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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 >

The Bed Shop kondig wenner aan 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 Shantelle Meyer stap weg as die wenner van ‘n Dynamic Orthopaedic Premium Queen bed stel. Tydens ‘n opwindende kompetisie geloods deur The Bed Shop Ermelo en Hoërskool Ermelo, het Shantelle Meyer weg gestap as die wenner van ‘n Dynamic Orthopaedic Premium Queen bed stel. Die Errie raad het lootjies verkoop, waardeur mens kans gestaan het om die prys te wen. “Ons het die fondse ingesamel en aan EHS besorg om terug te ploeg in die gemeenskap. Dit is ‘n klein druppel wat ons vir die gemeenskap kon doen,” het Annatjie Burger, bestuurder, gesê. < Previous Article Next Article >

Air Liquide take hands with Sasol 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Both companies are targeting the first capacities to be operational by 2023 and individual projects must demonstrate a generation capacity of at least 70MW. Air Liquide and Sasol will launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) to supply 600 MW of renewable energy to their operations on the site of Secunda in South Africa, as part of their joint commitment to procure 900 MW of renewables by 2030. This will be the largest corporate RFP in South Africa for the supply of renewable energy. These capacities will in particular supply the biggest oxygen production site in the world, which Air Liquide is in the process of buying from Sasol pending the Competition Commission’s approval. The use of renewable energy will greatly contribute to the objective to reduce by 30% to 40% its CO2 emissions by 2030, in line with Air Liquide Climate Objectives and Sasol’s commitment to lower its carbon footprint. Air Liquide and Sasol will launch a common RFP to the market later this month for the procurement of the first 600 MW capacity, of which 400 MW will be allocated to Air Liquide and 200 MW to Sasol, and want to finalize the signature of long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) before the end of 2021. Both companies are targeting the first capacities to be operational by 2023 and individual projects must demonstrate a generation capacity of at least 70MW. The final signature of these PPAs will depend on the completion of the acquisition by Air Liquide of Sasol’s oxygen production units, which remains subject to approval by the Competition Commission. Air Liquide announced its intention to acquire and operate Sasol’s Secunda oxygen plants in July 2020. In this context, Air Liquide would operate the 16 air separation units (ASU) of this site, with an installed capacity of 42,000 tons/day, in addition to the unit it already operates today. Present on the site since 1979, Air Liquide had initially built and sold these 16 ASUs to Sasol and will invest in their modernization. In addition to the benefits this would bring in terms of safety, reliability and efficiency, the solution provided by Air Liquide would allow for a targeted reduction of 30% to 40% in CO2 emissions arising from the oxygen production within 10 years from the implementation date of the deal. Ronnie Chalmers, Air Liquide Vice-President Africa Middle East and India, said: “This call for tenders, the largest launched by the private sector in South Africa, is a major lever to the decarbonization of the Secunda air separation units. Combining operational efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions, our partnership with Sasol illustrates our capacity to work with our customers to help them lower their carbon footprint and to act in favor of the climate and local ecosystems. Climate action is at the heart of Air Liquide’s growth strategy, and we will continue to Act for a sustainable future.” Lebelo Lukhele, Sasol Chief Procurement Officer Energy Business, said: “Due to the highly integrated nature of the Secunda site and the high GHG footprint associated with the ASUs, collaboration between the companies is necessary to ensure optimal GHG reduction benefits. It is anticipated that a collaborative approach will not only result in the original Sasol commitment for the Secunda site being met, but will also be exceeded through the combined efforts.” Interested bidders may apply for access to the RFP by forwarding their company profile together with contact details to za-renewable@airliquide.com and renewable.energy@sasol.com . Applications of interest will be accepted until 23 April 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mandatory tax increase to fund new grant scheme 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 The green paper also proposes creating a mandatory pension and insurance system called the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This will be funded with payroll contributions ranging between 8% and 12% of earnings. The Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, has published the Green Paper that proposes increasing income taxes to fund a Basic Income Grant (BIG) and mandatory contributions to a state-run pension scheme. According to Zulu, this is part of the Comprehensive Social Security and Retirement Reform plan. The Department of Social Development said a 10% increase on income taxes would be needed to raise R200 billion to fund the lowest level of its proposed universal basic income grant,. However, the 10% income tax hike would only fund the lowest level proposed for the Basic Income Grant, which is at the food poverty line. Depending on the government’s objectives, the green paper proposes the following options for the BIG: R585 per month, a grant value set near the food poverty line. R840 per month, a grant value set around the lower-bound poverty line. R1 268 per month, start the grant value at the upper-bound poverty line. The paper further states that basic income for all South Africans should be at least R7 500 per month, using a combination of the grant and labour. Ruffling even more feathers, in addition to the Basic Income Grant, the green paper also proposes creating a mandatory pension and insurance system called the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This will be funded with payroll contributions ranging between 8% and 12% of earnings. Trade union Solidarity announced that it would fight the green paper. It warned it would result in legal action if the proposals in the paper are implemented in formal legislation. Solidarity stated that South African workers are already overtaxed, and tired of paying more taxes for fewer and fewer services. “Workers in South Africa are tired of seeing their hard-earned money being wasted by the state. At best, the state is just inefficient and clumsy, but more often, funds like this and the NHI is simply an excuse for looting and corruption. On top of that, tax money is still looted at a large scale,” said Dirk Hermann, chief executive officer of Solidarity. Apart from the new tax proposals, Hermann said the country’s tax rate is already high, and ordinary people have to incur expenses for which they are already taxed. The green paper is out for public comment on the government’s website, and submissions close 10 December 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >