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The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. Next of kin sought Next of kin sought 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Woensdag, 14 Julie 2021, was daar ‘n groot vergadering gehou by die Ermelo Inn, wat die gemeenskap kon bywoon om te beplan hoe om Ermelo te beskerm teen geweldadigers wat ons dorp wil kom vernietig. Ongeveer 100 inwoners van Ermelo het die vergadering bygewoon en saam gestaan. Op dié aand het die lede van die gemeenskap omstreeks 20:00 by die Ermelo SAPD stasie bymekaar gekom, en daar was die reëlings aan almal deur gegee, en ook die missie van die projek. Die lede was in gedeel in verskeie groepe, waar elke ingang van die dorp gemoniteer was deur lede. Elke voertuig wat die dorp wou in- of uitgaan was deursoek, asook aangevra waarheen hul oppad was. Natuurlik, na die inperkingstyd van 21:00 wat niemand meer buite hul wonings mag wees nie, moes daar ‘n permit wees wat bewys dat die persoon essentiële dienste lewer. Ermelo Buurtwag, Spartan Team, ACSU, SAPD, Afriforum asook die Ermelo Taxi Association het almal saam hande gevat. Daar was ook patrollie deur die dorp, asook deur die woonburte gery om te verseker dat almal veilig by hulle huise is. Seattle Coffee het ook hande gevat, en het vir die lede wat patrollie ry en buite in die koue was, ‘n koffie asook ‘n verversing gegee om hul dank te wys. Kol. Ngcobo, Stasie Bevelvoerder, het Woensdag aand aan die Tribune gesê die missie is dat Ermelo veilig bly, en dat hul verseker dat daar geen verdraagsaamheid van enige aard teenoor wetsoordtreders is nie. “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Kyk gerus op die Tribune Ermelo se Facebook blad vir meer foto’s, asook video’s. Ermelo gemeenskap staan saam en beveilig Ermelo Ermelo gemeenskap staan saam en beveilig Ermelo 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 20 July 2021 “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Op Woensdag, 14 Julie 2021, was daar ‘n groot vergadering gehou by die Ermelo Inn, wat die gemeenskap kon bywoon om te beplan hoe om Ermelo te beskerm teen geweldadigers wat ons dorp wil kom vernietig. Ongeveer 100 inwoners van Ermelo het die vergadering bygewoon en saam gestaan. Op dié aand het die lede van die gemeenskap omstreeks 20:00 by die Ermelo SAPD stasie bymekaar gekom, en daar was die reëlings aan almal deur gegee, en ook die missie van die projek. Die lede was in gedeel in verskeie groepe, waar elke ingang van die dorp gemoniteer was deur lede. Elke voertuig wat die dorp wou in- of uitgaan was deursoek, asook aangevra waarheen hul oppad was. Natuurlik, na die inperkingstyd van 21:00 wat niemand meer buite hul wonings mag wees nie, moes daar ‘n permit wees wat bewys dat die persoon essentiële dienste lewer. Ermelo Buurtwag, Spartan Team, ACSU, SAPD, Afriforum asook die Ermelo Taxi Association het almal saam hande gevat. Daar was ook patrollie deur die dorp, asook deur die woonburte gery om te verseker dat almal veilig by hulle huise is. Seattle Coffee het ook hande gevat, en het vir die lede wat patrollie ry en buite in die koue was, ‘n koffie asook ‘n verversing gegee om hul dank te wys. Kol. Ngcobo, Stasie Bevelvoerder, het Woensdag aand aan die Tribune gesê die missie is dat Ermelo veilig bly, en dat hul verseker dat daar geen verdraagsaamheid van enige aard teenoor wetsoordtreders is nie. “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Kyk gerus op die Tribune Ermelo se Facebook blad vir meer foto’s, asook video’s. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rus sag, Ria 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 12 January 2021 Sy was 57 jaar woonagtig in Ermelo. Ria gaan baie gemis word deur haar vriende, asook in die gemeenskap. Ria Fourie, ‘n bekende in die gemeenskap, is op 12 Januarie 2021 oorlede. Sy was 57 jaar woonagtig in Ermelo. Ria gaan baie gemis word deur haar vriende, asook in die gemeenskap. Sy word oorleef deur 2 seuns, 6 kleinkinders asook agterklein kinders. “Rus sag by Liewe Jesus se voete, moeder.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which comprises Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda and Trichardt, has become unmanageable due to the great number of towns that have to be provided with services by this municipality. FF Plus to approach COGTA amidst Bethal falling apart 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 11 August 2020 Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which comprises Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda and Trichardt, has become unmanageable due to the great number of towns that have to be provided with services by this municipality. Media Statement - The FF Plus in Mpumalanga has initiated a process to have Bethal, which is burdened with poor service delivery and a general lack of maintenance, established as a smaller, more manageable municipal unit. Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which comprises Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda and Trichardt, has become unmanageable due to the great number of towns that have to be provided with services by this municipality. For this reason, the FF Plus will send official letters to the provincial MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mandla Msibi, and to the Municipal Demarcation Board requesting, in terms of the Municipal Structures and Municipal Demarcation Acts, that the relevant municipal borders must be redefined so that Bethal can start functioning as a smaller, independent municipality. Bethal is being treated like an unwanted stepchild by Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, and the town's loyal taxpayers have no access to proper service delivery. During a recent visit to Bethal, it was evident that no attempts are made to address the various problems experienced in the town. Since 28 January 2020, the two large pump stations are pumping sewage into the Blesbokspruit (a tributary that flows into the Vaal River) after another pump was removed and was never repaired or replaced. The Bethal Dam, which was previously used for water sports, is polluted with sewage and people have been warned not to make use of the water source. In some areas, live electric wires are exposed and overground cables are being used underground, which, according to some sources, contributes to the frequent power outages that last up to 18 hours. In the FF Plus's view, a smaller and more locally focused local government system is the answer to poor service delivery. The ANC government has proven time and again that bigger budgets only lead to more mismanagement, theft and corruption and less service delivery for taxpayers. < Previous Article Next Article >

Don’t fall victim to employment scams 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 24 July 2021 The scammer then proceeds to lure vulnerable and desperate job seekers to pay a fee, where the scammer claims to then provide employment from the institution in question. The SAPS, along with various other key roleplayers, have issued a warning to residents regarding employment scams at municipalities. “It has come to the attention of the authorities that several people have been duped into paying scammers for supposed employment at various government institutions, mainly focused on local municipalities. Please be advised that no money should be paid in order to be appointed to a company or institution,” the SAPS has warned. The scam is especilly rife in Mpumalanga, where a large number of individuals have already been duped into paying for employment opportunities that are advertised, or in some cases, do not exist at all. The modus operandi of the scammers involve commenting on official social media posts from municipalities and institutions, claiming that they are employed of contracted by the human resources department of said companies. In some cases, fake social media accounts are also created, with scammers then claiming to be municipal officials. The scammer then proceeds to lure vulnerable and desperate job seekers to pay a fee, where the scammer claims to then provide employment from the institution in question. However, no employment exists, and the victim is duped out of his or her hard earned money. The SAPS would like to reiterate that no company will charge a fee to interview or appoint new recruits. Residents are advised to follow the indicated application procedure as indicated by the institution in question, or to contact the human resources department directly via the institution’s website or official communication channels. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rietspruit housing development taking shape 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Residential, retail and parks were touted as the main attraction, and water, sewage and roads infrastructure will be made available by DOHS. After years of allegations of corruption, arrests of officials, and land invasions from irate residents, Rietspruit Farm, also known as Extension 44, had finally been allocated by the Department of Human Settlements (DOHS) to house nearly 5 000 housing units. This flagship project was recently officiated last year by Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, is showing progress and much promise. Gert Sibande District Municipality regional planning unveiled that a reported 5 760 stands had been made available, with an estimated 4 000 mixed housing opportunities. Plans for more than 600 rental units were also mentioned. Residential, retail and parks were touted as the main attraction, and water, sewage and roads infrastructure will be made available by DOHS. - Photos sourced. < Previous Article Next Article >

Soos wat ‘n gewone werksdag sal begin met roetine en kinders by die skool kry, het Dinsdag, 8 Februarie 2022, heel anders vir ‘n gesin in Ermelo begin. ‘N Oupa en sy kleindogter was binne-in hul Chevrolet Utilty bakkie, oppad om haar by die skool af te laai. Oupa het by die hek uitgekim om die hek oop te stoot, waar drie rowers vir hom gewag het. Daar is aan die oupa gesê om nie te skree nie, anders skiet hul die dogtertjie. Die oupa en sy kleindogter is binne die huis in geboender saam met die rowers, waarna die drie rowers geld geëis het. Binne in die huis was die ouma, kleinseun, dogter en skoonseun. Die hele familie was gedwing na die ontvangs area, waar hulle vasgebind is. Die rowers het die huis oordompel opsoek na geld. Die dogter het aan die rowers gesê om nie te skiet nie, dat hulle alles kan vat maar moet net nie hulle seer maak nie. Die rowers het ‘n gordel in die hande gekry, en om die dogter se nek vas gemaak. Die pa het probeer om sy kinders se oë toe te hou, sodat hulle nie kon sien wat met hulle ma gebeur nie. Daarna het die rowers ‘n strykyster in die hande gekry, en hom in die gang laat warm word. Die pa is op sy skouer gebrand, en die oupa op sy lae rug, terwyl die res van die gesin toekyk en nie hulp kan verleen nie. ACSU se beheerkamer het gesien dat die alarm verskeie kere agter mekaar ge-aktiveer word. Wentzel Sonnekus en sy bemanning het dadelik na die adres gejaag, en met die aankoms is daar aan hulle vertel wat gebeur het. Die rowers het te voet uit die erf geloop, in ‘n wit Mercedez-Benz geklim en weg gejaag. Tydens die insident is daar na die kamera opname gekyk, waar daar kon sien in wat se voertuig hul geklim het. Mnr. Sonnekus het dadelik begin om die voertuig te volg. Alle veiligheids groepe is in kennis gestel, en die rowers is in Benoni deur die “Flying Squad” gearresteer. Tydens die roof is daar ‘n groot bedrag geld, selfone asook juwliersware gesteel. Die rowers, Thobeka Makua (28), Bennet Mkhize (44) en Badanile Thabethe (42) het op Donderdag, 10 Februarie, in die Ermelo landroshof verskyn waar hulle saak uitgestel is. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die gesin, wil hulle net graag aan die gemeenskap, ACSU, Ermelo SAPD en ook die SAPD van Benoni bedank vir hulle flinke diens. In besonders wil hul vir Mnr. Sonnekus en sy span bedank wat hulle die nodige bystand gegee het, en hul dadelik kon help om te sê waar die voertuig is. Rowers sak toe op gesin, martel pa en oupa Rowers sak toe op gesin, martel pa en oupa 1/6 Share SM HATTINGH 15 February 2022 Alle veiligheids groepe is in kennis gestel, en die rowers is in Benoni deur die “Flying Squad” gearresteer. Soos wat ‘n gewone werksdag sal begin met roetine en kinders by die skool kry, het Dinsdag, 8 Februarie 2022, heel anders vir ‘n gesin in Ermelo begin. ‘N Oupa en sy kleindogter was binne-in hul Chevrolet Utilty bakkie, oppad om haar by die skool af te laai. Oupa het by die hek uitgekim om die hek oop te stoot, waar drie rowers vir hom gewag het. Daar is aan die oupa gesê om nie te skree nie, anders skiet hul die dogtertjie. Die oupa en sy kleindogter is binne die huis in geboender saam met die rowers, waarna die drie rowers geld geëis het. Binne in die huis was die ouma, kleinseun, dogter en skoonseun. Die hele familie was gedwing na die ontvangs area, waar hulle vasgebind is. Die rowers het die huis oordompel opsoek na geld. Die dogter het aan die rowers gesê om nie te skiet nie, dat hulle alles kan vat maar moet net nie hulle seer maak nie. Die rowers het ‘n gordel in die hande gekry, en om die dogter se nek vas gemaak. Die pa het probeer om sy kinders se oë toe te hou, sodat hulle nie kon sien wat met hulle ma gebeur nie. Daarna het die rowers ‘n strykyster in die hande gekry, en hom in die gang laat warm word. Die pa is op sy skouer gebrand, en die oupa op sy lae rug, terwyl die res van die gesin toekyk en nie hulp kan verleen nie. ACSU se beheerkamer het gesien dat die alarm verskeie kere agter mekaar ge-aktiveer word. Wentzel Sonnekus en sy bemanning het dadelik na die adres gejaag, en met die aankoms is daar aan hulle vertel wat gebeur het. Die rowers het te voet uit die erf geloop, in ‘n wit Mercedez-Benz geklim en weg gejaag. Tydens die insident is daar na die kamera opname gekyk, waar daar kon sien in wat se voertuig hul geklim het. Mnr. Sonnekus het dadelik begin om die voertuig te volg. Alle veiligheids groepe is in kennis gestel, en die rowers is in Benoni deur die “Flying Squad” gearresteer. Tydens die roof is daar ‘n groot bedrag geld, selfone asook juwliersware gesteel. Die rowers, Thobeka Makua (28), Bennet Mkhize (44) en Badanile Thabethe (42) het op Donderdag, 10 Februarie, in die Ermelo landroshof verskyn waar hulle saak uitgestel is. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die gesin, wil hulle net graag aan die gemeenskap, ACSU, Ermelo SAPD en ook die SAPD van Benoni bedank vir hulle flinke diens. In besonders wil hul vir Mnr. Sonnekus en sy span bedank wat hulle die nodige bystand gegee het, en hul dadelik kon help om te sê waar die voertuig is. < Previous Article Next Article >

Breast cancer is serious business 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 Studies have shown that time to a cancer diagnosis may be influenced by several factors, including women's knowledge and awareness of cancer symptoms. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has launched a campaign to highlight the important role that women can play in taking ownership of their personal health during breast cancer awareness month, and that getting checked regularly and early, is vital. “We encourage women to focus on their breast health by being aware of any changes or irregularities, get to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and go for regular breast screenings. It’s always good to practise self care which includes making personal health a priority,” says Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager for Health Promotion. With 1.7 million women diagnosed each year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In South Africa, according to the National Cancer Registry (2017), one in 26 women are at risk of developing breast cancer, and 16% of cancer deaths are attributed to it. There is growing concern that most women present with late stage cancers, which make for a difficult prognosis. “Studies have shown that time to a cancer diagnosis may be influenced by several factors, including women's knowledge and awareness of cancer symptoms, whether women see themselves as being at risk for breast cancer, barriers in the health system, knowledge and attitude of health providers, and psychological, and socio-cultural barriers to health care,” said Professor Jennifer Moodley, Director of the Cancer Research Initiative at UCT. If any women have breast cancer symptoms, it’s so important to present to health practitioners and get checked out sooner than later, as this can lead to an early-stage diagnosis that results in better breast cancer treatment and survival. So do those monthly breast self-examinations, annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread. CANSA plays an active role in the promotion of early detection of breast cancer, and offers clinical breast examinations to detect breast lumps at CANSA Care Centres, with strict safety protocols in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Costs are kept to a minimum, and patients with medical aid benefits can claim from their medical aids once they have paid for the screening. Support for cancer patients is plentiful through support groups, online support resources, tele counselling and CANSA also supplies wigs and headwear, bras, and lymphoedema garments, in partnership with The M Store, at CANSA Care Centres. “We have our specialized online support programme called iSurvivor Metastatic Breast Cancer, which is aimed at assisting and helping mostly metastatic breast cancer patients with their experienced challenges. And we offer a variety of breast prostheses at affordable rates for those who had to undergo a mastectomy/lumpectomy and offer advice to help cope with the side effects of cancer treatment,” concludes Govender. In celebration of CANSA’s 90th birthday, Novartis is giving back and offering a total of 360 free Clinical Breast Examinations, until 8 October 2021, at selected CANSA Care Centres. Bookings must be made through info@cansa.org.za . Anyone can get involved and help CANSA during October, either by purchasing a ‘Doek with a Difference’ or a pair of earrings as part of the Pink Trees for Pauline campaign, or by hosting a virtual Cuppa For CANSA event with the CANSA SPAR Tea on 30 October 2021. Book a clinical breast screening, and encourage family and friends to do the same. You can also donate via CANSA’s secure, online platforms, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed about their various health campaigns and fundraising initiatives. < Previous Article Next Article >

Devin Rheeders needs your help 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 9 November 2021 Many of the symptoms of auditory neuropathy can also be caused by more common types of hearing loss. Devin Rheeders (4) needs the assistance of the Ermelo community. Devin has been evaluated at the Ear Institute’s Cochlear Implant Unit. The diagnosis of a profound sensorineural hearing loss was made, with a comprehensive audiological test battery, which included electroacoustic and advanced audiometric procedures. The most powerful hearing aids indicated insufficient hearing thresholds for normal functioning and development. Implanting Devin will give him access to sound which will provide him with the only chance of age-appropriate speech and language development. This will help him to perform better at school, and provide him opportunity to a better education resulting in independent employment as an adult in the future. If not implanted, it may lead to permanent changes in the auditory cortex in the brain, which may make it impossible to benefit from a cochlear implant, or any form of hearing restoration surgery in future. Auditory neuropathy is a rare type of hearing loss. It is caused by disruption of the nerve impulses travelling from the inner ear to the brain, although what causes this is unknown, and there is no cure. Both ears are usually affected, and the hearing loss ranges from mild to severe. Auditory neuropathy is sometimes referred to as a form of neural or nerve deafness. In some cases, the affected person can hear, but has difficulty understanding spoken words, particularly in noisy environments. Hearing and understanding speech may be improved by the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants. The symptoms of auditory neuropathy vary from one person to the next, and can fluctuate. Symptoms can include: mild to severe hearing loss, sounds fading in and out, difficulty understanding spoken words (speech perception), normal hearing but with poor speech perception worsened speech perception in noisy environments. Many of the symptoms of auditory neuropathy can also be caused by more common types of hearing loss. Devin is not on an active medical aid, and will therefore have to raise the entire amount of R375 000 to proceed with this life-changing operation. The gift of hearing is a gift of life, and Devin will benefit from a cochlear implant for the rest of his life. Donations can be paid into the following bank account, referring to the stipulated bank reference: Account name: Foundation for Children with a Hearing Loss in SA, Standard Bank, Branch: Gezina, Branch code: 01484500, Account number 011794798, Reference AB00468/Devin. Please send proof of all payments, together with your contact details to the Foundation manager: erika@hearingloss.org.za . In some cases, donations are tax deductible, please enquire with us. < Previous Article Next Article >

LUR, Vusi Shongwe, spreek SAPD lede toe 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 10 August 2021 Hy het tydens sy toespraak gesê dat hulle alles in hulle vermoeë gaan en sal doen om Ermelo ‘n beter, asook veiliger plek te maak. Op Vrydag, 6 Augustus, was daar ‘n toespraak gelewer deur Vusi Shongwe, LUR vir die departement van veiligheid, gemeenskapsveiligheid en skakeling, om al die SAPD lede te inspireer, asook om hulle te bedank vir hulle harde werk. Tydens die toespraak het Shongwe die SAPD lede geinspireer, en gevra dat hulle saam met al die verskillende media huise moet werk, asook om saam met al die verskeie sekuriteits maatskappye. Hy het tydens sy toespraak gesê dat hulle alles in hulle vermoeë gaan en sal doen om Ermelo ‘n beter, asook veiliger plek te maak. Tydens die dag het die verskeie afdelings van die SAPD hulle parade gedoen en hulle respek getoon. Sien meer foto’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. Op die foto verskyn Vusi Shongwe, LUR vir die departement van veiligheid, gemeenskapsveiligheid en skakeling, tydens sy toespraak. < Previous Article Next Article >

The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. Msukaligwa Local Municipality embroiled in High Court showdown 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 24 May 2022 The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. On 31 March 2022, the former troika of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, consisting of Cllr Mahlalela (former Executive Mayor), Cllr Madini (former Speaker) and Cllr Buthelezi (former Whip) was ousted from council by means of an alleged unlawful motion of no confidence vote. This vote, which took place without a sufficient number of councillors present to partake, has shaken MLM to the foundation. The Tribune has received documents from an anonymous source detailing the strife at the municipality. The former troika has now taken their removal to the Middelburg High Court, seeking to challenge the legality and legitimacy of the vote of no confidence taken against them. The court application also seeks that the current acting troika, consisting of Cllr Nkosi (current Acting Mayor), Cllr Xaba (acting Speaker), and Cllr Sibeko (acting Whip) should have their appointments declared null and void, and set aside. Cllr Lisa, currently serving as the acting municipal manager, and the Department Of Cooperative Governance (COGTA), is also cited in the application. The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. The former troika seeks to continue their functions in the interim, and their halted benefits restored. The unfortunate side effect of the ongoing power struggle within the already embattled municipality is the further downward spiral of already stunted service delivery, further lack of upkeep and maintenance of the wards and areas within the municipal bounds, and overall lack of transparency on every front from the municipality. No direct answers relating to service delivery, and more, can be gleaned from the current management structure, and an overall lack of transparency towards the community, as well as serving councillors, has the Msukaligwa region’s community hot under the collar. The court and affidavits includes information that is not limited to the information pertaining to this article. The semi-urgent applicants seek that the court order be handled as soon as possible, as a matter of public interest, as it involves plenary powers. It states that rights such as Section 160 (3), Section 30 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, as well as Section 80, have been deprived from the former troika during the vote of no confidence. Section 80 states that committees must process items on an agenda, whereafter these items are processed and approved, and sent to council for deliberation. The Speaker has exclusive rights to convene, postpone or adjourn a council meeting, as stated in the Municipal Structures Act, Section 29. Only matters on the agenda may be deliberated, where the Speaker may rearrange the agenda items. In the event of no quorum (insufficient number of present members), the meeting must be suspended for no more than twenty minutes. Thereafter, if there is still no quorum, the Speaker may reschedule the meeting. Should the majority of council members wish to convene a council meeting, and the Speaker does not accede, the Municipal Manager may be approached. However, he/she must first request permission, in writing, from COGTA’s Executive Council. The above steps have, according to the applicants, not been lawfully taken, hence the application to have their vote and appointment ruled null and void. The applicants also state that the decisions taken by the current, illegitimate troika, can have serious financial implications, such as entering into contractual obligations. The applicants also state that Cllr Nkosi, as acting mayor, had appointed acting mayoral committee members (MMCs) at the Gert Sibande District Municipality offices, instead of the Msukaligwa Local Municipality offices. Furthermore, these appointments took place during a community protest on 28 April, where the Cllr Nkosi failed to address the community members. The applicants also states that the offices of the current troika are closed, prohibiting them from performing their vital appointed functions. Councillors, as well as the community, are unable to engage with the acting troika, as an unauthorized change of locks of the municipal building has been implemented. The applicants further claim that the acting troika is conducting unlawful activities. Actions taken by the acting troika, which are deemed unlawful due their appointment, includes the reinstatement of suspended directors, revoking security detail and petrol cards, as well as grounding the vehicles of the former troika members. These are but a few examples. The fact remains that the required quorum for a council meeting to proceed is twenty councillors. Msukaligwa Local Municipality has a total of thirty eight councillors, of which a mere sixteen were present during the vote of no confidence. This, in itself, is a contravention of the former troika’s rights as presented. Furthermore, the applicants state that the acting municipal manager, Cllr Lisa, engaged telephonically with one Mr. Ngubane, head of department at COGTA. According to Cllr Lisa, Ngubane recognized the meeting. However, the municipal act states that an application must be submitted in writing, which it was not. The court application is viewed by the applicants as a last resort, as they have been stonewalled attempting every other amicable resolution to the matter. COGTA did not respond to the matter at the time of publication. The Tribune has directed an enquiry to Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding this matter. This enquiry has, however, been ignored. < Previous Article Next Article >

Shocking amount of school materials dumped in field 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 29 June 2021 A large number of named workbooks and assessment sheets have been noted, along with personal correspondence and documents of several of the school principals. A concerning amount of school materials, of which text books and learning materials from Department of Basic Education (DBE) forms a large part, has been discovered in a field near Chris Streicher Avenue. Amongst the text books, worksheets and stationery, discarded assessment sheets from Umpilusi Primary School, Thubilihle Primary School and Amersfoort Primary School . The dates and timestamps on the documents range from circa 2013 until recently. The reason as to why these materials have been dumped in this area remains unknown. Several bundled textbooks and workbooks, provided by the DBE, have also been discarded. Majority of the textbook- and workbook packs are still sealed in plastic wrapping. A number of stationery items have also been discarded, which included a multitude of pens, crayons and coloring pencils. The discarded textbooks are mostly in native languages. Several numbered editions of Colliers Encyclopedia, have also been discarded. A large number of named workbooks and assessment sheets have been noted, along with personal correspondence and documents of several of the school principals. An enquiry has been lodged with the DBE regarding the wasteful manner in which these learning materials have bene handled. At the time of publication, no response had been received. You may view a video, as well as more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >