Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. MLM keeps mum on plan to improve service delivery 1/42 Share GK CRONJE 22 June 2021 Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. Amidst all-time high dissatisfaction from residents, and a new low in service delivery, the IDP budget has been announced by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), and has been slated as a multi-year budget. The MLM executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, delivered the budget announcement, and subsequently outlined the state of the municipality. He admitted that the municipality is currently in a mixed state, and that several backlogs have been ameliorated due to the purchase of new equipment. According to the budget speech, MLM’s success will rely on it ability to adhere to the national and provincial planning frameworks. This framework includes, amongst others, that the municipality should ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with the community. Most notably, the framework stipulates that the municipality should deliver basic services, which includes basic electricity, basic water, sanitation, waste removal and more. The framework also explicitly states that the municipality should ensure that services such as grass cutting, patching of potholes, working traffic lights and street lights and consistent refuse removal are implemented. It further states that focus must be placed on the operations and maintenance of existing infrastructure to ensure continuity of service provision. In total, the IDP lists 243 separate community issues and needs across all wards within its governance. Unfortunately, the majority of the listed issues have been longstanding for several years, with MLM failing to address the issues. Notably, the majority of complaints are of a service delivery nature, which includes the ghastly state of all roads, traffic lights and street lights that are in non-working condition, water provision, electrical infrastructure and provision complaints, refuse removal and general neatness of the wards and CBD. The rampant and unchecked drug use in Ermelo and informal townships have also been noted in several complaints. Ironically, no mention of the infamous 88kV substation can be found in the IDP. Electrical issues are simply referred to as “electrical infrastructure” issues. Other issues include the lack of healthcare and clinics, the lack of maintenance of council sportsgrounds, the lack of dumping sites and the issue of illegal dumping, illegal electricity connections and ageing infrastructure. A major point of concern is the Thusong Service Centre in Lothair, which, according to available information, started construction circa 2013/2014, but remains incomplete. According to the IDP, the main issues of focus from MLM should be housing, road upgrades, storm water drainage upgrades, access to sanitation, electricity supply, provision of water, waste management and public lighting. However, the prioritizes pie chart in the IDP makes no sense, as electricity shows a 12% priority scale, public lighting and waste management both at 9%, with roads and stormwater drains taking up 20%, and housing taking 21%. Sanitation takes up a mere 13%. In light of the current electricity situation that the community finds itself in, 12% priority is a slap in the face of residents. By-Laws: According to MLM, the by-laws are not enforced due to “high costs associated” with the enforcement. According to MLM, nuisance, traffic, street trading and electricity by-laws will be enforced with the assistance of the SAPS and NPA. If these by-laws will be enforced, remains a topic of conversation. No mention of stray cattle and stray animal by-laws is made, except in the issues raised by the community. A direct enquiry to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, dated 2 June 2021, yielded no response regarding the plan to step up the enforcement of all by-laws. Water Quality & Sanitation: MLM has stated that it has appointed a technician to control the quality of the water supply, and claims to work towards SANS 241 compliance. MLM claims that the Blue Drop status was at 18.1% in 2014, but makes no further mention as to the current quality of the water supply. Water maintenance budget for 2021/2022 from municipal coffers stand at R3 933 000, with a total of R17 298 735 being allocated from municipal infrastructure grants (MIG). The MIG is a conditional grant from the national government, with the aim of improving service delivery. MLM claims that an actual amount of R12 000 000 is needed for operations and maintenance of water supply. The backlog is 4.97%. Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has assisted in initiating the upgrade of the bulk water supply pipeline and infrastructure for Ermelo, Wesselton, Breyten, Chrissiesmeer, Nganga and Warburton at a cost of R264 594 000. Free basic water to indigent households enjoys a staggering R6 835 987. Strangely, the budget for indigent water supply exceeds the water maintenance budget. Sanitation budget stands at a mere R897 000, with R9 187 380 from MIG and a blistering R50 000 000 from water services infrastructure grant (WSIG) funds. The green drop status of MLM is stated as a shockingly poor 98.5% in 2014. Again, no recent Green Drop status is mentioned. A equitable finance share from national government assists in the mammoth R14 922 000 bill racked up by supplying free basic wastewater management to indigent households. No mention of the dilapidated sewerage network is noted. Enquiries lodged, explicitly naming Cassim Park, President Fouché Avenue, Autumn Ridge, Wesselton, Sun City and surrounding areas as areas of focus where the sewerage infrastructure is virtually collapsed, saw no joy. The municipal spokesman simply ignored the enquires. Electricity supply: Amidst the electrical infrastructure of Ermelo teetering on the brink of collapse, with rolling blackouts and load reduction on a daily basis, MLM has allocated a measly R3 000 000 for maintenance of electricity in 2021/2022. R10 000 000 has been allocated from the integrated national electrification programme (INEP) grant, for bulk electricity infrastructure and the electrification of households. MLM stated that it needs to apply for bulk capacity upgrade of the notified maximum demand (NMD) from Eskom. Mandla Zwane has stated that there has been no reduction in the NMD from Eskom. However, residents aren’t biting this carrot, with the load reduction and power outages from MLM that have dramatically increased withing a very short space of time. The municipality claims that ageing infrastructure and insufficient cable sizes are to blame for the electrical outages. These need to be replaced. With the paying residents getting the short end of the stick, indigent support sees a budget allocation of R11 136 000, where MLM supplies free basic electricity of 50kWh to more than 11 500 registrants. A direct enquiry to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, dated 2 June 2021, explicitly enquired as to how MLM plans to resolve the issues faced by the inadequate supply from the 88kV line, as claimed by the municipality. Additional enquiries regarding the budget for the upgrade of the substation, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of the line were also lodged. To date, the enquiries yielded no response. It is clear from the allocated funds above did not make provision for neither upgrade nor maintenance of the 88kV substation. No provision has been made for the upkeep and servicing of the electrical infrastructure. Enquiries lodged on numerous occasions regarding the damages suffered by residents due to neglect of the infrastructure and erratic electricity supply, and how they can claim reparations from the municipality, has simply been ignored by the spokesman. MLM also failed to elaborate on how they plan to engage with illegal connections, and the fact that entire towns, such as Breyten and Chrissiesmeer, have, for all intents and purposes, a zero percent payment rate from residents. According to the latest know figures, MLM has an arrangement of R180 634 883 with Eskom, with R35 000 000 already paid, and R145 634 883 being outstanding. It is unclear how these figures were calculated, or if these amounts are the interest or the capital amount owed. According to the last known report, MLM owed Eskom R172 million in August 2020. According to the MLM spokesman, the municipality is on schedule with the arrangement between MLM and Eskom. Roads and infrastructure - Of the total length of 446km of roads within the municipality’s jurisdiction, a mere 234km is either paved or tarred. A total of 212km of roadway lies in the backlog, or are farm and backroads. According to MLM, there is no funds in the municipal coffer for new roads. A measly amount of R2 579 800 has been allocated for infrastructure and maintenance. An additional allocation of R23 969 985 has been funded by the MIG for upgrading existing roads. According to MLM, a total of R86 500 000 is required annually to maintain road infrastructure within the municipal jurisdiction. Therefore, MLM essentially states that there are no funds in the municipal coffer to maintain the roads and infrastructure. Enquiries explicitly outlining the dilemma faced of the collapsing roads in Ermelo, and the virtually non-existent roads in Wesselton, Sun City and other areas have been ignored by MLM. Enquiries regarding the plan of action to rehabilitate and maintain the roadways in high traffic areas, most notably school routes, roadways surround new developments and housing complexes in Camden Avenue and Wes Street and, as well as high density routes in the CBD, have also been ignored. Stormwater management - Puzzlingly, the funds allocated for the maintenance and management of the stormwater infrastructure falls under the measly amount allocated to roads and infrastructure. According to MLM, Human Resources shortages remain a challenge, as no personnel are available due to financial constraints. Refuse removal - MLM will fork out R9 233 000 for free basic refuse removal for indigent registrants. Ultimately, it would be logical to view the budget and financial state of Msukaligwa Local Municipality as likely to collapse, as the municipality is, for all practical, technically bankrupt. Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. < Previous Article Next Article >

On their last school day in Grade 12, this light will be symbolically doused. Their childhood days are done, and they will be equipped to go into the world as true bearers of light, and leaders in the community. Graad 8's se liggies brand nou helder 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 March 2021 On their last school day in Grade 12, this light will be symbolically doused. Their childhood days are done, and they will be equipped to go into the world as true bearers of light, and leaders in the community. Ouers, onderwysers en die Graad 8's moes maar Donderdag, 11 Maart tydens die baadjieseremonie, die sakdoeke naby hou. Ligbron het ‘n baie spesiale tradisie, waarmee elke Graad 8 ingewy en verwelkom word, en waarmee hul ook aan die einde van Graad 12 gegroet word. Our learners are known as the Liggie,s and that is why, after we have symbolically lit their lights, they receive the most beautiful blue blazer in the country. Die aansteek van die liggie simboliseer die brandende begeerte na kennis en selfverwesenliking, en ook die uitstraal van naaste liefde en diensbaarheid. Vir die volgende vyf jaar voed ons hierdie vlammetjie, en vertrou dat dit helder in elke kind sal brand. On their last school day in Grade 12, this light will be symbolically doused. Their childhood days are done, and they will be equipped to go into the world as true bearers of light, and leaders in the community. “Welkom, aan elke nuwe Liggie! We welcome you into the Liggie community!” < Previous Article Next Article >

"Non Viribus Sed Virtute" EHS aangewys as nommer een in Gert Sibande 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 "Non Viribus Sed Virtute" Tydens die Gert Sibande-distrik se prysuitdeling van 2020 se matriekuitslae, is Hoërskool Ermelo aangewys as die beste presterende skool in die distrik. Met 'n slaagsyfer van 99,1% en 79% leerders wat slaag met universiteitsvrystelling, is dié prestasie 'n besondere hoogtepunt. “Groot dank gaan aan die matrieks van 2020, en aan die onderwysers van EHS vir harde werk en deursettingsvermoë om dié prestasie te kon behaal. Hoërskool Ermelo buig in dankbaarheid. "Non Viribus Sed Virtute" < Previous Article Next Article >

"What an accomplishment! As soon as rugby may commence, they will play against the Falcons and Limpopo after which the final teams will be announced." Blou Masjien Rugby - 19 spelers in Puma-spanne 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 25 May 2021 "What an accomplishment! As soon as rugby may commence, they will play against the Falcons and Limpopo after which the final teams will be announced." Alhoewel almal hartseer is oor skolesport wat vir eers uitgestel is, het 19 Liggies se harte trots geklop. Dié spelers is in die voorlopige Puma Hoërskole Spanne vir 2021 opgeneem. Sodra ons weer aan kontaksport mag deelneem, gaan die spanne wedstryde teen die Valke en Limpopo speel, waarna die onderskeie spanne (A/B) gefinaliseer sal word. “Baie geluk met julle prestasie!” 19 Ligbron rugby players received the good news that they have been included in the preliminary Puma High school teams for 2021. What an accomplishment! As soon as rugby may commence, they will play against the Falcons and Limpopo after which the final teams will be announced. “Congratulations - hard work was rewarded!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Kwanele Nkambule het 5de plek in die 200m vir seuns o/20 behaal, met ‘n tyd van 21.88 sekondes. In die 100m was hy 11de, met 11.00 sekondes. Anele Ngwenya seuns 0/16 spog met 4de plek in die hoogspring, met ‘n hoogte van 1.85m. Liggies neem deel by ASA kampioenskappe 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 13 April 2021 Kwanele Nkambule het 5de plek in die 200m vir seuns o/20 behaal, met ‘n tyd van 21.88 sekondes. In die 100m was hy 11de, met 11.00 sekondes. Anele Ngwenya seuns 0/16 spog met 4de plek in die hoogspring, met ‘n hoogte van 1.85m. Twee van die Liggies se atlete het vanaf 7 tot 10 April 2021 in die Paarl aan die Suid Afrikaanse atletiek kampioenskappe deelgeneem. Kwanele Nkambule het 5de plek in die 200m vir seuns o/20 behaal, met ‘n tyd van 21.88 sekondes. In die 100m was hy 11de, met 11.00 sekondes. Anele Ngwenya seuns 0/16 spog met 4de plek in die hoogspring, met ‘n hoogte van 1.85m. “Baie geluk seuns, die Liggies is trots op julle!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Hulle is by die skool Welkom terug aan die 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 9 June 2020 Hulle is by die skool Al die plaaslike skole het op Maandag, 8 Junie, hul Graad 7 en Graad 12 leerders terug verwelkom. Al die skole het die nodige maatreëls toegepas om te verseker dat die skool, asook die klaskamers, veilig en skoon is vir die leerders. Die Tribune wil graag al die leerders verwelkom, en sterkte toewens met die rowwe tyd wat voorlê. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hierdie bekwame afrigters het leiding aan elke span en afrigter gegee tydens wedstryde Erries skerp hokkie-vaardighede op 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 20 April 2021 Hierdie bekwame afrigters het leiding aan elke span en afrigter gegee tydens wedstryde Die Erries het die voorreg gehad om op Vrydag, 9 April en Saterdag, 10 April die Nedstar SA-kliniek onderleiding van Omari Pienaar te kon bywoon op EHS se astrobaan. Al die hokkiespanne het nuwe vaardighede en tegnieke in ge-oefen tydens die vaardigheidsessies, waar die Nedstar-afrigters moeite gedoen het met elke span. Hierdie bekwame afrigters het leiding aan elke span en afrigter gegee tydens wedstryde. Al die Erries se hokkiespanne is gereed vir die liga en sien uit om hierdie jaar weereens uitnemende hokkie te speel. < Previous Article Next Article >

Gesegdes soos “kriel haantjie”, wat beteken dis ‘n manlike aggresiewe persoon wat gewoonlik klein van postuur is, “bakkie brakkie”, wat ‘n hond is wat oral saam ry, en “kattemaai”, om altyd plesierig te wees. Die leerders het dit vreeslik geniet. JJ se Graad 7's geniet Taalweek 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 25 Augustus 2020 Gesegdes soos “kriel haantjie”, wat beteken dis ‘n manlike aggresiewe persoon wat gewoonlik klein van postuur is, “bakkie brakkie”, wat ‘n hond is wat oral saam ry, en “kattemaai”, om altyd plesierig te wees. Die leerders het dit vreeslik geniet. Die afgelope week het Laerskool JJ van der Merwe se Graad 7 leerders ‘n Taalweek aangebied. Die leerders is geleer van woorde wat nie alledaags bekend is nie, asook die betekenis rondom die woord. Gesegdes soos “kriel haantjie”, wat beteken dis ‘n manlike aggresiewe persoon wat gewoonlik klein van postuur is, “bakkie brakkie”, wat ‘n hond is wat oral saam ry, en “kattemaai”, om altyd plesierig te wees. Die leerders het dit vreeslik geniet. Die leerders kon ook op Vrydag, 21 Augustus, soos ‘n karakter uit ‘n storie boek aantrek. < Previous Article Next Article >

Tydens die dekade is daar na verskeie aspekte gekyk soos, sterkte van opposisie, werklike punte behaal op veld en nog vele meer. Ligbron is onder die top 100 skole van die dekade, en die top groot skool in Mpumalanga asook onder die top drie skole in Mpumalanga. Ligbron rugby 53ste in die land Ligbron rugby 53ste in die land Ligbron rugby 53ste in die land 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 8 September 2020 Tydens die dekade is daar na verskeie aspekte gekyk soos, sterkte van opposisie, werklike punte behaal op veld en nog vele meer. Ligbron is onder die top 100 skole van die dekade, en die top groot skool in Mpumalanga asook onder die top drie skole in Mpumalanga. Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie is 53ste in die land met hulle puik rugby. Afgesien van die COVID-19 pandemie, wat veroorsaak het dat daar geen sport kon beoefen of gespeel word nie, het die SA Skole Sport na die laaste dekade (2001-2019) gekyk om te kan bevestig waar elke skool lê. Tydens die dekade is daar na verskeie aspekte gekyk soos, sterkte van opposisie, werklike punte behaal op veld en nog vele meer. Ligbron is onder die top 100 skole van die dekade, en die top groot skool in Mpumalanga asook onder die top drie skole in Mpumalanga. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Baie geluk aan dié seuns met uitstekende tellings en pragtige gholf. EHS is trots op elkeen.” EHS-gholf behaal weer eerste plek 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 25 May 2021 “Baie geluk aan dié seuns met uitstekende tellings en pragtige gholf. EHS is trots op elkeen.” Op Vrydag, 21 Mei, het een van die Erries se gholfspanne die volgende rondte liga gaan speel op Volksrust. As gevolg van die COVID-regulasies, kon daar net een span aan dié liga-rondte deelneem. EHS se A-span verteenwoordig egter die Erries uitstekend, en stap as wenners van die baan af. Dié span is goed op dreef om die liga te wen, met net nog een rondte om te speel. Die tellings van die spelers is as volg: Tobie Leibbrandt behaal15 punte, Wian Swart behaal 14 punte, Liam Kitchenmaster 13 punte en Pieter Leibbrandt 11 punte. “Baie geluk aan dié seuns met uitstekende tellings en pragtige gholf. EHS is trots op elkeen.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Twee Erries se skryf stukke is ingesluit in die “Poort”-bundel. Dit is ‘n publikasie van die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie en Kuns. Erries skitter met skryfwerk 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 28 September 2021 Twee Erries se skryf stukke is ingesluit in die “Poort”-bundel. Dit is ‘n publikasie van die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie en Kuns. Twee Erries se skryf stukke is ingesluit in die “Poort”-bundel. Dit is ‘n publikasie van die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie en Kuns. Leerders kon inskryf vir ‘n kompetisie, vir die geleentheid om hul werk te publiseer. Zara Büchling, ‘n Graad 12-leerder in 2020, se opstel “Die dag toe ek gewaag het”, en Isabelle Burgers, tans ‘n Graad 10-leerder, se opstel “Dawid Hellebaard” is in die bundel vervat. “Baie geluk aan elkeen van die leerders wat op die verskeie platforms presteer het. Die Erries hou julle skryf talent met afwagting dop! Baie dankie aan die Afrikaanse Departement van EHS, wat ‘n passie het en liefde kweek vir die taal en vir die vak.” < Previous Article Next Article >

“Baie sterkte met die volgende rondte van die Olimpiade. Mag julle soos volwaardige Erries Hoërskool Ermelo se naam hoog hou, en elke oomblik geniet.” EHS-slimkoppe presteer by Olimpiade 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 3 August 2021 “Baie sterkte met die volgende rondte van die Olimpiade. Mag julle soos volwaardige Erries Hoërskool Ermelo se naam hoog hou, en elke oomblik geniet.” ‘n Groep Erries het deelgeneem aan die eerste rondte van die Proverto Olimpiade vir Rekeningkunde, Besigheidstudies en Ekonomie. Uit die byna 5000 leerders wat jaarliks aan dié kompetisie deelneem, is dit ‘n groot prestasie en eer vir die volgende nege Erries om op 4 Augustus deel te neem aan die tweede en finale rondte van die Olimpiade: Altus Boshoff (Graad 10), Johan Strauss (Graad 10), Raees Tikly (Graad 10), Sihle Maseko (Graad 11), Lood Geldenhuys (Graad 11), Mpumelelo Malaza (Graad 12), Liandri Viviers (Graad 12), Anke de Kock (Graad 12) en GJ Swanepoel (Graad 12). “Baie sterkte met die volgende rondte van die Olimpiade. Mag julle soos volwaardige Erries Hoërskool Ermelo se naam hoog hou, en elke oomblik geniet.” < Previous Article Next Article >