom’s announcement, MLM was quick on the draw, releasing a statement claiming that consumers owe the municipality an amount of R909 557 309 for service delivery. However, residents have scoffed at the statement in derision. “If you skip one month of payments to the municipality, even if you pay late, you are swiftly disconnected by the municipality. How is it possible to have so many non-paying residents. That is a clear indication that the municipality’s finance department is not doing its work in collection of funds,” one resident stated. In addition to this, questions are also raised if this is an actual owed amount by residents. MLM has garnered a notorious reputation for wholly incorrect and exorbitant estimates of water and utlitly accounts, which are rarely corrected and updated on the crippled billing system. According to MLM, Ermelo owes nearly R220 million in service delivery fees, with Wesselton owing R191 million, Breyten owes R150 million, Lothair owes R93 million, Davel owes R56 million, Chrissiesmeer owes R44 million, Sheepmoor owes nearly R9 million, Warburton owes a mere R213 000. MLM further states that state departments owe nearly R22 million, the business sector owes R170 million, and farms owe nearly R47 million. It is unclear at this stage how farms were calculated, as the majority of farms are Eskom supplied. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Rates increase a blow to cosumer budgets 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 1 July 2022 Msukaligwa Local Municipality had residents hot under the collar with their rate increase proposal in May 2022, where the community was given option to comment on the proposed increases. Msukaligwa Local Municipality had residents hot under the collar with their rate increase proposal in May 2022, where the community was given option to comment on the proposed increases. At the time, the municipality has proposed a 5% (plus 5% rebate covered) increase in property rates, and a section mysteriously named “other” seeing a proposed 6% increase. The municipality now proposes to put a 7.47% increase on electricity tariffs in effect, on top of the already loaded electricity prices. The municipality also proposes an expenditure increase of 9.61% for bulk electrical purchases, and a 15% expenditure increase on the interest of late Eskom payments. The municipality claims that the residents owe R909 557 309 in unpaid services. The municipality has proposed a 6% increase in water tariffs, which has hundreds of residents and business owners hot under the collar. Sewerage services will see a proposed increase of 6%, along with the same being applied to refuse services. These proposed expenditures include employee related costs being increased with 4.90%, councillor remuneration being increased with 4.90%, bulk water inventory being increased with 10%, and contracted services being increased by 4.40%. Repair and maintenance, which is stated as 10% of the municipality’s operating budget, is proposed to be increased by 100%. Lastly, diesel and petrol expenditures are proposed to be increased with 30%, stating the Ukraine conflict as the reason. The infamous “other” expenditures category sees a proposed 4.90% increase. From there, very little communication has been given on part of the municipality. The average rate increases, that steps into effect today, 1 July 2022, have been making the rounds. With no feedback from the municipality, and no updated tariffs on their website, these are the numbers that residents should take into consideration. Residential electricity tariffs will see a 9.61% increase. Tariff bracket A will see consumers pay R1.73 per unit, with a 600 unit bracket limit. From 600 to 700 units, consumers will pay R2.95 per unit, and excess of 700 units will see consumers paying R8.32 per unit. Tariff bracket B will see an increase to R2.56 per unit, with a monthly fixed charge of R57. These prices are exclusive of VAT at 15%. Consumers will pay an 11% increase in water and sanitation services for residential areas. Water rates will be as follows: 0-6kl will be R16.18 per kl, 7-15kl will be R26.66 per kl, 16-30kl will be R32.66 per kl, 31-45kl will be R40.64 per kl, and 46kl and more will cost R50.11 per kl. These are calculated on a 30 day (monthly) cycle. (1000 Litres is equal to 1kl). Waste removal for residential areas will see a 7% increase. The Tribune asked Msukaligwa Local Municipality to confirm the above rates, but had received no feedback from the relevant departments. < Previous Article Next Article >

Calstar Group truly cares 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 24 August 2021 The printer will go a long way in making the administrative duties of the school’s personnel much easier. In an act of true charity, the Calstar Group recently donated a printer to Ithafa Secondary School. The printer will go a long way in making the administrative duties of the school’s personnel much easier. Appearing on the photo (f.l.t.r): Sheila Maseko, Operation Manager at Debonairs Ermelo , Mrs Mabuya, Ithafa school principal, and Sweetness Mpofu, Manager at Debonairs Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Trudi celebrated as Batho Pele winner 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 17 November 2020 Since 2015, Trudi has received a yearly award of service excellence. Trudi van der Bank, a well known resident in Ermelo, has been invited to the Batho Pele Excellence Awards Ceremony, and awarded as best operational employee of the year. The purpose of the National Batho Pele Excellence Awards is to entrench the professionalisation of the public service, to recognize, reward and acknowledge public servants who are performing beyond their call of duty, and to encourage excellence in the public service. The ceremony took place on 30 October at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. Since 2015, Trudi has received a yearly award of service excellence. “Congratulations Trudi, we are very proud of you, and keep up the excellent work.” < Previous Article Next Article >

SASSA launches online application portal 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 September 2020 A receipt will be generated when the application is completed. Supporting documents that are attached must be certified by a Commissioner of Oath. The agency is currently reviewing its system, and thereafter the other grants will also be added to the portal. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) launched a pilot programme, entailing a self-service portal that can be used on both computers and mobile devices. According to SASSA, the turnaround time is 10 days, provided the candidate supplies all the stipulated documents linked to the application such as identity documents of applicant and spouse’s as well as banking details, among others. At this time, the project will cover Child Support, Older Persons and Foster Child grants. SASSA stated that this pilot will provide much-needed relief to grant applicants, as it will save them the inconvenience of standing in queues at SASSA offices. According to the agency, the added advantage is that the convenience of online applications eliminates the risk of being infected with the COVID-19 virus. The agency may require documents supporting a change of circumstances such as payment method, banking details and address. The portal also provides updates on the status of the application. To access this service, applicants need to have an e-mail address to sign up, and to be able to log in for further services. Feedback will be sent via e-mail or through an SMS for those who do not have e-mail addresses. A receipt will be generated when the application is completed. Supporting documents that are attached must be certified by a Commissioner of Oath. The agency is currently reviewing its system, and thereafter the other grants will also be added to the portal. Qualifying applications can be lodged on https://services.sassa.gov.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Travel in style at new Carolina Taxi Rank 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 Users of the facility were urged to properly handle this taxi rank, and guard it against vandalism. After the plight of taxi users in the area, construction has officially been completed, and the handover of the newly developed taxi rank in Carolina, coupled with a taxi office facility, took place on Saturday, 1 May 2021. The event was hosted in commemoration of Workers’ Day, and served as a word of thanks to all workers. Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr DP Nkosi, the Speaker of Council, Cllr MW Mngomezulu, the Municipal Manager Mr MS Dlamini, the Director of Community Safety Services, Mr. W Shabangu, executives of Taxi Associations and SANTACO were in attendance at the event, cutting the ribbon to officially open the establishment. Users of the facility were urged to properly handle this taxi rank, and guard it against vandalism. < Previous Article Next Article >

Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. Stray cattle wreaks havoc 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. 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. In this case, by-laws are wholly ignored and remain unenforced by authorities, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and danger for motorists. Various residents have reported that their dogs get uncontrollably riled up by stray livestock roaming the residential wards, most notably in the De Bruin Park area. Reports have come in from residents stating that livestock has gotten so used to residential traffic and scolds from angry residents that not even car horns spook these cattle when they loaf around the streets, impeding traffic and grazing on the sidewalks of residences. Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. Motorists having to swerve, brake suddenly and drive on the opposite side of the roadway to avoid these animals pose a grave danger for motorists, pedestrians and the cattle alike. This issue, however, is not confined to the CBD and residential wards, as several complaints have been lodged by residents regarding cattle grazing the graveyards, trampling precious memories and damaging vases, flowers and other memorabilia left to honor those long gone. Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. At this time, both MLM and the SAPS in Ermelo turn a blind eye to the growing issue, which have, and will again, result in a loss of life as motorists collide with stray animals which are left to their own devices. Stray cattle have been reported lounging around the non-working traffic light at the Church- and Voortrekker Streets intersection. The photo right depicts the damage a motorist suffered after colliding with a stray calf in Border Street, which darted across the road while shrouded in darkness. < Previous Article Next Article >

TLU SA underwhelmed by predictable budget 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 “The government should get to a point where it takes hard economic decisions instead of ideological decisions,” concludes Mr Geldenhuys. The National Budget 2021 did nothing to excite agriculture. Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni, delivered the budget in parliament, and as expected, there was a strong focus on economic growth. Early on in his speech, the minister said that this budget would create South Africa’s framework to achieve a primary surplus on the budget in 2024/25 and stabilize debt by 2025/26. “Economic growth does not happen because someone announced it during a budget speech,” says Mr Henry Geldenhuys, the TLU SA president. “The government wants to build an economy through government expenditure and grants. Any economy can only grow through processing, production and job creation. The government missed this part of Economy 101.” Mboweni admits that the majority of the R2 trillion spending goes towards social services. The government is trying to make as many South Africans as possible dependent on the state, so the ANC controls them. “The balance between people receiving grants and those who work and pay taxes is growing bigger,” says Mr Geldenhuys. “It is a ticking timebomb for the country.” From an agricultural view, the industry which must save the country all the time – the 8% increase in the excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products will hit those producers hard. The combined aspects affecting the production process – such as higher wages, more expensive power supply and an increase in fuel prices, increasingly make it more difficult for farmers to show a profit. “Because of the increased price of production costs, farmers depend on financing more, but the Land Bank is also on its last legs – even if the minister budgeted R7 billion for its rescue,” says Mr Geldenhuys. “The injection will not yield the needed results if the Land Bank does not restructure its management. The bank should be allowed to function according to the principles of banking without the government interfering and forcing an ideological agenda with unrealistic requirements for financing.” The R791.2 billion infrastructure investment drive is a highlight but should be seen against the background of corrupt tender processes and inexperience. “The government should get to a point where it takes hard economic decisions instead of ideological decisions,” concludes Mr Geldenhuys. “As long as anything other guides the economic direction, the economy will just stumble ahead.” < Previous Article Next Article >