Search this site

Former Minister of State Security, Bongani Thomas Bongo, and ten others appeared briefly in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Robert Burwise, Patrick Donald Chirwa, Harrington Sizwakhendaba Dhlamini, Blessing Mduduzi Singwane, David Boy Dube, Sipho Joel Bongo, Vusi Willem Magagula, Bongani Louis Henry Sibiya, Elmon Lawrence Mdaka, and Sibongile Mercy Mdaka were reported to the DPCI investigating team and were charged earlier this morning together with four companies and face 69 counts. The companies implicated are The Little River Trading 156 (Pty) Ltd, Broad Market Trading 204 (Pty) Ltd, Bongiveli CC, and Pfuka Afrika CC. The allegations are in connection with the R37.5 million sale and purchase of a farm Naauwpoort at Emalahleni by the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement (DoHS) ostensibly on behalf of eMalahleni Municipality. Some of the accused, acting in common concert and with common purpose, exploited the normal phenomenon of purchase of land by government by misrepresenting facts to the DOHS regarding ownership and true sale price of the farm Naauwpoort. The real owner of the farm, Petrus Johannes Van Tonder, was paid only R15 million for the farm from the R37.5 million. The money was paid into the trust account of Singwane Attorneys, in their capacity as conveyancer appointed by the department. Van Tonder paid R1.5 million commission to Pam Golding as estate agents for the transaction. Singwane, not instructed by the department, paid R22.5 million to Little River Trading, which enabled the accused to successfully steal the money. In another transaction, Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Fremax Farms for a portion of Rietspruit Farm for an amount of R10.5 million. However, Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit farm was valued at R1.6 million. Little River paid R1.5 million as deposit for the farm, and Bongiveli had to deliver a guarantee issued by a bank or financial institution for payment of the balance of the purchase price on or before 31 May 2011. In turn, some of the accused, as members of Pfuka Afrika CC, received commission of R4.5 million. In March 2011 the DOHS, Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement for Rietspruit Farm. When the said sale and purchase agreement was signed, Bongiveli was not the owner of the farm, and there was no approval of the departmental to purchase the farm. Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit Farm was valued at R1.6 million. In March 2011, the DOHS paid an R52 884 384.00 to Singwane. Subsequently, the law firm furnished Freemax with a guarantee of R15 661 018.59. The property was then transferred to Bongiveli from Msugalikwa Local Municipality, and the company became the owner of the farm. The farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. It is alleged that some of the accused received kickbacks of cash and cars, among others, from some of the entities involved in the transactions. The two Bongo brothers were released on R10 000 bail and they were warned to appear 4 March 2021. The court will resume shortly to hear the bail applications of the rest of the accused Bongo brothers out on bail Bongo brothers out on bail Bongani Bongo, one of the Bongo brothers, amongst 11 arrested for fraud. Rietspruit Farm, just outside Ermelo. Bongani Bongo, one of the Bongo brothers, amongst 11 arrested for fraud. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 October 2020 Rietspruit Farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. Former Minister of State Security, Bongani Thomas Bongo, and ten others appeared briefly in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Robert Burwise, Patrick Donald Chirwa, Harrington Sizwakhendaba Dhlamini, Blessing Mduduzi Singwane, David Boy Dube, Sipho Joel Bongo, Vusi Willem Magagula, Bongani Louis Henry Sibiya, Elmon Lawrence Mdaka, and Sibongile Mercy Mdaka were reported to the DPCI investigating team and were charged earlier this morning together with four companies and face 69 counts. The companies implicated are The Little River Trading 156 (Pty) Ltd, Broad Market Trading 204 (Pty) Ltd, Bongiveli CC, and Pfuka Afrika CC. The allegations are in connection with the R37.5 million sale and purchase of a farm Naauwpoort at Emalahleni by the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement (DoHS) ostensibly on behalf of eMalahleni Municipality. Some of the accused, acting in common concert and with common purpose, exploited the normal phenomenon of purchase of land by government by misrepresenting facts to the DOHS regarding ownership and true sale price of the farm Naauwpoort. The real owner of the farm, Petrus Johannes Van Tonder, was paid only R15 million for the farm from the R37.5 million. The money was paid into the trust account of Singwane Attorneys, in their capacity as conveyancer appointed by the department. Van Tonder paid R1.5 million commission to Pam Golding as estate agents for the transaction. Singwane, not instructed by the department, paid R22.5 million to Little River Trading, which enabled the accused to successfully steal the money. In another transaction, Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Fremax Farms for a portion of Rietspruit Farm for an amount of R10.5 million. However, Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit farm was valued at R1.6 million. Little River paid R1.5 million as deposit for the farm, and Bongiveli had to deliver a guarantee issued by a bank or financial institution for payment of the balance of the purchase price on or before 31 May 2011. In turn, some of the accused, as members of Pfuka Afrika CC, received commission of R4.5 million. In March 2011 the DOHS, Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement for Rietspruit Farm. When the said sale and purchase agreement was signed, Bongiveli was not the owner of the farm, and there was no approval of the departmental to purchase the farm. Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit Farm was valued at R1.6 million. In March 2011, the DOHS paid an R52 884 384.00 to Singwane. Subsequently, the law firm furnished Freemax with a guarantee of R15 661 018.59. The property was then transferred to Bongiveli from Msugalikwa Local Municipality, and the company became the owner of the farm. The farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. It is alleged that some of the accused received kickbacks of cash and cars, among others, from some of the entities involved in the transactions. The two Bongo brothers were released on R10 000 bail and they were warned to appear 4 March 2021. The court will resume shortly to hear the bail applications of the rest of the accused < Previous Article Next Article >

Unsung hero changes lives in Davel 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 “I thank God for being with me, and making my dream came true. I like to thank the school principal and the staff members for giving me the opportunity to do so, and my friends and family for supporting me.” A rolemodel and hero to many, Bongani Jonas Mokoena celebrated his 29th birthday with an amazing act of charity. Bongani decided to open his heart, and to celebrate his birthday in a different manner, by donating school uniforms to learners in need at Umfudlana Combined School in the Davel area. This is the same school he attended from Grade R until his matric year in 2011. “I thank God for being with me, and making my dream came true. I like to thank the school principal and the staff members for giving me the opportunity to do so, and my friends and family for supporting me.” < Previous Article Next Article >

The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Multi-million Rand white elephant 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Circa 2016, Msukaligwa Local Municipality took it upon themselves to erect a fence surrounding the Pet Dam, which would have been part of the supposed reform of the Pet Dam and surroundings. The BetaView fence, which is over 700 meters long, was erected amidst severe disgust and disapproval from the community, and at a staggering cost. Concerns have also been raised regarding the dubious quality of the fence erected. According to BetaView, their products carry a warranty of ten years against corrosive elements. The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. However, nothing has come of the touted reform project, and the fence has since been left to rust away, being systematically vandalized and damaged. The fence has fallen victim to sever lack of maintenance, with no attempt at maintenance and upkeep from MLM. The point of the fence is now moot, as the fence has been extensively damaged in several sections, and at this time, serves no other purpose than being an eyesore to residents, travelers and tourists. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die straat en veld is gesaai met menslike ontlasting, sanitêre produkte, kondome en toiletpapier. Inwoners stik aan stank van ontlasting 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 6 July 2022 Die straat en veld is gesaai met menslike ontlasting, sanitêre produkte, kondome en toiletpapier. Te midde van die Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) wat nuwe konstruksieprojekte, bouplanne en koshuisuitbreidings links en regs goedkeur, trek die omgewing, fauna en flora, asook inwoners letterlik vir jare lank al aan die kortste punt. Die onvoldoende rioolnetwerk, wat vanaf Camdenlaan, via President Fouchélaan tot en met Robbertsstraat strek, is al vir meer as 10 jaar ‘n doring in die vlees van menigte inwoners. Munisipale bestuurders van vier verkiesings terug se beloftes bly steeds onvervuld, met die probleem wat daagliks vererger. Die impak op die natuurlewe en vleilanddiere, veral opmerklik die reiers wat Ermelo bekoor, is 'n rede tot groot kommer, aangesien die rioolstorting direk in die Pet Dam vloei, wat 'n spoor van besoedeling en wildsterftes in sy nasleep laat. Vanaf die Pet Dam, wat alreeds buitensporig besoedel is, sluit die oorloop aan by die Klein Drinkwaterstroom, wat uiteindelik in die Vaalrivier beland. In 'n omgewingstudie wat vrygestel is, word MLM, onder drie ander Mpumalanga-munisipaliteite, uitdruklik as 'n hoofskuldige in die jare lange besoedeling van die Vaalrivier uitgewys. Tot op hede is geen opgraderings, of aksie geneem nie, met die situasie wat onverklaarbaar erger is as voorheen. Daar is wel bewerings van ‘n kontrakteur wat besig is met rioolstelsel opgraderings in dié area. Helaas, inwoners weeklaag die feit dat die kontrakteur, volgens klagtes ontvang vanaf inwoners, die probleem egter vererger het. “Die manne dolwe die hele area om, en gaan kwansuis nuwe pype installeer. Dit lyk vir my meer of hulle aanjaag, want die riool is nou tien keer erger as wat dit was. As ek by my voordeur uit kyk, sien ek net plasse rou riool waar die kontrakteur werk gedoen het. Is dit nou die tipe werkmanskap wat ons tevrede mee moet wees. My hele huis riuk na ontlasting, en dit vererger soggens en saans. Ons gaan slaap met die reuk, en word wakker met die reuk. Ons kan nie eers meer buite braai nie, want die walglike reuk maak mens letterlik naar,” het ‘n woedende inwoner aan die Tribune gesê. Die gereelde verstoppings en oorloop van die rioollyn in President Fouchélaan dui duidelik op 'n groter probleemfaktor met die netwerkarea, aangesien inwoners naby die President Fouchélaan en Robertsstraat-kruising in 'n konstante walm van ontlasting woon. Die straat en veld is gesaai met menslike ontlasting, sanitêre produkte, kondome en toiletpapier. Die velde in hierdie area is voortdurend deurdrenk met riool, en hou ook ernstige gesondheidsimplikasies in vir inwoners en leerders van die nabygeleë skole. Terwyl MLM se gesagsfigure, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het, wil dit voorkom asof min gedoen word om 'n permanente en lewensvatbare oplossing te bied. Gert Sibande-distriksmunisipaliteit is ook by verskeie geleenthede oor die kwessie ingelig, maar beweer dat hulle geen jurisdiksie in die saak het nie. Die Demokratiese Alliansie (DA) het opgemerk dat die party 'n brief aan die premier van Mpumalanga gestuur het. Ongelukkig is dit bykans ‘n jaar later, met geen terugvoer of aksie rakende die probleem nie. Lesers kan meer foto's en video's op ons Facebook-blad, Tribune Ermelo, sien. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Dinsdag, 28 Junie 2022, het daar ‘n boodskap deur gekom op ‘n WhatsApp groep, wat laat weet het dat die Ermelo gemeenskap moet uitkyk vir ‘n swaarvoertuig wat vanaf Panbult in die rigting van Ermelo reis met gesteelde sleepwaens. Die swaarvoertuig is in Ermelo, Merinostraat voorgekeer deur ACSU, asook plaaslike SAPD lede. Die sleepwaens is reeds in November 2021 gesteel, en daar was ‘n saak geopen. Tydens ondersoek is daar gevind dat die VIN nommer op die lisensie skywe, en die VIN nommer wat gemerk is op die swaarvoertuig deur die fabriek, nie dieselfde is nie. Die eienaar van die sleepwaens is dadelik gekontak deur Mnr. Bester Maree van ACSU. Ermelo SAPD lede, saam met ASCU, het die swaarvoertuig geneem na die voertuig diefstal eenheid. Die eienaar van die sleepwaens was spoedig op die toneel, en het die nodige bewyse gestaaf dat die waens wel aan hom behoort. Die twee waens, asook die swaarvoertuig, is gekonfiskeer vir verdere ondersoek in die saak. Die eienaar van die waens wil graag vir ACSU, asook Ermelo SAPD, bedank vir hul vinnige en flinke reaksie om die waens te kon terug gekry. “Wel gedaan, ACSU en Ermelo SAPD!” ACSU fnuik kriminele ACSU fnuik kriminele 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 5 July 2022 Die swaarvoertuig is in Ermelo, Merinostraat voorgekeer deur ACSU, asook plaaslike SAPD lede. Op Dinsdag, 28 Junie 2022, het daar ‘n boodskap deur gekom op ‘n WhatsApp groep, wat laat weet het dat die Ermelo gemeenskap moet uitkyk vir ‘n swaarvoertuig wat vanaf Panbult in die rigting van Ermelo reis met gesteelde sleepwaens. Die swaarvoertuig is in Ermelo, Merinostraat voorgekeer deur ACSU, asook plaaslike SAPD lede. Die sleepwaens is reeds in November 2021 gesteel, en daar was ‘n saak geopen. Tydens ondersoek is daar gevind dat die VIN nommer op die lisensie skywe, en die VIN nommer wat gemerk is op die swaarvoertuig deur die fabriek, nie dieselfde is nie. Die eienaar van die sleepwaens is dadelik gekontak deur Mnr. Bester Maree van ACSU. Ermelo SAPD lede, saam met ASCU, het die swaarvoertuig geneem na die voertuig diefstal eenheid. Die eienaar van die sleepwaens was spoedig op die toneel, en het die nodige bewyse gestaaf dat die waens wel aan hom behoort. Die twee waens, asook die swaarvoertuig, is gekonfiskeer vir verdere ondersoek in die saak. Die eienaar van die waens wil graag vir ACSU, asook Ermelo SAPD, bedank vir hul vinnige en flinke reaksie om die waens te kon terug gekry. “Wel gedaan, ACSU en Ermelo SAPD!” < Previous Article Next Article >

In an environmental study released, MLM, amongst three other Mpumalanga municipalities, is explicitly fingered as a main culprit in the years-long pollution of the Vaal River. More pollution added to Pet Dam 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 24 August 2021 In an environmental study released, MLM, amongst three other Mpumalanga municipalities, is explicitly fingered as a main culprit in the years-long pollution of the Vaal River. Amidst Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) approving new construction projects, building plans and residence extensions left and right, the environment, fauna and flora, as well as residents get the shortest end of the stick imaginable. Since circa 2014, the sewerage system in President Fouché Avenue and the surrounding wards have been on a downward spiral, with municipal managers from three iterations back’s promises still remaining unfulfilled. The impact on the wildlife and wetland animals, especially notable the Egrets that grace Ermelo, is a cause of great concern, as the spillage eventually flows down to the Pet Dam, leaving a trail of pollution and wildlife death in its wake. From the Pet Dam, which is already polluted beyond measure, the overflow ties in with the Klein Drinkwater stream, ultimately ending up in the Vaal River. In an environmental study released, MLM, amongst three other Mpumalanga municipalities, is explicitly fingered as a main culprit in the years-long pollution of the Vaal River. Alas, to date no upgrades, nor action have been taken, with the situation being inexplicably worse than before. The frequent blockages and overflow of the sewerage line in President Fouché Avenue clearly indicates a larger problem factor with the network area, as residents near the President Fouché Avenue and Roberts Street intersection live in a near constant cloud of putridity, as the overflowing manholes in this section is a constant issue, with feaces, sanitary products, condoms and toilet paper being left to bake in the sun. The fields in this area is constantly drenched with sewage, and also holds serious health implications for residents and learners from the nearby schools. The issue of the pandemic further proves problematic, as MLM barks at residents to practice hygiene, but back at the ranch, they are the main culprits of unhygienic practices. While MLM’s authority figures, as well as various ward councillors are well aware of the problems faced by residents, it would seem that little is being done to provide a permanent and viable solution. The Gert Sibande District Municipality had also been informed of the issue on several occasions, but claim to have no jurisdiction in the matter. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has noted that the party had sent a letter to the Premier of Mpumalanga, by the time response is received from provincial level, the damage will be immeasurable. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Corruption and bribery steals the limelight 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 21 April 2021 Several attempts to contact the DARDLA office communication department spokesperson yielded no result. Irate residents protested in front of the Gert Sibande District DARDLA office in Church Street on Wednesday morning, with regards to employment and alleged corruption and bribery. According to one of the protestors, the SAPS allegedly fail to take action against acts of corruption. One of the protestors also claimed that they were offered work on a farm, but in exchange, it is alleged that a bribery fee had to be presented. Several attempts to contact the DARDLA office communication department spokesperson yielded no result. Luckily, a heated exchange of words between the protestors and SAPS officers on scene did not escalate. Traffic flow in Church Street was temporarily impeded as the SAPS monitored the situation. More photos and videos are available on our Faceboook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

WOF contingent deployed to Canada 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The request for assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), which has, in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and South Africa, asked for firefighting assistance from the Working on Fire Programme (WOF) to assist with their fire management in Canada. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Working on Fire Programme deployed 109 firefighters and management to the province of Manitoba, in Canada, to assist with firefighting efforts on Tuesday evening, 10 August 2021. This is the Programme’s fourth deployment of firefighters to Canada. Working on Fire Mpumalanga proudly boasts with seven representatives in the WOF contingent. Led by Walter Khoza, Ground Operations Manager, Highveld region, the firefighting delegation consists of Sibusiso Ngobeni, Type 1 Crewleader of the Mlambongwane team, Sphilile Khumalo, a female firefighter from the Piet Retief team, Bongani Sifunda from the Barberton team, Siphesihle Makhubu from the Wakkerstroom team, and Sipho Mlotshwa from the Badplaas team. Prior to their departure, the firefighters and management underwent refresher training in Stone Ridge, Hekpoort, in Gauteng to ensure that they are fit and ready for the conditions expected in Canada. Canada has been experiencing record-breaking heat that is associated with dry weather. Large wildland fires are currently burning in the province of Manitoba, and extreme fire danger exists across the western provinces. The request for assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), which has, in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and South Africa, asked for firefighting assistance from the Working on Fire Programme (WOF) to assist with their fire management in Canada. The MOU provides for the exchange of Wildland Fire Management Resources between the two countries. The Working on Fire Programme is an Expanded Public Works Programme funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. It recruits young men and women from disadvantaged communities, and equips them with specialized veld and forestry firefighting skills. < Previous Article Next Article >

MLM has, however, simply ignored the enquiry that was sent on 8 April 2021. Rubble left on the roadside 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 MLM has, however, simply ignored the enquiry that was sent on 8 April 2021. During the course of the last month, road repair vehicles have been spotted in Fourie Street, where sections of the road were cut out and patched up. Initially, SANRAL-branded construction vehicles were spotted initiating the repairs, and various sections that see extensive movement from heavy vehicles were reconstructed. Vehicles and work teams from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) were also noticed to be working on the roadway, although it is unclear as to the reason for the work done. Although many drivers consider the repairs as a welcome event, the residents and businesses in Fourie Street are not as fond of the idea. The Tribune ePaper has received complaints regarding rubble left on the sidewalks along the length of Fourie Street, where the removed sections of tar were piled up, accompanied by various materials, including tar drums and other construction materials. One resident complained that the roadworks that took place in front of his driveway impeded access to his property, and that the rubble from the maintenance has now been left next to his driveway. According to the complaints, the rubble has been left there for nearly 3 weeks, and is an unsightly addition to his driveway. The Tribune ePaper has sent an enquiry to MLM when the maintenance commenced, enquiring as to who is in charge of the maintenance, and requested more information. MLM has, however, simply ignored the enquiry that was sent on 8 April 2021. To date, no response has been received from the municipality. < Previous Article Next Article >

The dry winter season is all but upon us, and this poses the opportune setting for idle hands to cause extensive damage, as well as putting countless lives in danger, both human and animal. Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. The majority of arson crimes are classified as intentional, wilfully and maliciously. This means that the arsonist has the intent to cause damage upon starting the fire. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves, which is a common sight in Ermelo. During the course of last week, motorists traveling in the area in and around President Fouché Avenue had to pay extra attention, as thick smoke bellows from the adjacent field made visibility extremely poor. Further aggravating the situation is the fact that the road was obscured by smoke in the timeframe where traffic flow was ramping up as residents returned from work. Allegations have surfaced that a gardening service set a pile of dry leaves on fire, subsequently causing the fire to spread to the nearby field. The imprisonment term for a convicted crime relating to arson could be set up to seven years or more, and a fine of up to R250 000, and four years of probation. If you see a suspected arsonist in your ward or area, please contact ACSU on 017 811 1274, the SAPS on 10111, or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW’s Theo Craven on 081 733 0032, immediately. The SACCW can be contacted via WhatsApp messaging, should you so desire. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make identification and possible conviction or fining of the felon easier. Report arsonists to the authorities Report arsonists to the authorities 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 18 May 2021 If you see a suspected arsonist in your ward or area, please contact ACSU on 017 811 1274, the SAPS on 10111, or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW’s Theo Craven on 081 733 0032 immediately. The dry winter season is all but upon us, and this poses the opportune setting for idle hands to cause extensive damage, as well as putting countless lives in danger, both human and animal. Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. The majority of arson crimes are classified as intentional, wilfully and maliciously. This means that the arsonist has the intent to cause damage upon starting the fire. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves, which is a common sight in Ermelo. During the course of last week, motorists traveling in the area in and around President Fouché Avenue had to pay extra attention, as thick smoke bellows from the adjacent field made visibility extremely poor. Further aggravating the situation is the fact that the road was obscured by smoke in the timeframe where traffic flow was ramping up as residents returned from work. Allegations have surfaced that a gardening service set a pile of dry leaves on fire, subsequently causing the fire to spread to the nearby field. The imprisonment term for a convicted crime relating to arson could be set up to seven years or more, and a fine of up to R250 000, and four years of probation. If you see a suspected arsonist in your ward or area, please contact ACSU on 017 811 1274, the SAPS on 10111, or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW’s Theo Craven on 081 733 0032, immediately. The SACCW can be contacted via WhatsApp messaging, should you so desire. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make identification and possible conviction or fining of the felon easier. < Previous Article Next Article >

Shoprite Group the first to recycle sanitizing wipes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 27 October 2021 "As a manufacturer, our responsibility is to ensure that these products do not pose a risk to the environment.” The Shoprite Group is the first retailer to recycle the sanitizing wipes from its 1 328 supermarkets nationwide. The wipes, which are green to identify them as 100% recyclable polypropylene, are used to sanitize baskets and trolleys, and are sent for recycling after use. The bucket container, and all stickers on the bucket, are also 100% polypropylene and recyclable. This is a grand gesture, as it is estimated that 129 billion face masks, and 65 billion plastic gloves are discarded every month, globally. Since the onset of the pandemic, retailers have been faced with a number of environmental challenges, including a massive increase in the quantity of wipes. For the Shoprite Group, this has amounted to tens of thousands of kilograms a month. The Group partnered with Sani-Touch to provide it with 100% recyclable wipes, and has embarked on a programme to isolate used wipes, and make sure it is sent for recycling rather than being thrown away with general waste and ending up in landfill. The increased quantity of wipes, and the opportunity to source locally, resulted in the ShopriteGroup moving more wipe products across to the locally-sourced polypropylene. “With small changes to the way we do things, we can ensure that single-use products such as wipes don’t only offer excellent infection protection, but can also be environmentally neutral,” said Group Sustainability Manager, Sanjeev Raghubir. The wet wipes supplier, Sani-Touch, said that volumes in the past have not been big enough for many companies to recycle, but by including the buckets, and with the volumes of wipes that the Shoprite Group uses, this has become viable. “Wet wipes have proven to be invaluable in the fight against the virus, as well as in general infection control in public places and in medical facilities, eliminating the chance of cross infection. As a manufacturer, our responsibility is to ensure that these products do not pose a risk to the environment.” < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum help om buiteklaskamer op te rig Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2021 Skole vir ons kinders, en eendag kleinkinders ook, is vir ons baie belangrik en lê ons na aan die hart. Die AfriForum-tak in Ermelo het in Desember en Januarie as deel van dié organisasie se Ons Dorp-projek gehelp om plaveisel ter waarde van R33 000 by die pre-primêre skool JJ van der Merwe te lê. Dié projek is aangepak om die skool te help om ’n buiteklaskamer vir die kleuters op te rig. Die tak het gehelp om die gedeelte waar die klaskamer is skoon te maak, en ’n kontrakteur is aangestel om die stene te lê. Die buiteklaskamer is ’n groot aanwins vir die kleuterskool, en buiteklasaktiwiteite en verjaarsdagvieringe kan daar plaasvind. “Skole vir ons kinders, en eendag kleinkinders ook, is vir ons baie belangrik en lê ons na aan die hart. Dit is vir ons as Ermelo-tak lekker om hoop te kan skep in ons skole,” sê Renier van Heerden, voorsitter van AfriForum se Ermelo-tak. Raak vandag nog deel van AfriForum se Ermelo-tak en word deel van die verskil: SMS “Ermelo” na 45350 (R1). Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. < Previous Article Next Article >