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Aan my liefste ouma, my laaste brief 1/1 Share Supplied Content 14 June 2022 "Ons het ouma lief, hierdie is my laaste brief aan my oumie. Ek is jammer, ouma." Brief - My hart is seer, my oë moeg, ek was nie gereed om ouma so te groet nie. Ek is so ongelooflik jammer dat ouma se laaste paar maande op die aarde, ouma se maande van hel was. Ek wens ek kon tyd terug draai, maar al wat ek nou kan doen is om ouma se verhaal te vertel met die hoop dat ander kinders en kleinkinders mooi dink voor hulle ooit hulle oupa’s en ouma’s in Ermelo SAVF ouetehuis sit. Ek is jammer ouma se mond was goud geel, aangeplak en vrot van die plaak toe ouma uiteindelik opgeneem is in die hospitaal, na dae wat ouma nie kon eet of drink het nie. Ek het gedink ouma is vol nonsens, maar toe die dieëtkundige moes jaag om ouma se mond met koeksoda skoon te probeer skrop, en sy vir ons sê dat ouma nie sou kon eet nie want met so aangeplakte vuil mond proe alles wat ouma ineem letterlik vrot, en soos uriene, het ek my hart voel breek! Ouma het letterlik net swakker en swakker geword omrede ouma nie kon eet nie, nie omdat ouma nie wou eet nie. Toe ons die tehuis vra vir ouma se tandeborsel was daar nie eers een in ouma se “frail care” kamer nie! Ek het keer op keer waneer ek kom kuier het ouma se vol kateter sak op die vloer opgetel, waar die sak oop en bloot net op die grond langs ouma se bed gelê het. Die pyp van daai sak is ook net so lank! Ek kan nie dink hoe seer dit in ouma se privaat dele moes wees nie! Dit moes vreeslik getrek het! Watse verleentheid dit nie vir ouma moes wees nie! N eens mooi statige, altyd netjiese vrou, nou ‘n verwaarlose tannie, met haar uriene op die grond langs haar bed! Sou dit so baie moeite wees vir die verpleegsters, of selfs bestuur, om dit net toe te maak met ‘n deel van ouma se laken, en op die hak van die spesiale bed waarin ouma gelê het te hak! Dis tog immers waarom die bed een het! Ek’s so jammer ouma moes sulke vernedering deurgaan. Vir dae aaneen kon ouma ook nie eet nie, omrede die kos wat vir ouma gegee is nie gepas was vir ouma se behoeftes en swak stadium nie... wat my die seerste maak is dat daar nie eers iemand was wat ouma probeer voer het nie! Ouma was bedlêend, maar ouma se naels was bruin vuil van die aangepakte kos soos ouma self probeer eet het! Plat op ouma se rug moes ouma probeer oorleef. Snags het boeta gery om ouma se water bottel, wat dae en ure lank leeg was, by die kraan vol te maak. Hoeveel keer het ek nie by ouma se bed gekom en gesmeek, asseblief, maak net my ouma se water vol nie. Hoeveel ure voor ons kon kom kuier, selfs soms dae, het ouma sonder ‘n druppel water deur gegaan nie? Ek is jammer ons kuier is kort geknip die dag wat die tannie twee kamers weg van ouma op die koue teëls geval het. Ek kon haar gehuil en geroep na hulp nie meer ignoreer nie, en het na die susters stasie, direk oorkant haar kamer, gegaan en die personeel gesmeek dat hulle my asseblief moet kom help haar optel. Jammer ek kon nie langer sit en ouma se naels ,wat bruin van vuil was, skoon maak nie. Ouma, ek weet ouma het ‘n skoon netjiese kamer verdien, dis waarom ons maar beurte probeer maak het om ouma se kamer op te ruim, en ouma se asblik wat altyd oorvol was, leeg te maak. Dit het my gebreek toe ek die hoeveelste keer pille onder ouma se bed op die vuil vloer moes kry... Tot vandag toe kan niemand vir my sê hoekom niemand seker gemaak het ouma drink ouma se pille nie! Hoekom niemand ouma gehelp het as ouma dit laat val nie. Ek kan net dink hoe frustrerend dit vir ouma moes wees, ouma was bedlêend en kon dit nie eers self optel nie. Ek weet ouma het ‘n hele paar keer probeer kla, maar elke keer is ouma se klagtes uitgemaak as ouma se eie skuld. Hoeveel keer het ouma nie my hand gegryp as ek gegroet het nie, en my gesmeek om aseblief net ouma saam te vat, ek wens ek kon, maar ek kon nie. Ek is net bitter bly, maar met ‘n seer hart, nou kan ek ouma se verhaal van hel vertel want nooit weer kan hulle op ouma pik omdat ouma praat van wat aangaan in daai gebou van hel nie. Ek wens ek het ouma eerder in Hendrina Ouetehuis gesit, maar ons het geglo wat die nuwe bestuur in Ermelo ons belowe het! Ons het geglo dat ouma met liefde en respek behandel sou word, en die beste diens en 24 uur hulp in die “frail care” eenheid na ouma se operasie sou kry! Dat die personeel “top”opgelei is om ouma die nabehandeling te kon gee van die operasie. Ons het ten duurste betaal vir al die mooi beloftes! Mamma en pappa kon ouma nie invat nie, hulle is self nie meer vandag se kinders nie. Ek en boeta werk voldag, en sou nie ouma kon versorg 24 uur ‘n dag nie, maar ouma hoe spyt is ek nie vandag ons het nie geweet wat vir ouma wag nie! Ouma is letterlik net in die ouetehuis gelos om dood te gaan. Die ou, maer tannie wat in die hospitaal gelê het, se nalaat op haar liggaam bewys die hel waardeur ouma is! Nuwe oor geverfde gange en gordyne, opgedonste kamers, 5-ster professionele diens, beste gehalte gesonde kos gepas vir ouma se toestand en al die nuwe bestuur se mooi beloftes is nie wat ouma beleef het nie. Die jaar 2022 was ouma se laaste jaar, op 24 Mei 2022 is ouma hospitaal toe. Dokter het gesê hy gaan ouma nie terug stuur as ouma hier uit kom nie, want hulle kan nie vir ouma sorg nie, ouma was in ‘n walglike kondisie. Op 2 Junie 2022 het Liewe Jesus ouma kom haal. Of dit ouma se tyd was, weet ek nie, maar dokter kon nie ouma se infeksie telling afkry nie, as gevolg van ouma se bakterieë in ouma se mond wat alles binne ouma aangetas het! Ouma, ek weet ouma is nou pyn vry by Liewe Jesus, maar moes ouma so mishandel en verwaarloos word, so seer hê voor ouma se dood? Is dit waarvoor ons so bitter duur betaal het? Ons kan ouma nooit terug bring nie! Ek kan nie eers vir ouma sê ek is jammer nie, al wat ek kan doen is om ander oupa’s en ouma’s te red met ouma se laaste paar maande se gebeure! Al wat ek kan doen om die seer, die lelik beter te maak, is om ouma se waarheid van hel te deel! Al help dit een persoon om twee keer te dink voor hulle hul geliefdes in daai gebou in druk, dan is ouma se lyding ten minste iets werd! Jammer ek kon nie vroeër praat nie, ek was te besig om my ouma te sien uit teer en doodgaan. Ons het ouma lief, hierdie is my laaste brief aan my oumie. Ek is jammer, ouma. - Hartseer Kleinkinders < Previous Article Next Article >

Blessing spreads his wings 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 11 August 2020 Blessing Bongani Sibande, or better known as Mr. NPSS, who was the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media, and in some instances also a bodyguard, spread his wings. Blesssing will be missed at NPSS, his smile, friendliness and unfaltering willingness to help. Blessing Bongani Sibande, or better known as Mr. NPSS, who was the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media, and in some instances also a bodyguard, spread his wings. Blesssing will be missed at NPSS, his smile, friendliness and unfaltering willingness to help. On Friday, 7 August, Blessing greeted the school with this speech: “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I wish to greet the Principal, Ms. L Geoghegan, of which I speak through her. Special greetings also to the SGB, educators, learners, all NPSS staff, parents and guardians. It is with sadness I have to leave the school, as I am grabbing a life changing opportunity. It has not been an easy decision to make, but through love, support and the best advice, I had to make a decision. Since I started in October 2016, I have had the opportunity to grow professionally, and learnt a lot for personal development. I thank the entire NPSS family for such love and warm hands. I believe we had great encounters with each other, and we have managed to drive the vehicle forward. Thank you to the office of the Principal for such great leadership and endless opportunities. As it is Women's Month, we continue to make a clarion call that we want more women in leadership or top positions. I thank you all, and wish the school the best there is.” The Principal of the school, Ms. L Geoghegan, and the staff of NPSS left the following letter for Blessing: “It is with mixed feelings that I have to inform you of a legend jumping the NPSS ship. Mr. Blessing Sibande is leaving us on Friday, for greener pastures. In so many ways over the past 4 years, Blessing has been the face of our school, the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media and in some instances also a bodyguard. It has been wonderful working with such an energetic and optimistic “influencer”, and observing how he has grown and developed. Your professionalism and effective work ethnics will be missed, Mr Sibande. But we also know that you are meant for greater and bigger things in life. We wish you only the very best with all your future endeavors, and know that you will excel in your new work environment. Hamba kahle.” Blessing will be moving to Gert Sibande's TVET college in Evander. He will work at the Centre for Entrepreneurship as a rapid incubator. “It has been a great experience working at NPSS, and I am excited to work with the youth, assisting them to make good choices when it comes to the great responsibility of their future,” Blessing concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Dispuut tussen twee besighede lei tot onsekerheid in gemeenskap 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 22 March 2022 Daar is tans ‘n arbitrasie saak tussen die twee partye. Rietspruit Crushers, ‘n bekende besigheid in Ermelo, wat deur wyle Malcom Wishart geopen is en vanaf 2017 deur sy seun, Grant Wishart, bestuur word, is al vir die afgelope vyf jaar in ‘n dispuut met Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust. Op Dinsdag, 1 Maart 2022, het ‘n werknemer van Rietspruit Crushers gesien dat die pad wat vir die afgelope veertig jaar gebruik word, afgespêr was deur ‘n hek en slot, en dat daar ook bemanning by die hek is en gereguleer het wie die perseel mag ingaan, en wie nie. Dadelik is die bestuur van Rietspruit Crushers ingelig oor die situasie wat ontvou het, en daar was dadelik stappe geneem om te verseker dat Rietspruit Crushers steeds kon besigheid doen. Op Maandag, 7 Maart 2022, toe mnr. Wishart van die alternatiewe pad gebruik maak, was dié pad ook toe, waar hy ook sy personeel bussie sien wat nie deur die hek mag gaan nie. Tydens hierdie dag het daar ‘n dispuut tussen die huurder en die verhuurder ontstaan, waar daar gevra is om ‘n vergadering met mnr. Wishart te hê. Die vergadering is voorgelê by Rietspruit Crushers, waar beide partye teenwoordig was, asook ander besigheids forums. Tydens navrae en ondersoek aan bewyse oor die koop van die plaas, en die huurooreenkoms tussen Rietspruit Crusher en Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, is daar in die aankoop ooreenkoms saamgestem dat daar ‘n maandelikse inkomste vanaf Rietspruit Crushers aan die grondeienaar, Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, betaal moet word. Die ooreenkoms is vanaf 2014 tot 2017 nagekom, waarna daar vanaf 2017 tot hede nog geen verdere betaling gedoen is nie. Die huurooreenkoms, wat tesame met die koop transaksie van die plaas ooreenkoms geteken was, het reeds in Augustus 2021 verval, en is daar tot op hede nog nie ‘n nuwe ooreenkoms nie. Rietspruit Crushers het ‘n geldige myn lisensie wat binnekort verval, waar hul binne ‘n sekere tyd die lisensie moet hernu. In 2008, tydens die ooreenkoms, is daar binne die kontrak gestipuleer dat die verhuurder vergoeding moet ontvang vanaf die huurder, waar die vergoeding begin het met R1.45 per ton, en dat die bedrag jaarliks met 10% sal eskaleer. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, oorweeg hul dit baie sterk om eerder die plaas te verkoop, waar daar myn materiaal beskikbaar is, ‘n boerdery, asook ‘n pragtige trou lokaal. Die Tribune het op Donderdag, 17 Maart 2022, ‘n onderhoud met mnr. Wishart gehad rondom die situasie by Rietspruit Crushers, en die dispuut tussen die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust. Mnr. Wishart het aan die Tribune gesê dat in Oktober 2012 het alle ou myn lisensies verander na die nuwe lisensies, dat alle tantieme aan die staat betaalbaar is, en nie meer aan die plaaseienaar nie. Hy het wel gesê dat die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust steeds hul vergoeding ontvang het. Vanaf 2017, het Rietspruit Crushers nie meer enige vergoeding aan die Oubaas de Jager Trust betaal nie, maar wel aan die staat, soos die nuwe wet bepaal. Mnr. Wishart het ook tydens die onderhoud gesê dat daar tans geen grond gebruiksooreenkoms tussen Rietspruit Crushers en Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust is nie. Rietspruit Crushers het ook sekere kontrakte verloor, waar maatskappy net hul kontrakte beëindig het weens finansiële redes, waar Rietspruit begin het om swaar te kry want hul was afhanklik van al die groot kontrakte. In Februarie 2022 het mnr. Wishart dit goed gedink om Rietspruit Crushers weens die finansiële negatiewe impak onder sakeredding te bring. Daar is tans ‘n arbitrasie saak tussen die twee partye. Die grootste kommer wat besigheidseienaars in en om Ermelo in die oë staar, is dat die sluiting van Rietspruit Crushers ‘n groot ekonomiese impak op Ermelo sal hê. Daar word gehoop dat voor die situasie op daardie punt kom, dat daar eerder ‘n ooreenkoms kan onstaan waar beide partye geken word, en beide partye vergoeding kry. < Previous Article Next Article >

Murder On Friday, 16 October, at 21:20, the body of Muzi Eric Ntchangase (51) was discovered in Alwyn van Zijl Street in Ermelo. He was stabbed once in the chest. Any person who has information which might assist Ermelo SAPS with the investigation, is requested to contact Constable ML Mkwanazi at 017-819 2321 or 082 373 8389. In the second case, a man (25) was stabbed outside a Tavern in Babanani Villige (Skaaprus) on Sunday, 18 October in the early hours of the morning. He was taken to hospital, but succumbed his injuries. Rape: On Saturday, 16 October, a 16-year-old girl and two siblings were on their way to a shop in Wesselton. They were confronted by three men who demanded money. The victim gave them money. The suspects forced the victim to the Ermelo sewerage facility, where she was raped and left to fend for herself. Murder on the streets of Ermelo Murder on the streets of Ermelo 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 20 October 2020 The body of Muzi Eric Ntchangase (51) was discovered in Alwyn van Zijl Street in Ermelo. He was stabbed once in the chest. Murder On Friday, 16 October, at 21:20, the body of Muzi Eric Ntchangase (51) was discovered in Alwyn van Zijl Street in Ermelo. He was stabbed once in the chest. Any person who has information which might assist Ermelo SAPS with the investigation, is requested to contact Constable ML Mkwanazi at 017-819 2321 or 082 373 8389. In the second case, a man (25) was stabbed outside a Tavern in Babanani Villige (Skaaprus) on Sunday, 18 October in the early hours of the morning. He was taken to hospital, but succumbed his injuries. Rape: On Saturday, 16 October, a 16-year-old girl and two siblings were on their way to a shop in Wesselton. They were confronted by three men who demanded money. The victim gave them money. The suspects forced the victim to the Ermelo sewerage facility, where she was raped and left to fend for herself. < Previous Article Next Article >

Eight suspects appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 21 January 2021, on charges of alleged tax evasion, theft and money laundering, while the charge sheet also includes four companies that were used by the group. Smangaliso Innocent Khoza (37), Busisiwe Prudence Nkosi (36), Sipho Andrew Philane (58), Sabelo Given Khumalo (35), Nhlanhla France Nyambi (43), Marcus Madala Mdhuli (44), Thabo Chamaine Philane (31) and Mfanzile Tholebono Msibi were arrested following a Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. The initial arrests in this case were in November 2020, followed by the rest of the syndicate members on different dates. The four companies that have been charged are Madam and Eve General Trading, Khuzumuzo (PTY) , Smangalisobusisiwe Trading , Zipho Zethu Trading and Mexza Cleaning Services. The Hawks’ investigation has revealed that from April 2017, Khoza and his girlfriend, Nkosi, the sole directors of Madam and Eve General Trading, submitted fraudulent tax returns to the South African Revenue Services (SARS), causing an actual loss of R2.5 million. The couple, who appear to be the ringleaders in this case, recruited family members and friends to register non-existing companies in order to prejudice SARS. The accused were each released on bail amounts ranging from R3 000 to R10 000. The case has been postponed to 9 February 2021. Eight charged for tax evasion Eight charged for tax evasion 1/8 Share SH HATTINGH 26 January 2021 Fraudulent tax returns were submitted to the South African Revenue Services (SARS), causing an actual loss of R2.5 million. Eight suspects appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 21 January 2021, on charges of alleged tax evasion, theft and money laundering, while the charge sheet also includes four companies that were used by the group. Smangaliso Innocent Khoza (37), Busisiwe Prudence Nkosi (36), Sipho Andrew Philane (58), Sabelo Given Khumalo (35), Nhlanhla France Nyambi (43), Marcus Madala Mdhuli (44), Thabo Chamaine Philane (31) and Mfanzile Tholebono Msibi were arrested following a Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. The initial arrests in this case were in November 2020, followed by the rest of the syndicate members on different dates. The four companies that have been charged are Madam and Eve General Trading, Khuzumuzo (PTY) , Smangalisobusisiwe Trading , Zipho Zethu Trading and Mexza Cleaning Services. The Hawks’ investigation has revealed that from April 2017, Khoza and his girlfriend, Nkosi, the sole directors of Madam and Eve General Trading, submitted fraudulent tax returns to the South African Revenue Services (SARS), causing an actual loss of R2.5 million. The couple, who appear to be the ringleaders in this case, recruited family members and friends to register non-existing companies in order to prejudice SARS. The accused were each released on bail amounts ranging from R3 000 to R10 000. The case has been postponed to 9 February 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

EHS Groentjieskonsert sorg vir groot opwinding 1/11 Share SM HATTINGH 23 March 2022 “Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat ‘n deel gehad het aan sy/haar huis se Groentjieskonsert." Hoërskool Ermelo se jaarlikse Groentjieskonsert is ‘n eeu-oue tradisie wat jaar-na-jaar sorg vir groot opwinding, strawwe kompetisie en komiese vermaak. Die jaar 2022 se konsert was geen uitsondering nie. Die dag het oudergewoonte begin met die Graad 11-dirigente se aankoms. Nelstehuis se “FBI”-tema het die oggend afgeskop, gevolg deur die manne van Huis Veltman met hul “Money Heist”-tema. Dit was egter die Dorpies wat monde laat oophang het en die verbeelding aangegryp het met hul “Steampunk”-tema. Die leerders het daarna die geleentheid gehad om vir die eerste keer in drie jaar ‘n optog te hou, en hul gees deur die strate van Ermelo ten toon te stel. The climax of any Groentjies Day is the concert. The Grade 12 learners of each one of the Houses (Dorpshuis, Huis Veltman & Nelsthuis) had eight days to write an original story, build decor, design costumes and direct their Grade 8's into a unique concert. Each year the houses receive different themes. This year’s characters were based on the animation, Toy Story (Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Slinky Dog). The Errie value themes for the year were hard work and Errie heart. Each concert should also include a news bulletin and an advertisement. The instructions given to learners included that this year’s advertisement should link with 2022’s Grade 8 theme - From Seed-to-Sapling. Elke huis het hul uitstekend van hul taak gekwyt, en ‘n konsert van hoogstaande gehalte op die planke gebring. Die uitslae was as volg: Beste Dirigente - Dorpshuis, Beste Hulpdirigente - Nelstehuis, Beste Huisdans - Nelstehuis, Beste Tema-uitbeelding - Nelstehuis, Beste Advertensie - Huis Veltman, Beste Kostuums - Nelstehuis, Beste Dekor - Huis Veltman, Beste Groentjiesdans - Nelstehuis, Beste Humor in Storie - Huis Veltman, Beste Nuusberig - Nelstehuis, Beste Storieverteller - Joshua du Toit (Huis Veltman), Beste Akteur - Ruan Ludwig (Huis Veltman), Beste Aktrise - An-Euné van Niekerk (Nelstehuis), Beste gebruik van Verrassings-element - Huis Veltman, Meriete Toekenning - Clarissa Nel & Elané Nel (Dorpshuis), Beste Konsert - Huis Veltman en die Algehele Wenners - Huis Veltman. “Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat ‘n deel gehad het aan sy/haar huis se Groentjieskonsert. Die Erries het hierdie jaar weereens getoon dat alles wat hul doen, eenvoudig wêreldklas is.” Sien meer foto’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

"A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures." Residents have had it in chunks 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 3 May 2022 "A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures." Chaos erupted at Msukaligwa Local Municipality on Thursday, 28 April 2022, when a number of answer-seeking community members arrived at the municipal offices. Whilst the main reason for the gathering was the fact that they have been left without water and electricity for more than ten days while municipal officials beat around the bush, they also vented their frustration at the alleged nepotism and corruption within the municipality. According to the well known community champion, Mzwandile Zulu, several decisions have been made within the municipality that contravenes both the ANC mandate, as well as the rules of conduct as set forth in the constitution. According to Zulu, far-reaching decisions were made during a council meeting where an inadequate number of councillors were present. Therefore all members of council were either not aware or consulted on decisions taken by the acting troika members. The question of the original troika members also lingered, where the community stated that the elected troika was unlawfully removed, and replaced with the action trio, who had allegedly been appointed through means of nepotism. On the day, the community demanded answers as to the lack of transparency at the municipality, and the empty promises made by the acting leadership. Despite the fact that, according to the community, the municipality stated that a transformer was the cause of the extended electrical in a large area, which included Everest and Thusi Village, they failed to deliver the needed repairs and replacement in the timeframe promised. The municipality had relayed a message to the community that the transformer would be fixed a week prior to the date of the community protest. However, no action had been taken by the municipality at the time of the gathering. From behind barred entrance gates, the municipality provided a proof of payment for the equipment needed, and claimed that the transformer would be delivered on the same day 28 April 2022. However, residents were having none of it, claiming it's just more deception from the municipality. Community leaders demanded to speak to one of the municipal leadership, of which none were to be found. The acting mayor, municipal manager and speaker were nowhere to be found, which further infuriated residents. Instead of a person in a leadership position stepping up and taking the rap, it was left to councillors and community leaders to convey messages to try and quell the fed-up community. Instead of municipal leaders taking charge of the situation and providing clarity on questions from the community, the municipality opted to bar the entrance to the municipality. Thousands of Rands in income had been lost, as residents who wished to pay their utility bills were turned away due municipal officials refusing to unlock the entrance gates. The security company employed by the municipality had blatantly refused to unlock the entrance, despite pleas from several councillors. With the acting mayor and municipal manager disappearing like needles in a haystack, Cllr Zulu was forced to step up to the plate, attempting to answer the questions set fort by the community. However, he could only provide limited answers, being an outsider himself, while municipal top brass allegedly take important decisions behind closed doors. The elected council is reportedly hampered around every corner, being excluded from important decisions which require a majority vote to pass. Community members also claim that the top structure at the municipality has laid off various long-time municipal employees to make way for friends, wives, girlfriends and more, who are reportedly wholly unqualified to perform their duties. Some of the alleged cadre employments do not, according to Mzwandile Zulu, possess a Grade 12 qualification. This is one of the fundamental requirements of employment, which is circumvented. "The acting leadership should step down at Msukaligwa Local Municipality. There is no accountability in the municipality. First and foremost, they have been appointed to their positions without the mandate being followed. Protocol has been breached with their employment at the municipality, which flies directly in the face of what President Ramaphosa had said during the recent ANC election rally. Corruption is running rampant while the community suffers. The entire town is going to the dogs while the leadership at Msukaligwa fight for the political top positions. If you don't agree with the methods, you simply get removed without warning. The community needs selfless leadership, which adheres to the mandate set forth my the ANC. Instead, they are making up their own rules, and in so doing they violate the constitution and the rights of the community. How is this acceptable?" Mzwandile Zulu said. He also stated that the political power play within the municipality is bringing the municipality, services and everything surrounding it, to its knees. The decisions taking behind closed doors are negatively affecting the community and businesses of Msukaligwa. "How can a decision be taken when a large number of council members are not present to partake in the decision? Fourteen council members out of more than thirty were present, and major decisions have been taken which serve no purpose other than political power plays. Whenever there are questions to be answered, they run and hide in their offices. How can a municipality function if there is nobody in the office, as they claim? There is nobody to take responsibility for what is happening to our town. Look at the roads. Look at the business district. Look at the informal settlements. It is a disgrace. It is one acting official after the next acting official, of whom none have a stake in our community. They are brought in from outside locations and unconstitutionally and unlawfully placed in power positions, without being elected. President Ramaphosa has clearly stated the mandate and requirements to be elected, but a large number of power positions are filled by dropouts, who have friends in high places. A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures,” he said with disdain. The community has vowed to return, and demand that a complete cleanup of the municipality be put in order. Demands include that the acting troika step down, and that an internal investigation and audit be conducted within Msukaligwa Local Municipality to oust the political rot. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

VLU Amersfoort geniet spesiale dag 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 23 August 2022 Die tak bedank ook vir Anne-Marie, wat ‘n spesiale geskenk aan Carina oorhandig het. Amersfoort VLU Tambuki Streek het op Vrouedag, 9 Augustus 2022 hul vergadering gehou by die AGS kerksaal. Carina Bam, ‘n somatoloog van Platteland Aesthetics in Ermelo het vir die dames ‘n demonstrasie aangebied, en hul meer vertel van “needling”, sowel as vele ander vel prosedures. Martie Struwig was die gelukkige wenner van ‘n gratis velbehandeling sessie, en elke dame het op die dag ‘n geskenkpakkie ontvang. Amersfoort VLU bedank graag elkeen wat die dag geniet het saam hul, en sien uit na volgende maand se vergadering. Die tak bedank ook vir Anne-Marie, wat ‘n spesiale geskenk aan Carina oorhandig het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Danger, stray cattle ahead 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. As reported by various media houses, the issue of stray livestock in Ermelo residential areas, parts of the CBD and the outskirts has been ongoing for years, with no action on part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and its departments. A warning is hereby issued to residents traveling in the vicinity of Pick n Pay, as there are a group of stray cattle at the traffic light on a daily basis. At an intersection where vehicles often travel at moderate to high speeds, this is a life-threatening situation. In the case of stray livestock in Ermelo and the surrounding areas, the by-laws are wholly ignore. This is hardly surprising, as the by-laws set forth by the municipality are failed to be upheld. This creates a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and a danger for motorists. The stray livestock in Ermelo have become so used to traffic and scolds from angry residents, that not even car horns or angry yells spook these animals. Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. This an ongoing, serious and pressing issue in Ermelo. Alas, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. < Previous Article Next Article >

“We have adopted a zero tolerance towards unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We have turned down for condonation of the expenditure. We are demanding accountability where wasteful expenditure has occurred.” Msibi said. COGTA to probe municipal disarray Mandla Msibi, COGTA MEC. Mandla Msibi, COGTA MEC. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 November 2020 “We have adopted a zero tolerance towards unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We have turned down for condonation of the expenditure. We are demanding accountability where wasteful expenditure has occurred.” Msibi said. Co-operative governance and traditional affairs (COGTA) chairperson, China Dodovu, and COGTA MEC Mandla Msibi, are probing the financial status of local municipalities, governance, audit outcomes and service delivery matters were among the key issues that the committee focused on during a visit to three embattled municipalities. More municipalities are under scrutiny, and will be announced in due course. Non-compliance to legislation, lack of consequence management and failure to adhere to payment plans are among the contributing factors that caused the troubled local municipalities, Govan Mbeki, Thaba Chweu and Dr JS Moroka to collapse, the oversight committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) announced. “We observed the tendency to ignore legislation in the municipality (Govan Mbeki). We also noted that it has failed to submit financial statements to the Auditor-General (AG). The Eskom debt escalated into millions of rands. This is a serious cause for concern. Where was the leadership when all of this occurred?” asked Dodovu during the sitting in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. COGTA briefed the committee about the decision to invoke Section 106 of the Constitution as an intervention to deal with allegations of maladministration, and as a measure for clean governance in Govan Mbeki. Msibi told the committee about the steps being taken to address financial mismanagement in all municipalities. “We have adopted a zero tolerance towards unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We have turned down for condonation of the expenditure. We are demanding accountability where wasteful expenditure has occurred.” Msibi said. < Previous Article Next Article >

Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Poo troubles in Pet Street 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 21 September 2021 Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Complaints from businesses and residents in Pet Street led to the discovery of a massive sewage overflow, with raw sewage encompassing an area of several hundred meters. Apart from the health risks associated with the overflow, where pedestrians and nearby residents have to traverse, the sewage also flows into a stream flowing towards Klein Drinkwater stream, ultimately ending up polluting the Vaal Dam. Residences on the opposite side of the read also has their fair share of sewage overflow, as the main lines were seemingly blocked. Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Speaking to Mandla Zwane, spokesman for Msukaligwa Local Municipality, he has confirmed that the relevant teams have responded to the issue. “According to the sewer section, two of the three main holes were cleaned and unblocked last week. Today (Monday, 20 September 2021) they are cleaning the last one. The municipality appeals to the public to report any sewer spillage to the municipal contact centre for speedy responses. Our sincere apology to the affected community,” he stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. Felons make off with R6 million worth of cables 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has suffered and estimated combined loss of R6 million after a burglary at two of their storage rooms. Speaking to the municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, the thieves gained access to the storage rooms after damaging the locks. “The cables were stolen from the two storage rooms, which are in close proximity to one another. The locks were damaged, despite rumors indicating otherwise. A case has been opened with the SAPS, and the Secunda Organized Crime Unit also investigated the incident.” At the time of publication, no further information could be gleaned from MLM. The spokesman stated that the incident is still under investigation, and additional information released could hamper the investigation. According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. < Previous Article Next Article >