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Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank doen 'n beroep op inwoners om seker te maak dat hulle egte geld het, en om eerder hul tyd te neem om die geld wat hulle gekry het, te bestudeer, as om met vervalsde note te eindig. Volgens die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank is dit 'n oortreding om selfs in besit te wees van sulke note, en moet enige persoon wat dit besit, bewustelik by die naaste polisiekantoor aanmeld. Daar is verskillende maniere om vals note te identifiseer, en word alles verduidelik deur 'n afbeelding op die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank-webwerf. Vervalsde geld is 'n vinnig-groeiende oortreding, en dit kan met 20 jaar gevangenisstraf en 'n stewige boete bestraf word as dit in besit geneem word of om hierdie note op te lewer. Ermelo is egter nie uitgesluit nie, en daar word telkens opgemerk dat misdagers wol oor die oë propbeer trek met vervalsde note. Die South African Community Crime Watch (SACCW) in Ermelo het ook ‘n waarskuwing uitgereik rakende die kwessie. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank spesifiseer 11 maniere om die verskil tussen 'n nagemaakte en 'n regte note te onderskei. Dit sluit in die watermerk, die geometriese vorms, die registrasie, die latente beeld, die unieke nommering, die verhoogde drukwerk, mikroletters, opties veranderlike ink en die diamantvorms. Die mees algemene vervalste note is R100 en R200 note. Wees waaksaam, wees slim, en wees agterdogtig oor enige aantekeninge om te verseker dat jy en jou besigheid aan die veilige kant van die wet bly. Veral met die feestyd wat binnekort aanbreek, word inwoners gemaan om op hul hoede te wees vir verdagte gedrag vanaf klante, en selfs vriende. Wees veral bedag op inwoners en kliënte wat uitermatige stywe rekeninge, of duur goedere betaal met kontant. In ‘n era van elektroniese transaksies en min mense wat met groot bedrae kontant rondloop, hetsy vir veiligheid of gemaklikheid, is dit beter om versigtig te wees, as om later jammer te wees. Wees waaksaam vir vervalsde note Wees waaksaam vir vervalsde note 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 24 November 2020 Volgens die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank is dit 'n oortreding om selfs in besit te wees van sulke note, en moet enige persoon wat dit besit, bewustelik by die naaste polisiekantoor aanmeld. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank doen 'n beroep op inwoners om seker te maak dat hulle egte geld het, en om eerder hul tyd te neem om die geld wat hulle gekry het, te bestudeer, as om met vervalsde note te eindig. Volgens die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank is dit 'n oortreding om selfs in besit te wees van sulke note, en moet enige persoon wat dit besit, bewustelik by die naaste polisiekantoor aanmeld. Daar is verskillende maniere om vals note te identifiseer, en word alles verduidelik deur 'n afbeelding op die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank-webwerf. Vervalsde geld is 'n vinnig-groeiende oortreding, en dit kan met 20 jaar gevangenisstraf en 'n stewige boete bestraf word as dit in besit geneem word of om hierdie note op te lewer. Ermelo is egter nie uitgesluit nie, en daar word telkens opgemerk dat misdagers wol oor die oë propbeer trek met vervalsde note. Die South African Community Crime Watch (SACCW) in Ermelo het ook ‘n waarskuwing uitgereik rakende die kwessie. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank spesifiseer 11 maniere om die verskil tussen 'n nagemaakte en 'n regte note te onderskei. Dit sluit in die watermerk, die geometriese vorms, die registrasie, die latente beeld, die unieke nommering, die verhoogde drukwerk, mikroletters, opties veranderlike ink en die diamantvorms. Die mees algemene vervalste note is R100 en R200 note. Wees waaksaam, wees slim, en wees agterdogtig oor enige aantekeninge om te verseker dat jy en jou besigheid aan die veilige kant van die wet bly. Veral met die feestyd wat binnekort aanbreek, word inwoners gemaan om op hul hoede te wees vir verdagte gedrag vanaf klante, en selfs vriende. Wees veral bedag op inwoners en kliënte wat uitermatige stywe rekeninge, of duur goedere betaal met kontant. In ‘n era van elektroniese transaksies en min mense wat met groot bedrae kontant rondloop, hetsy vir veiligheid of gemaklikheid, is dit beter om versigtig te wees, as om later jammer te wees. < Previous Article Next Article >

A puzzling collision occurred in Church Street on Friday, 30 April, involving two Toyota vehicles. Rainy weather, coupled with the busy traffic of the payday weekend saw the two vehicles involved in a tailgate collision, which left bystanders dumbfounded as to how it happened. One of the vehicles ended up facing oncoming traffic, whilst the other came to a halt on the opposite sidewalk, obliterating a streetlight in the process. Luckily, no serious injuries were sustained by either party. It has been alleged by onlookers that the occupants of the vehicles were intoxicated at the time of the incident, and that they hurriedly attempted to stash their liquor in a nearby field. The SAPS, however, provided no confirmation of this at the time of publication. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. Drivers allegedly stash liquor in field following collision Drivers allegedly stash liquor in field following collision 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 It has been alleged by onlookers that the occupants of the vehicles were intoxicated at the time of the incident, and that they hurriedly attempted to stash their liquor in a nearby field. A puzzling collision occurred in Church Street on Friday, 30 April, involving two Toyota vehicles. Rainy weather, coupled with the busy traffic of the payday weekend saw the two vehicles involved in a tailgate collision, which left bystanders dumbfounded as to how it happened. One of the vehicles ended up facing oncoming traffic, whilst the other came to a halt on the opposite sidewalk, obliterating a streetlight in the process. Luckily, no serious injuries were sustained by either party. It has been alleged by onlookers that the occupants of the vehicles were intoxicated at the time of the incident, and that they hurriedly attempted to stash their liquor in a nearby field. The SAPS, however, provided no confirmation of this at the time of publication. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

NPO bied brandbestryding lugondersteuning aan boere 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 Junie 2020 ‘n NPO groep tot die redding gekom met ‘n diens wat lugondersteuning sal bied aan boere wat tot die diens aangeteken het. Teen slegs R1.50 per hektaar, per maand, vir n tydperk van 3 maande, word boere tot rus gestel met die wete dat hul nie met hande in die hare sal sit tydens ‘n noodgeval nie. Die droeë winter maande hou reuse brandgevaar in vir boere van die omgewing, en wegholbrande is ‘n potensiële realiteit wat elke boer in die gesig staar. Boere in die omgewing het nie meer toegang tot die diens van lugondersteuning tydens ‘n veldbrand nie. In hierdie tyd van nood het ‘n NPO groep tot die redding gekom met ‘n diens wat lugondersteuning sal bied aan boere wat tot die diens aangeteken het. Teen slegs R1.50 per hektaar, per maand, vir n tydperk van 3 maande, word boere tot rus gestel met die wete dat hul nie met hande in die hare sal sit tydens ‘n noodgeval nie. Die dekking sal geldig wees vir Julie, Augustus en September 2020. Hoe meer lede aansluit, hoe goedkoper kan die diens word in die toekoms. Die lugondersteuning daag binne ‘n blitsige 18 minute op teen die verste punt van die area. Die koste per hektaar sal gewend word na die akkommodasie van die vlieënier en die span, asook die staankoste van die helikopter op die lugveld. Om vir die diens aan te teken, moet jy voldoen en behoort aan FPA en regulasies, en moet ook beskik oor lugondersteuning brandversekering. Dié projek sal vanaf Ermelo bestuur word, en ‘n radius van 50KM om Ermelo dek. Hierdie diens is nie munisipaliteit- of distrik gekoppel nie. Plaaslike sekuriteitsmaatskappye in Ermelo en paramedici sal ook genader word om hul steun te bied aan die projek waar benodig. Belangstellendes kan Roger Barnett by 072 852 4686, Johan vd Merwe by 082 338 4362, of Hein Aucomp by 082 571 2530 skakel. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Woensdag, 7 April, ongeveer 16:30, het ‘n grusame botsing tussen ‘n BMW en ‘n Toyota Corolla op die N17 plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer vanaf die tolhek. Die BMW was ‘n familie van vier insittendes, asook dié in die Corolla. Met die aankoms op die toneel het een insittende van die Corolla in die pad uitgeslinger, terwyl die ander insittendes binne in die kar vasgevang was. Die insittendes van die BMW was binne-in die voertuig. Alle mediese dienste was spoedig op die toneel om mediese hulp aan die pasiënte te skenk, asook met die beheer van die verkeer. Drie persone is dood verklaar op die toneel. Hannes en Vusi van ER24 het mediese behandeling op een pasiënt toegepas, en hy is dadelik na die Provinsiale Hospitaal vervoer. Die pasiënt is ongelukkig later in die hospitaal oorlede. Igagu Emergency Services het die twee kinders, saam met hulle ma wat in die BMW was, vervoer na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal vir mediese behandeling. Die gesin het ligte beserings opgedoen. Ongeveer 15 minute later is ER24 weer terug op die toneel, waar daar ‘n vrou in ‘n taxi was, wat vasgevang was in die verkeer. Die pad was gesluit as gevolg van die ongeluk, en sy het in kraam in gegaan. Die vrou is deur ER24 vervoer na die hospitaal, waar sy nog voor die hospitaal binne-in die ambulans gekraam het. ER24, Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, Van Wettens Insleep Dienste, Davel en Ermelo Polisie en die Provinsiale Ambulaans Dienste, asook Igagu, was op die toneel. In ‘n tweede geval op Vrydag, 9 April, het daar twee botsings plaasgevind. Die eerste ongeluk het ongeveer 17:00 gebeur, op die hoek van Voortrekker- en Kerk Straat, tussen ‘n Ford Ranger en ‘n Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Niemand is beseer tydens die ongeluk nie. Die tweede ongeluk het op die Morgenzon pad plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer buite die dorp, tussen ‘n klein voertuig en ‘n SUV. Tydens die ongeluk was daar geen ernstige beserings opgedoen nie. Grusame botsing eis vier lewens, vrou skenk geboorte Grusame botsing eis vier lewens, vrou skenk geboorte 1/6 Share SH HATTINGH 13 April 2021 Die tweede ongeluk het op die Morgenzon pad plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer buite die dorp, tussen ‘n klein voertuig en ‘n SUV. Tydens die ongeluk was daar geen ernstige beserings opgedoen nie. Op Woensdag, 7 April, ongeveer 16:30, het ‘n grusame botsing tussen ‘n BMW en ‘n Toyota Corolla op die N17 plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer vanaf die tolhek. Die BMW was ‘n familie van vier insittendes, asook dié in die Corolla. Met die aankoms op die toneel het een insittende van die Corolla in die pad uitgeslinger, terwyl die ander insittendes binne in die kar vasgevang was. Die insittendes van die BMW was binne-in die voertuig. Alle mediese dienste was spoedig op die toneel om mediese hulp aan die pasiënte te skenk, asook met die beheer van die verkeer. Drie persone is dood verklaar op die toneel. Hannes en Vusi van ER24 het mediese behandeling op een pasiënt toegepas, en hy is dadelik na die Provinsiale Hospitaal vervoer. Die pasiënt is ongelukkig later in die hospitaal oorlede. Igagu Emergency Services het die twee kinders, saam met hulle ma wat in die BMW was, vervoer na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal vir mediese behandeling. Die gesin het ligte beserings opgedoen. Ongeveer 15 minute later is ER24 weer terug op die toneel, waar daar ‘n vrou in ‘n taxi was, wat vasgevang was in die verkeer. Die pad was gesluit as gevolg van die ongeluk, en sy het in kraam in gegaan. Die vrou is deur ER24 vervoer na die hospitaal, waar sy nog voor die hospitaal binne-in die ambulans gekraam het. ER24, Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, Van Wettens Insleep Dienste, Davel en Ermelo Polisie en die Provinsiale Ambulaans Dienste, asook Igagu, was op die toneel. In ‘n tweede geval op Vrydag, 9 April, het daar twee botsings plaasgevind. Die eerste ongeluk het ongeveer 17:00 gebeur, op die hoek van Voortrekker- en Kerk Straat, tussen ‘n Ford Ranger en ‘n Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Niemand is beseer tydens die ongeluk nie. Die tweede ongeluk het op die Morgenzon pad plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer buite die dorp, tussen ‘n klein voertuig en ‘n SUV. Tydens die ongeluk was daar geen ernstige beserings opgedoen nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Phoenix Rotary gholfdag Op die foto verskyn die wenners van die dag, M.O.T.H Club, saam met lede van die Phoenix Rotary. Op die foto staan Moaner van Heerden, saam met lede van die Phoenix Rotary en Deo Botha, wat die plakkaat, asook die rugby bal waar hy die hoogste bod gehad het tydens die veiling. Op die foto verskyn die wenners van die dag, M.O.T.H Club, saam met lede van die Phoenix Rotary. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 10 November 2020 Tydens die aand was daar ‘n plakkaat van Moaner van Heerden, asook ‘n ou rugbybal met ou springbok spelers se handtekening op opgeveil. Op Vrydag, 6 November, het die Phoenix Rotary dit goed gedink om ‘n gholfdag aan te bied wat deel is van hul geldinsamelings projek. Die dag is bekroon as ‘n suksesvolle dag, met 72 spelers wat deelgeneem het aan die kompetisie. Die spelers het die dag terdeë geniet. Die Phoenix wil graag die volgende borge bedank, waarsonder die dag nie so ‘n groot sukses kon wees nie: Brakecore, LMTEC, Wildman, African Sky Resorts, Jamdrop, Chryso, JC Studios Ermelo, Icon Metals and Oils, FC Benecke, DP Signs, Bell, Pick and Pay, Izimbali, Hardies bande, Bulldog Internet, Dalifin, Melrow Pharmacy, Corfuset, Flowcentric Mining, Allan’s Slaghuis en MP Fire and Signs. Die bekende oud-rugby speler Moaner van Heerden het ook kom oë wys, en heerlik saam met die spelers gekuier. Daar was smaaklike kos na die prysuitdeling beskikbaar, waaraan al die spelers gesmul het. Die wenners van die dag, met 108 punte, is die M.O.T.H Club, in die tweede plek was LMTEC met 103 punte, en kort op hulle hakke met 102 punte was Kwena Mining. Tydens die aand was daar ‘n plakkaat van Moaner van Heerden, asook ‘n ou rugbybal met ou springbok spelers se handtekening op opgeveil. Die Ermelo Phoenix Rotary wil graag van die gelentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank vir die dag, asook vir elke speler wat die dag saam met hulle kom geniet het. < Previous Article Next Article >

The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. No respite from stray cattle as another collision occurs 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 26 July 2022 The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. Over the course of several years, cattle owners have systematically circumvented the by-laws of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) with regards to the care, control and branding of cattle and other stray animals. These individuals have also taken advantage of MLM’s lax attitude and have erected pens and makeshift shelters for farm animals in several wards. Despite the municipality’s by-laws stating that no person may keep farm animals in an enclosure or stable within 15 meters of any boundary of any land, dwelling, building or any structure used for human habitation, or 50 meters of any water resource or water supply intended or used for human consumption, transgressors live their best lives without consequence. The unenforced by-laws are wholly ignored, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and danger for motorists and residents. 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. Although it is mandated by the Animal Identification Act, Act 6 of 2000, a large percentage of the stray animals roaming the CBD, roadways, wards and surrounding areas are unmarked and unbranded. The fact that there are no longer pounding services offered by local companies makes life extremely difficult for residents and road users alike. Stray animals and cattle impede the flow of traffic, and have been the cause of many an accident in the vicinity of Ermelo. In rare cases, a cattle herder can be seen lazily coaxing the animals through residential areas, but in the majority of instances these animals are left to their own devices. The inherent danger of stray cattle is especially notable on the N11 Ermelo-Hendrina road, where several serious collisions have been caused by these nuisance strays. These animals are also becoming a nuisance on the N17 and N2, where several instances of collisions with stray cattle have been reported. Due to the municipalitys complete and utter disregard of by-law enforcement, stray cattle issues are expanding deeper into the residential wards, and have also become a nuisance in the CBD, where these animal blindly lumber over busy roadways, oblivious to traffic. In addition to this, stray cattle and animals within wards demolish gardens, tear open refuse bags and unnecessarily rile up neighborhood dogs. On previous occasions, MLM stated that residents should contact the call centre to report such incidents. However, the complete inefficiency of the call centre, coupled with the complete lack of response from municipal departments have made this statement all but redundant. Although the municipal by-laws grants the municipality the power to rapidly fill their coffers by impounding and selling stray animals if they are not collected by their owners, the motivation seems to be lacking for unknown reasons. Despite several previous enquiries, MLM have, to date, failed to step up with a response and solution. The stray livestock have become so used to residential traffic and scolds from angry residents, that not even car horns spook these cattle when they loaf about the streets. Unfortunately, in Ermelo, a blind eye is turned to the issue, which have, and will again, result in a loss of life as motorists collide with these stray animals. A prime example of this is a motorist who collided with a stray animal in Church Street on Saturday, 23 July 2022. The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. The animal was also the cause of another near-miss, as it bucked into oncoming traffic in shock. Luckily, the oncoming vehicle managed to avoid colliding with the animal. On the accident scene, a group of stray cattle could be noted grazing on the sidewalk, with their owner being blissfully unaware of the danger and damage these animals caused. < Previous Article Next Article >

EHS is besonder trots op meneer Dirkie van Staden, wat twee pryse ingepalm het by die toekenningsgeleentheid van die South African Independent Artist Awards wat op Woensdag, 28 April 2021 plaasgevind het. Dirkie van Staden palm pryse in 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 4 May 2021 EHS is besonder trots op meneer Dirkie van Staden, wat twee pryse ingepalm het by die toekenningsgeleentheid van die South African Independent Artist Awards wat op Woensdag, 28 April 2021 plaasgevind het. EHS is besonder trots op meneer Dirkie van Staden, wat twee pryse ingepalm het by die toekenningsgeleentheid van die South African Independent Artist Awards wat op Woensdag, 28 April 2021 plaasgevind het. Na aanleiding van die pryse waarvoor twee van meneer van Staden se duo-groepe genomineer is, het albei die onderskeie groepe pryse ingepalm: STRINGS ON FIRE wen die prys vir die Best Instrumental Album. WORLD@SOUTH word die prys vir Award of Appreciation for Best Instrumental Single toegeken. Meneer van Staden is deel van die EHS-musiek departement waar hy onderrig gee in verskeie instrumente, onder andere klassieke en moderne ghitaar, ukulele, saksofoon, franse horing, trompet en tromboon. “Baie geluk aan meneer Van Staden. Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op hierdie prestasie. Dis voorwaar iets om op trots te wees.” < Previous Article Next Article >

NPSS tackles GBV issues 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 Featuring representatives from SPAR, and the inspirational motivational artist that leads others by example, WarriorRic (Ricardo Gressel),the event aimed to bring a halt to the violence. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the scholars was all ears as they were addressed by the speakers. In an effort to raise awareness and support in light of the rising surge of gender based violence (GBV) in South Africa, Netherland Park Secondary School (NPSS) launched a hard-hitting campaign on Thursday, 22 April 2021. The campaign was especially aimed to stem the tide of violence in Ermelo and surrounding areas. Featuring representatives from SPAR, and the inspirational motivational artist that leads others by example, WarriorRic (Ricardo Gressel),the event aimed to bring a halt to the violence. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the scholars was all ears as they were addressed by the speakers. The staff and management of NPSS expressed their extreme gratitude towards all who contributed to the day. “NPSS would like to thank Me. Marlene Gunter and SPAR for sponsoring the day. Without our incredible speakers, Warrior Ric (Ricardo Gressel) and his team, Ms. Jeana Motsamai (CMR Ermelo) and her colleagues, Pastor Mzi Dyule, Dr. J. du Plessis and all the other speakers from the department of correctional services, as well as Mr. Brian Zwane, who shared his life story in a heartfelt manner, this day would also have been impossible. You may view more photo and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

"The state of Mkhondo continues to deteriorate as lack of accountability and poor governance continues to haunt this municipality,” the DA stated. Mkhondo mayor blows nearly R1 million on unauthorized outing 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 12 July 2022 "The state of Mkhondo continues to deteriorate as lack of accountability and poor governance continues to haunt this municipality,” the DA stated. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed their distress regarding the businesses and residents of Mkhondo Local Municipality, who face a bleak future as they experience up to 10 hours a day without electricity because of load shedding and load reduction. The DA has stated that the situation is so dire that it threatens their existence. While this scenario plagues business owners and residents, the mayor allegedly spent almost R1 million of taxpayers' money in Durban on an unauthorized “meeting”. The DA has noted that they find it strange that the meeting coincidentally took place on the same weekend as the Durban July. Despite the increasing population in Mkhondo Local Municipality over the past couple of years, and many requests to Eskom to increase their Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) of electricity to 40MVA, Eskom has refused. The municipality is being restricted to using only 18MVA due to their R341 million debt. The last payment made to Eskom was in April 2022, and they paid only R500 000. “Then you have a mayor and councillors who decided to go to Durban for an unauthorized meeting, that caused taxpayers and council almost R1 million. The state of Mkhondo continues to deteriorate as lack of accountability and poor governance continues to haunt this municipality,” the DA stated. The DA also noted that other than Mkhondo, residents in Govan Mbeki and Msukaligwa Local Municipalities are also experiencing daily load reduction because of their Eskom debt. “This is concerning because it will lead to job losses as businesses will eventually be forced to close doors. With the loss of 51 000 jobs in the first quarter of 2022, Mpumalanga cannot afford to lose more jobs as businesses and local economies are crippled by an inadequate electricity supply. We must create a conducive environment and that can only be attained by keeping the lights on. As these municipalities had their requests to increase their Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) rejected due to outstanding debts, the DA calls on COGTA MEC, Mandla Ndlovu, to engage with Eskom to suspend rotational load reduction in municipalities that exceed their NMD in the midst of load shedding,” the DA concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

MSV Holdings gives back to community 1/30 Share GK CRONJE 6 July 2021 MSV Holdings, a road marking contractor from Piet Retief, made a substantial donation to the learners of the school. As part of giving back to the community, Mr. Vusi Nkosi of MSV Holdings (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with the main contractor, VEA Roads, maintaining R35-1 & R35-2, recently donated various items to Sizakhele Primary School. MSV Holdings, a road marking contractor from Piet Retief, made a substantial donation to the learners of the school, which included 28 pairs of school shoes, 25 pairs of school jerseys and a blistering 2 759 sanitary pads to make the lives of various learners much easier. < Previous Article Next Article >

It was noticed in Friday that individuals helped themselves at a fire hydrant in Church Street, and several large containers were repeatedly filled with water from the hydrant. The culprit had a makeshift tool handy to open the fire hydrant. According to the available by-laws, it is illegal to use a fire hydrant to obtain water for purposes other than fire fighting, unless authorised by the water authority or person to whom the hydrant belongs. A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. The community is urged to refrain from tampering with fire hydrants, as those in question often waste precious water, and also repeatedly leave fire hydrants partially open, aggravating the wasteful behavior. Hefty fine for tampering with fire hydrants Hefty fine for tampering with fire hydrants 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 3 November 2020 A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. It was noticed in Friday that individuals helped themselves at a fire hydrant in Church Street, and several large containers were repeatedly filled with water from the hydrant. The culprit had a makeshift tool handy to open the fire hydrant. According to the available by-laws, it is illegal to use a fire hydrant to obtain water for purposes other than fire fighting, unless authorised by the water authority or person to whom the hydrant belongs. A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. The community is urged to refrain from tampering with fire hydrants, as those in question often waste precious water, and also repeatedly leave fire hydrants partially open, aggravating the wasteful behavior. < 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 >