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JJ Top Tien nie weg, maar net verbreed 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 24 August 2021 Die leerders sal dan alfabeties gelys word en ’n foto van die groep steeds op die skool se “Facebook” en Webblad asook die plaaslike koerant geplaas word. Die Akademiese Presteerders se % sal wel nié bekend gemaak word nie. Verskeie klagtes, asook positiewe terugvoering, het Laerskool JJ van der Merwe ontvang rakende die Top Tien. Daar is ‘n brief uitgestuur op Dinsdag, 17 Augustus 2021, waar daar gesê is dat die Top Tien nie meer gaan voort gaan by die skool nie. Op Vrydag, 20 Augustus, het die Tribune ‘n vergadering met Mnr. Nel (skoolhoof) asook Mev. Bester ( beheerliggaam voorsitter) gehad, waar die hele situasie mooi verduidelik is. Die Top Tien is nie weg gevat nie, dit word nou net verbreed. Elke leerder wat bo 85% behaal, word vereer en die nuwe benaming sal dan Akademiese Presteerder wees. Dit gee net elke leerder ‘n kans om deel te vorm van die groep, en om hard te werk sodat die leerder 85% kan behaal. Aangeheg is die brief wat die Tribune op Maandag, 23 Augustus, ontvang het vanaf die skool om die hele verandering mooi te verduidelik, asook om ‘n breër spektrum te gee rondom die verandering. “Ons het verskeie terugvoer ontvang na die bekendmaking om JJ se Top 10 en Akademiese struktuur te verander en het ons die negatiewe en positiewe terugvoer deeglik oorweeg. Die besluit gaan nié omgekeer word nie, daarom plaas ons die brief om meer duidelikheid aan die ouergemeenskap te bied rondom die nuwe akademiese prestasie model, in ag genome van ’n paar veranderings: Ons skool het in so mate gegroei na ongeveer 170/180 leerders per graad, dat dit reg en regverdig is, om verskeie redes, dat daar ’n meer inklusiewe prestasie model gevolg kan word, sodat meer leerders per graad die geleentheid gegun kan word om as ons skool se Akademiese Presteerders bekend te staan en vereer te word. Voormelde is slegs een van die vele redes hoekom daar besluit is om ’n minimum vereiste van 85% en meer daar te stel vir leerders as mikpunt om dan as ’n Akademiese Presteerder vereer te word. Die ou Top 10 model word dus vervang met die nuwe Akademiese Presteerder model.Alle leerders van graad 4 tot graad 7 wat die top prestasie van 85% en meer per kwartaal bereik, sal dus nou kwartaalliks bekend gemaak word. Die leerders sal dan alfabeties gelys word en ’n foto van die groep steeds op die skool se “Facebook” en Webblad asook die plaaslike koerant geplaas word. Die Akademiese Presteerders se % sal wel nié bekend gemaak word nie. Die leerders sal elke kwartaal, ’n balkie kry om te dra. Ons is nog in die proses om sodanige balkie te ontwerp. Die Top Akademiese Presteerder per graad, asook die verskeie top presteerders per vakgebied sal steeds aan die einde van die jaar soos per die Prospektus sy/haar prys ontvang en hulle gemiddelde per vak, sal dan bekend gemaak word. Alle leerders wat ’n gemiddeld van 80% – 84% behaal, sal steeds soos in die Prospektus uiteengesit en in die verlede, ’n akademiese balkie per kwartaal ontvang. Indien die leerder die gemiddeld vir ’n jaar handhaaf sal hy/sy ’n geweefde akademiese balkie ontvang. Sodanige leerders sal ook steeds sy/haar sertifikaat aan die einde van die jaar ontvang soos uiteengesit in ons Prospektus. LET WEL! Alle ander akademiese prestasies so per die Prospektus sal steeds toegeken word." "We received several responses after the announcement of the change in JJ’s Top 10 and Academic structure. We considered the negative and positive feedback received with due diligence and record that the decision will not be rescinded. With this letter we will provide more clarity to our parent community with regards to the new Academic Performance Model that will apply in future, taking into consideration a few small amendments: Our school has grown exponentially in the past few years to approximately 170/180 learners per grade and we are of opinion that it is only right and fair that a more inclusive award model be followed with our Academic Achievers to provide more learners the opportunity to be known as our school’s Academic Achievers and for them to be honored for their hard work. It was decided to set a minimum requirement of an 85% and higher average grade for learners to be honoured as an Academic Achiever. The old Top 10 model is therefore being replaced with the new Academic Achiever model. All learners from Grade 4 to Grade 7 who achieve an average grade of 85% and more per term will from now on be known as our school’s Academic Achievers. An alphabetical list of these learners with a photo of the group will be posted on the school’s “Facebook” and Web page as well as in the local newspaper. The % of the Academic Achievers will not be disclosed. After each term these learners will receive a pin to wear. We are still in the process of designing the pins. The Top Academic Achiever per grade, as well as the various other top achievers per subject, will still received his/her prize at the end of the year as set forth in the Prospectus and their mark achieved per subject will then be announced. All learners who obtain an average grade of 80% - 84% will still, as set out in the Prospectus, receive an academic pin to wear the following term and if the learner maintains the average for a year, receive his/her woven academic scroll. These learners will also still receive his/her certificate of achievement at the end of a year as set out in our Prospectus. NOTE! All other academic achievements as per the Prospectus will be awarded.” < Previous Article Next Article >

To date, not a single pothole had been repaired in Hardewyk Road, where the initial repairs were said to start. MLM a no-show as potholes multiply 1/18 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2022 To date, not a single pothole had been repaired in Hardewyk Road, where the initial repairs were said to start. On Wednesday, 19 January 2022, the executive mayor, Cllr Mahlalela, accompanied by the technical services MMC, Cllr Zulu, hosted a meet and greet with affected parties in Hardewyk Road, Nederland Park, to affirm their commitment to improving the service delivery in Ermelo, especially the condition of the roads. Various roleplayers in the private and business sector attended the meeting, explaining how the community is adversely affected by state of the roads in Ermelo. The MMC assured all attendees that they were in the works of procuring the machinery and cold asphalt needed to commence repairs. Fast forward to 29 March 2022, and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) is missing in action. Where the community scoffed at the promises made by the municipal management, the notion of distrust has now taken form. To date, not a single pothole had been repaired in Hardewyk Road, where the initial repairs were said to start. On the contrary, the state of the road is worse, not to mention 90% of the roadways in Ermelo and the surrounding areas. Road users suffer damages to their vehicles and tyres on a daily basis, with no reprieve in sight. Additionally, some of the self-repair strategies do more harm than good, with all manner of construction rubble, bricks and shards of floor tiles being thrown into potholes, which in turn poses an additional danger to both motorists and pedestrians. Most notably, the entirety of Netherland Park is riddled with potholes and sinkholes, with Ermelo East, Cassim Park and De Bruin Park in close contest. Many of Wesselton, Sun City and Nyibe’s roads are completely untraversable. The state of Ermelo’s roads has even caused a large number of residents to mention Ermelo in Jacaranda FM’s show, Breakfast With Martin Bester, along with the hashtag, #Gatvol. Several attempts from the Tribune ePaper to clarify the situation has yielded no results. Several attempts by the Tribune to contact MMC Zulu also yielded no response. < Previous Article Next Article >

Black Tool Music explodes on MPU radio stations 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 7 July 2020 These artists have contributed with different genres and these are, Soul Music, African Jazz, Musical Poetry, Afro Pop and Reggae. The project is a sign of unity, working together and promoting social cohesion according to Black Tool Music. Introducing the album, one of the artists from the project have been appointed to release a single track that will alert the world about this upcoming album, and that is The Composition Band. A live music entertainment group, Black Tool Music in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, is proud to present its first music collaboration album titled, The Big 5, to be released in June 2021. The album is a collection of five different upcoming artists, which includes The Composition Band, Luyanda EM, Buyiswayo Imbongi Yabaphansi, Seluleko Zulu and MC Macphera. These artists have contributed with different genres and these are, Soul Music, African Jazz, Musical Poetry, Afro Pop and Reggae. The project is a sign of unity, working together and promoting social cohesion according to Black Tool Music. Introducing the album, one of the artists from the project have been appointed to release a single track that will alert the world about this upcoming album, and that is The Composition Band. The band released a soul type of a song, titled Love Prayer, in September 2019 on all digital stores. Today, Black Tool Music is proud to see a positive successful path for the upcoming album due to the outcome results for the released single as to introduce The Big 5 album. The single has been playlisted on all online radio platforms such as Indie radio, radio airplay and many more radio stations across the world as a whole. In addition, Mpumalanga Province seemed to be with the most fans, with the single being featured on Ligwa FM and Rise FM. The single is also expected to hit local radio stations as popularity grows. "Our plan was to release the album in June 2020, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to postpone. Although this became a challenge, on the other hand it became a positive move giving us more time for creative planning and for more sponsors to pop up for this project. In a very short time period, the project already has at least three sponsors from companies and individuals. Mr. Cele, a local traditional leader is one individual sponsor, and Ayishawa Grafics and Big Bone Studio are the two company sponsors. These are highly profiled sponsors, and it shows a big step forward and success for Black Tool Music album project. It is a huge project and more sponsors are still expected.” said Mhlengi Nkonzo Mlotshwa, the album project manager All music lovers are encouraged to stay alert by doing a close observation on this album titled THE BIG 5 by Black Tool Music. Searching and following the project on all social media platforms will get them in. < Previous Article Next Article >

The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. Oosthuizen Street nears completion 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. Work had recently commenced on the sewerage network in Oosthuizen Street, which, according to Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), is the cause of the four year long sewage overflow in an adjacent field. The overflow has negatively impacted businesses in this area, and has caused irreparable damage to the ecosystem and nearby water sources. The work commenced, hindered by soggy soil caused by the ongoing overflow of sewage. “The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. During excavation, the MLM team caused the perimeter wall of a local business to collapse, further hindering progress. MLM stated that the preliminary investigation indicates that the wall was constructed on top of the sewer line, which is illegal or against the municipal by-law. < Previous Article Next Article >

Danie bedank die gemeenskap 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 20 July 2021 Na afloop van die operasie het die dokters hom ingelig dat hy nie weer sal kan loop nie. Na baie huil en emosies wat hoog loop, kon Danie daarin slaag om ‘n skenking vir ‘n splinternuwe rolstoel te ontvang, asook al die mediese kostes wat afbetaal is. Danie Geel (40) ‘n bekende in die gemeenskap, wil vir elke persoon in die gemeenskap, asook elke boodskap, dankie sê. Hy het aan die einde van 2005 gekla oor rug pyn, en is hospitaal toe waar hy net ‘n inspuiting ontvang het vir pyn. Die volgende oggend het hy wakker geword om te gaan werk, maar hy geen gevoel gehad in sy bene nie. Hy is per ambulans na die hospitaal geneem, is oorgeplaas na Pretoria, en hul het nog dieselfde aand ‘n rug operasie ondergaan. Na afloop van die operasie het die dokters hom ingelig dat hy nie weer sal kan loop nie. Na baie huil en emosies wat hoog loop, kon Danie daarin slaag om ‘n skenking vir ‘n splinternuwe rolstoel te ontvang, asook al die mediese kostes wat afbetaal is. Vrydag, 16 Julie 2021, was die beste dag in Danie se lewe, waar hy sy nuwe rolstoel ontvang he, met sy ouers en suster wat bystaan. < Previous Article Next Article >

"Ons Hero", ons mis jou klaar 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 17 August 2021 Christa het vir hom inspireerende woorde en gebedjies by sy bed gaan plak terwyl hy in die hospitaal was, waar hy vir haar gesê het, wanneer hy wakker word het hy dit oor en oor gelees en hy het geglo in elke woord wat daarop staan. Werner Moller (47) ‘n welbekende in Ermelo, is op 11 Augustus 2021 oorlede. Werner was die mees vriendlikste mens wat enige persoon kon tee kom, het altyd ‘n glimlag op sy gesig gehad, en sy hand was permanent in die lug soos wat hy altyd almal gegroet het. Werner was vreeslik lief vir sy vrou, Christa en drie dogters, Wiané (16), Megan (13) en Natasha (11). Werner was ‘n groot familie mens, daar was niks in die lewe wat hom gelukkiger kon maak as om tyd saam met sy gesin te kon spandeer nie. Hy was baie lief vir die bosveld en die see, dit was vir hulle baie spesiale plekke gewees. Christa vertel aan die Tribune ePaper, toe hy nog in die hospitaal was, het hy aan haar gesê, “Ek is so lief vir jou en vir ons kindertjies, ek sal baklei, ek is te lief vir jou om jou te verloor.” Werner was bitter baie lief vir sy drie dogters, en sou alles in sy vermoeë gedoen het om vir sy kinders te gee wat hulle graag wil hê. Sy familie beskryf hom as ‘n passievolle mens, ‘n gesinsman wat alles vir sy vrou en kinders gedoen het en die mees ordentlikste man wat hulle geken het, hy was ‘n regte “gentleman” gewees. Godsdiens het ‘n baie groot rol in die familie gespeel, hulle het elke oggend en elke aand saam uit die Bybel gelees en saam gebid. Christa het vir hom inspireerende woorde en gebedjies by sy bed gaan plak terwyl hy in die hospitaal was, waar hy vir haar gesê het, wanneer hy wakker word het hy dit oor en oor gelees en hy het geglo in elke woord wat daarop staan. Christa het vir hom ook in die hospitaal gesê ‘Jy is my Hero, jy is so sterk en jy hou aan veg’, waar sy vir hom ook gesing het met die woorde van “Jy is my Superman, Batman, Ironman” waar hy net vir haar geglimlag het. Werner word oorleef deur sy ma, 2 boeties, sussie, stiefpa en skoonma. Die familie wil graag vir Laerskool JJ van der Merwe se personeel, Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie se personeel, Willie van MFG, Dr. Botha, Dr. Collis, die personeel van Medi-Kliniek Ermelo, en vir elke persoon wat ‘n boodskap gestuur het, ‘n oproep, blomme en kos gebring het, bedank vir hul omgee en liefde. Christa wil graag vir Hettie Britz uitsonder, en haar bedank vir alles wat sy gedoen en gereël het. “Hettie jy is werklik ‘n steunpillaar en ‘n staatmaker. Jy het al die reëlings getref nog voordat ek dit kon doen, het jy reeds alles gedoen, bitter baie dankie. Op Vrydag, 20 Augustus 2021, sal daar ‘n rou-diens wees vanuit die NG De Bruin Park kerk. “Rus in vrede Werner, jy word alreeds in die gemeenskap gemis.” < Previous Article Next Article >

MEC Mashilo cuts underperforming contractors 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 18 August 2022 MEC Mashilo lamented the poor performance as a continuous threat to budget cuts. Poor performing contractors doing business with the Department of Human Settlements in Mpumalanga came under severe hammering at a meeting by MEC Speedy Mashilo. He called an urgent meeting this week following the Department’s first quarter review session. Mashilo reminded contractors that their performance reflects on quality and efficacy of Department's service delivery. Accompanied by senior management, MEC Mashilo wanted to understand and make sense of their challenges owing to their apparent poor performance. The meeting also sought to craft solutions and necessary interventions to improving performance. Speaking at the session, MEC Mashilo lamented the poor performance as a continuous threat to budget cuts. “Your performance is below par, thus we must take action in order to get everyone up to speed. Your failure is our failure and it bears National Treasury ramifications of budget reduction, thus cannot be tolerated”, lamented Mashilo. He added that terminations and scope work reduction are not his obsessions. However, if needs be the Department will be forced to exercise its rights under the contracts. In airing their challenges, some contractors cited lack of services such as water from their sites, and thus increasing building costs. The issue of the subsidy quantum was also mentioned as a contributing factor owing to inflation and rising costs of building materials However, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi recently announced increased quantum of various programmes, including houses that now costs R139 000, to cater for this challenge. The delay in payments was also reflected as another huge impediment, and could be attributed to incorrectly completed invoices. As such, contractors were advised to exercise due diligence when completing and submitting their invoices. Notwithstanding these issues, MEC Mashilo urged them to be mindful of the Department's targets, and set their delivery within that period. In no uncertain terms, he stressed the need to adhere to contractual agreement. “We need to deliver on time, the people have been patient enough with us. This poor performance is hitting hard and adversely on the poor beneficiaries of our service. Thus, we need to be more sensitive to their plight as we go on with our work”, urged Mashilo. Taking cognisance of issues raised, MEC Mashilo called on officials to also assist contractors, and not appear as setting them up for failure in their delivery. It was further stressed that contractors ought to strengthen their social facilitation and stakeholder management functions to avoid any form of project disruptions. A clear undertaking was made that all outstanding invoices should be paid by Friday, 19 August 2022. Contractors that have failed to demonstrate capacity and sound schedule for completion of projects, will receive letters of reduction of scope. < Previous Article Next Article >

Boots on the ground in DALRRD farm corruption saga 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Explanations requested from Minister Thoko Didiza, one month ago, yielded no response. Enquiries sent by the Tribune ePaper to the DALRRD have been acknowledged, but no response had been received from the Department. Amidst a flurry of confusion and flying allegations of corruption and nepotism, harrowing tales have emerged from the affected farmers. Thabani Nxumalo of Klipplaatdrift farm stated that he had a three-year lease agreement on the Ultkyk farm from 2013. In 2019, he had to move to Klipplaatdrift farm because his farming operation was too big for Ultkyk farm. In 2020, he received an eviction order from the Department, despite making an undertaking to resign from his current job to meet the requirements for renewing the lease. The Department has since advertised the farm for new potential lessees to come and view the farm. John Mabasa of Goedehoop farm said that his family had been farming on their family land for over two centuries. When he submitted a land claim in 1998 to formalize his family’s land holdings, the Department claimed that they had no records of the claim. In 2013, after a Public Protector finding instructed the Department to allocate him a farm, he was given caretakership on a portion of land. The award came with the condition that he should farm as part of a co-op. When he refused to pay R25 000 to ensure that a proposed business plan was approved by the Department, his land was advertised for occupation for interested new leases. Swazi Motha of Rietspruit farm is part of a group of three farmers who, in 2013, were granted a lease to a farm. In 2019, when asked to apply for financial assistance, they were told to “pay something” to facilitate the signing of the contract. They refused to pay the bribe, and received a letter of termination in 2019. Mr. Nxumalo of Tweefontein farm started farming in 2009 after signing a three-year lease agreement. In 2018/2019, he signed a 30-year lease agreement, for which the Department did not give him a copy. He was given a strategic partner to work with for 5 years. Without notice, he was told that his lease agreement will not be renewed. Ms Nconwane of Steenwyk farm has been farming since 2016. In 2017, she drew up a business plan to access farmer support funding. Her application for financial support has not been granted. Instead, officials have told her that “everything she does is wrong”. Despite her efforts, she has never been given a lease agreement. Isaac Buthelezi of Dorpsplaas/Drinkwater farm had a three-year lease agreement since 2009, with an offer to purchase. When the lease lapsed, he renewed it again until 2017. Strangely, this time the Department removed the offer to purchase. After 2017, the Department refused to renew the lease completely. The Department sent notice of eviction in 2019 through WhatsApp. Sibusiso Parinengatua of Tarbert farm received a three-year lease in 2011, which was renewed for 5 years in 2014. He received an eviction letter in 2017, with the claim that he is behind on lease payments, and he must vacate the land. He left the farm in 2019 when his lease expired, and after he was told that his lease will not be renewed. To his knowledge, the farm is still vacant. Sisonke Farmers Group, represented by Isaac Muvhali of Tweefontein farm in Dipaliseng received a lease in 2009, which was renewed for 5 years in 2012. In 2019, they saw an advertisement stating that the farm was advertised for state lease. No one had informed them of this. They were asked to pay a bribe of R250 000 if they wanted the lease renewed, to which they refused. The Democratic Alliance (DA) already has boots on the ground with the affected farmers threatened by illegal eviction orders from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). Explanations requested from Minister Thoko Didiza, one month ago, yielded no response. Enquiries sent by the Tribune ePaper to the DALRRD have been acknowledged, but no response had been received from the Department. < Previous Article Next Article >

Calls for provincial hospital CEO’s head to roll 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 August 2022 One resident stated that patients fear to visit the hospital, as many patients who visit allegedly succumb to unknown reasons. On Monday, 15 August 2022, a group of distraught employees of the Ermelo Provincial Hospital, joined by community and union members, staged a demonstration at the gate of the hospital. The group called for the removal of the CEO, who allegedly runs the hospital into the ground with rampant mismanagement and staff shortages. “There are no surgeon available, meaning that no operations can be performed. There has been no surgeon for the past three months, which is unacceptable. There is a serious lack of management structure withing the hospital. The pharmacy does not have a manager, and therefore cannot operate efficiently. There are so many vacancies available, but they remain unfilled. The mortuary is in a state of decay. Residents have an uphill battle to claim, or even find their beloved deceased. It’s a travesty,” one said. The issue of the mortuary has long since been an issue, that seemingly goes unresolved, despite statements from authorities claiming otherwise. The absolutely grisly state of the hospital has on various occasions bore tales of shock and horror. One resident stated that patients fear to visit the hospital, as many patients who visit allegedly succumb to unknown reasons. “If you go the Ermelo Provincial Hospital, you are called a ‘braai pakkie’ by the community members. The reason for this being that you are admitted, and soon after placed lifeless in the fridge, ready for cremation or the grave. We would rather visit clinics that the hospital, as it is a building of death and horror,” he stated with distraught seriousness. Despite the serious concerns raised by the public and various experts, and the fact that the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill has yet to be passed through Parliament, the deputy director-general for the Department of Health, Nicholas Crisp, revealed that 44 positions would be advertised for the NHI Scheme in August. Government has approved this travesty at a cost of R30 million, and plans to allocate more resources to in 2023/24 to fund a staff of 120 people. This is nothing but a travesty, as the state of provincial hospitals are dire, and instead of government allocating funds to improve the situation, millions, if not billions, are blown on irrelevant projects, cadre employment and unfinished constructions. At the time of publication, the hospital management was unavailable for comment. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

'n Dekade van stank vir dank 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 12 October 2021 Gesagsfigure van MLM laat veel te wense in terme van dienslewering, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede wat deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het. Met die munisipale verkiesing wat op 1 November 2021 plaasvind, staan munisipaliteite en politiese partye regoor die land paraat met goue beloftes en groot sprake van opgeknapte dienslewering en verandering in die land se chaotiese toestand. In Ermelo is dit egter ‘n heel ander storie. Terwyl die land se munisipaliteite benoude spronge gee, en soveel oënskynlike dienslewering as moontlik probeer lewer voor die verkiesing, gee Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) nie ‘n dooie duit om nie. Inwoners van President Fouché Straat is warm onder die kraag nadat verkiesingsplakkate opgerig was in die area, terwyl die mense wild en wakker uitswaai vir slaggate, en rou riool die velde vol vloei. “Dit is skandelik, hulle het geen skaamte, en geen trots nie;” het ‘n hoogs ontstoke inwoner aan die Tribune ePaper gesê. “Die manne wat die plakkate kom opsit het hier naby my huis, sal mos nou met hulle bakkie deur die riool ry, agter op die bakkie staan en die plakkate teen die boom vas sit, en dan nog lag oor hoe die rou riool spat terwyl hul deur dit ry. In wat se wêreld is dit ‘n grap? Hoe laag moet jy daal om te lag oor dienslewering wat gefaal word deur die bank, terwyl jy jouself weer in ‘n leierskap posisie probeer inwurm? Ek weet nie waar gaan ons dorp, en ons land opeindig nie. Skandelik, dit is al woord wat ek aan kan dink.” Ten spyte van die rioolprobleem wat al vir meer as ‘n dekade inwoners dwars in die krop steek, keur MLM steeds nuwe bouprojekte, bouplanne en uitbreidings links en regs goed, terwyl die omgewing, die fauna en flora, sowel as die inwoners aan die kortste end trek. Die vervalle rioolstelsel in President Fouchélaan en die omliggende wyke draai afwaarts op ‘n daaglikse basis, met munisipale bestuurders uit drie, en binnekort die vierde verkiesing, se beloftes wat steeds nie nagekom word nie. Die impak op die natuurlewe en vleilanddiere, veral die reiers wat Ermelo altyd verfraai het, is kommerwekkend. Die konstante riool besoedeling in hierdie area het die Pet Dam, wat altyd die tuiste van hierdie voêls was, so erg besoedel dat nie boom wat hulle nes gemaak het in, gevrek en verdor het. Die reiers het met die verdorring ook hulself skaars gemaak, en talle van die voêls is dood aangetref. Die impak van die besoedeling is ook bewys deur honderde visse in die Pet Dam wat gevrek het in 2016. Dié besoedeling, direk veroorsaak deur rou riool vanaf President Fouchélaan en die area tot bo Camdenlaan, is doodluiters onder die mat ingevee. Die kwansuise water toetse wat gedoen sou word deur die munisipalitiet en die Gert Sibande Distrik, se resultaat het nooit die lig van dag gesien nie. Alhoewel die Tribune ePaper telkens navrae gerig het aan MLM rakende die besoedeling en die water toetse, het die munisipale woordvoerder en relevante departemente absoluut geen reaksie, en geen terugvoer verskaf nie. Navrae word bloot geignoreer deur die munisipaliteit. Afgesien van die rioolstorting wat na die Pet Dam vloei en 'n spoor van besoedeling en dood in die natuur agterlaat, sluit die oorloop van dié dam aan by die Klein Drinkwater stroom, wat uiteindelik in die reeds hoogs besoedelde Vaalrivier beland. In 'n omgewingsstudie wat gepubliseer is, word MLM, sowel as drie ander Mpumalanga-munisipaliteite, uitdruklik as die grootste skuldige partye in die jare lange besoedeling van die Vaalrivier beskou. Helaas, tot op hede is geen opgraderings of aksie deur MLM onderneem nie. Die situasie het inteendeel vererger, met die gereelde verstoppings en oorloop van die rioollyn in President Fouchélaan wat duidelik die groter probleemfaktor met die rioolnetwerk in die kalklig stel. Ontevrede inwoners in die area, wat met die konstante reuk van rou riool moet opsnork, terwyl menslike ontlasting, sanitêre produkte, kondome, lappe en toiletpapier in die somer son lê en bak, se pleidooi val op dowe ore. Die velde in hierdie gebied word voortdurend deurdrenk en is ‘n moeras van rioolwater en vullis, en hou ernstige gesondheidsimplikasies in vir inwoners, asook die leerders van die nabygeleë skole. Gesagsfigure van MLM laat veel te wense in terme van dienslewering, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede wat deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het. Die Gert Sibande -distriksmunisipaliteit is ook by verskeie geleenthede oor die kwessie ingelig, maar beweer dat hul geen jurisdiksie in die aangeleentheid het nie, en dat die onus ten volle op MLM lê. Teen perstyd wag die Tribune ePaper steeds vir terugvoer rakende dié kwessie, wat al op 8 April 2021 aan Mandla Zwane, munisipale woordvoerder, gerig was. Hierdie navraag, sowel elke navraag vroeër, was bloot geignoreer. Meer foto's en video's kan op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo, gesien word. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Saturday, 20 August 2022, Ermelo CPF members, 303 Security, Kunene Security, ACSU, AfriForum Buurtwag and Sinqobile Equestrian Security Services partook in a community security patrol, following the learner that passed away at Cebisa School. The funeral was held on Saturday, where all the members assisted the family to ensure that the funeral could proceed without incident. After the funeral, all the different security units took part in patrol through town, as well as informal settlements, to make sure that Ermelo is safe. During the night, there was another patrol, where different taverns, shebeens and party places in town where searched for any drugs, underage drinking, and to ensure that all the establishments close at the times that are stipulated on their liqour license. At some establishments, there were weapons found, and suspects were arrested on possession of dangerous weapons charges. Emelo SAPS and CPF members would like to thank all roleplayers that were involved in this patrol, to make sure that Ermelo is clean and safe. A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag, for a well served lunch and dinner during the patrol. You can view more photos and videos on Ermelo CPF Facebook page. Ermelo CPF members keep the streets safe Ermelo CPF members keep the streets safe 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 23 August 2022 A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag. On Saturday, 20 August 2022, Ermelo CPF members, 303 Security, Kunene Security, ACSU, AfriForum Buurtwag and Sinqobile Equestrian Security Services partook in a community security patrol, following the learner that passed away at Cebisa School. The funeral was held on Saturday, where all the members assisted the family to ensure that the funeral could proceed without incident. After the funeral, all the different security units took part in patrol through town, as well as informal settlements, to make sure that Ermelo is safe. During the night, there was another patrol, where different taverns, shebeens and party places in town where searched for any drugs, underage drinking, and to ensure that all the establishments close at the times that are stipulated on their liqour license. At some establishments, there were weapons found, and suspects were arrested on possession of dangerous weapons charges. Emelo SAPS and CPF members would like to thank all roleplayers that were involved in this patrol, to make sure that Ermelo is clean and safe. A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag, for a well served lunch and dinner during the patrol. You can view more photos and videos on Ermelo CPF Facebook page. < Previous Article Next Article >