Search this site

The condition of this road is horrendous, with a mixture of rubble, chipped bricks, stone and what seems like sewage makes for a mixture of concern. Unwary motorists could easily cause great damage to their vehicle if not alert. Big trouble in Littledale Street 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 The condition of this road is horrendous, with a mixture of rubble, chipped bricks, stone and what seems like sewage makes for a mixture of concern. Unwary motorists could easily cause great damage to their vehicle if not alert. Residents and motorists are Cassim Park are getting the short end of the stick, with an alarming amount of unfinished worksites, dubious connections and crumbling infrastructure. Additionally, the road conditions in this area leaves much to be desired, with focus shifting to Littledale Street. The condition of this road is horrendous, with a mixture of rubble, chipped bricks, stone and what seems like sewage makes for a mixture of concern. Unwary motorists could easily cause great damage to their vehicle if not alert. Even though Msukaligwa Local Municipality is aware of these issues, the road surface continues to regress, along with the rest of Cassim Park, which was once a jewel of Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

NASASA warns against illegal pyramid or Ponzi schemes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 There are roughly 810 000 active stokvel groups, consisting of over 11 million South Africans, collecting an estimated R50 billion annually. According to the National Stokvel Association of South Africa (NASASA), there are roughly 810 000 active stokvel groups, consisting of over 11 million South Africans, collecting an estimated R50 billion annually. Nearly 40% of South Africa’s adult population are members of a stokvel. Recently there has been an increase in illegal pyramid schemes or Ponzi schemes, which continue to pop up around South Africa. These schemes defraud many unsuspecting South Africans of their hard-earned money, with the promise of fast financial returns every year. It is critical that South Africans are able to tell the difference between a stokvel and an illegal pyramid and/or Ponzi scheme. A stokvel is defined as a savings or investment society in which a group of people agree to save money together for a defined purpose, by way of contributing a fixed amount of money over a specific period of time. Originally stokvels were known as “stock fairs” dating back to the 19th century by English settlers in the Eastern cape as a rotating cattle auction. This was an in person gathering, and attendance was key for participation. The foundation of such a culture was trust. This financial vehicle has since evolved into a unique financial system created within communities by members and for members, built on need, trust and a common goal for financial liberation. The stokvel market has grown remarkably and, over time, the types of stokvels have increased significantly from rotational, grocery, investment, burial right down to social stokvels. Stokvels have become a key financial vehicle that many people rely on, amassing revenue in the billions. The increasing numbers, financial potential and popularity of stokvels has resulted in scammers trying to swindle stokvel groups out of their hard-earned savings and investments by posing as a lucrative investment scheme or some other form of financial breakthrough opportunity. Scammers often pose as legitimate stokvels, investment schemes or property stokvels but in reality, are nothing more than get rich quick schemes in the form of a Ponzi or pyramid scheme. “At NASASA, we want to educate on, protect and preserve this financial system which is a legitimate means for many to achieve financial stability and wellbeing,” says Miziyonke Mtshali, Chief Executive Officer at NASASA. It is important to NASASA to ensure that members of stokvels are protected from scammers, this can only be done through education and awareness, by ensuring that members are always able to distinguish between a legitimate stokvel and an illegal Ponzi or pyramid scheme. The most known and popular mechanisms which scammers use are pyramid schemes and Ponzi schemes. Being able to identify these scams is key to safeguarding yourself from them. A pyramid scheme requires its members to recruit other people as members and the few top-level members recruit newer members, who pay upfront costs, to those who enrolled them. In fact, money simply exchanges hands with no real economic activity or products attached and is just a smoke screen to hide the pyramid scheme. Significant returns are derived from the recruitment of people, with the majority of financial return being made by the top tier people through administration fees charged to new recruits. With a Ponzi scheme, members are promised huge returns within a short period of time and are based on fraudulent investment management services, which are disguised as legitimate business investments. Members contribute money to the “portfolio manager” who promises them a high return. When those members want their money back, they are paid out with the incoming funds contributed by participants who join at a later stage. By merely transferring funds from one client to another, there is no real investment product at all. In terms of a legitimate and sustainable savings vehicle, a stokvel works because many people find it easier to save when they do it in a group. A stokvel member knows where his/her money is kept and when and how much will be paid out. Furthermore, most stokvel members know each other and have a genuine and enduring relationship, based on trust. Anyone who has any queries, or wants to know more, please email info@mswsa.co.za . For more information about stokvels, go to www.nasasa.co.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

- On Friday, 3 September, at approximately 15:00, members from Ermelo SAPS were informed that a male Nigerian citizen passed away at Ermelo Provincial Hospital. He was stabbed in the right shoulder. Upon arrival at the hospital, the family of the deceased informed the SAPS that the deceased was stabbed earlier today during an altercation with another Nigerian citizen. The family pointed the SAPS to the suspect, and he was subsequently arrested. - The Markhams store, situated at Ermelo Mall, was robbed at approximately 16:45 on Friday, 3 September. Four male suspects entered the shop, pretending to be customers. Two of the suspects went to the fitting room, pretending to fit clothes. They approached the cashier to pay for the items. One suspect returned to the fitting room, saying he forgot something. When he returned from the fitting room, he held the cashier with at gunpoint. The suspects instructed the assistant manager to open the cash register, and fled with R21 000 cash from the register, as well as with five cellphones belonging to employees. - On Friday, 3 September, at approximately 07:40, three males entered Ernie’s Supermarket in Merino Street, Ermelo, and held the owner at gunpoint. The suspect with the firearm proceeded to take cash from the register. The complainant pressed an alarm button. Unfortunately, one of the other suspects saw, and slapped him. The complainant ran to the back of the shop and locked himself in. Suspects fled the scene with R1500.00 cash. ACSU reaction team arrived on the scene in approximately 53 seconds, and the shop owner would like thank them for the quick response. - On Friday, 3 September, at approximately 00:00, the complainant was walking home after visiting a friend. She was accompanied by a male neighbour. They were approached by two male suspects, who proceeded to threatened them. The victims attempted to flee, but the suspects chased the complainant, caught and held her at gunpoint. He handed the firearm to the other suspect, and started strangling the complainant, and subsequently raped her. The incident took place behind Wesselton Primary School in Thusi Village. - On Sunday, 5 September ,at approximately 09:10, a masked suspect entered Ackermans at Boxer Centre, Wesselton. He pointed a firearm at the employees, and forced them, along with customers, to the back of the shop. They were ordered to sit down, whereafter three more male suspects joined in. The suspects ordered the manager to open the safes. Two of the suspects made off with cellphones and routers from the safe. The remaining suspects forced the manager to open another safe, and fled with cellphones and cash belonging to customers. News from the SAPS News from the SAPS 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 7 September 2021 Suspects fled the scene with R1500.00 cash. ACSU reaction team arrived on the scene in approximately 53 seconds, and the shop owner would like thank them for the quick response. - On Friday, 3 September, at approximately 15:00, members from Ermelo SAPS were informed that a male Nigerian citizen passed away at Ermelo Provincial Hospital. He was stabbed in the right shoulder. Upon arrival at the hospital, the family of the deceased informed the SAPS that the deceased was stabbed earlier today during an altercation with another Nigerian citizen. The family pointed the SAPS to the suspect, and he was subsequently arrested. - The Markhams store, situated at Ermelo Mall, was robbed at approximately 16:45 on Friday, 3 September. Four male suspects entered the shop, pretending to be customers. Two of the suspects went to the fitting room, pretending to fit clothes. They approached the cashier to pay for the items. One suspect returned to the fitting room, saying he forgot something. When he returned from the fitting room, he held the cashier with at gunpoint. The suspects instructed the assistant manager to open the cash register, and fled with R21 000 cash from the register, as well as with five cellphones belonging to employees. - On Friday, 3 September, at approximately 07:40, three males entered Ernie’s Supermarket in Merino Street, Ermelo, and held the owner at gunpoint. The suspect with the firearm proceeded to take cash from the register. The complainant pressed an alarm button. Unfortunately, one of the other suspects saw, and slapped him. The complainant ran to the back of the shop and locked himself in. Suspects fled the scene with R1500.00 cash. ACSU reaction team arrived on the scene in approximately 53 seconds, and the shop owner would like thank them for the quick response. - On Friday, 3 September, at approximately 00:00, the complainant was walking home after visiting a friend. She was accompanied by a male neighbour. They were approached by two male suspects, who proceeded to threatened them. The victims attempted to flee, but the suspects chased the complainant, caught and held her at gunpoint. He handed the firearm to the other suspect, and started strangling the complainant, and subsequently raped her. The incident took place behind Wesselton Primary School in Thusi Village. - On Sunday, 5 September ,at approximately 09:10, a masked suspect entered Ackermans at Boxer Centre, Wesselton. He pointed a firearm at the employees, and forced them, along with customers, to the back of the shop. They were ordered to sit down, whereafter three more male suspects joined in. The suspects ordered the manager to open the safes. Two of the suspects made off with cellphones and routers from the safe. The remaining suspects forced the manager to open another safe, and fled with cellphones and cash belonging to customers. < Previous Article Next Article >

Financial constraints, coupled with the constant vandalism of equipment and infrastructure, makes it virtually impossible to cover all aspects of service delivery. Service delivery complaints flooding in 1/17 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 Financial constraints, coupled with the constant vandalism of equipment and infrastructure, makes it virtually impossible to cover all aspects of service delivery. The Tribune ePaper has received various complaints from residents in Breyten and Chrissiesmeer, regarding the alleged complete lack of service delivery from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). Complaints include, amongst others, the haggard state of the roads, where residents have no choice but to fill the massive potholes in front of their residences at their own time and expense. Potholes and sinkholes which are filled with bricks, debris and gravel often result in tyres being damaged by sharp edges protruding from the rubble. Rainy weather disguise potholes of up to 20cm deep, and many motorists have suffered immense damage to the vehicles as these potholes are unexpectedly hit. Erratic electricity supply is also a great cause of grief for the residents in these areas, where the connection and supply is unreliable and volatile, at best. Residents are often left without electricity for days on end, as thin-spread MLM technicians struggle to tend to all complaints. Alleged lack of equipment and spare parts due to financial constraints is also a major cause for concern. Allegations have also surfaced regarding the absolute nonchalance of ward councillors, who simply do not play their part in servicing the residents. As of late, the water supply in these areas is also a cause of great concern, as vandalism and sabotage takes its toll in the infrastructure. The water supply to both Chrissiesmeer and Breyten is erratic at best, and residents often complain about the water that is not in a potable state. Unverified claims of political interference in this area have also surfaced. The majority of wards in both Chrissiesmeer and Breyten are devoid of working street lights, with fallen lamp posts either left to rust in unkempt fields, or are liberated by vandals and sold for scrap. Wards and council properties are left unkept, with grass of up to a meter tall. This, in turn, poses a great fire hazard as winter approaches, and arsonists set their sights on the dry grass and shrubbery. Refuse removal is also an issue, as refuse are left to line the streets, further exacerbated by illegal dumping of all manner of refuse and rubble by residents of the area. MLM spokesman, Mr. Zwane, has categorically stated that the municipality is doing its utmost best to cover all service delivery angles, but financial constraints, coupled with the constant vandalism of equipment and infrastructure, makes it virtually impossible to cover all aspects of service delivery. Breyten is especially notorious when it comes to vandalism and sabotage, as the recent vandalism of the reservoir pump proved. These acts cost the municipality large amounts in terms of repairs and supply, which in turn sinks the allocated budget for service delivery. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Woensdag, 17 Junie, het daar ‘n botsing plaasgevind in De Emigratie Straat, reg voor Longtom Nissan, waarin ‘n Toyota Hilux en Suzuki betrokke was. Die oorsaak van die ongeluk is nog nie bekend nie. Die bestuurder en passasier van die Suzuki is Medi-Kliniek toe geneem deur ER24 vir mediese behandeling. Beide was opgeneem in die hospitaal, en is op Vrydag, 19 Junie ontslaan. Van Wettens insleepdienste was spoedig op die toneel, asook die brandweer diens en SAPS. Spoedbrekers is van geen nut Spoedbrekers is van geen nut 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 23 June 2020 Die bestuurder en passasier van die Suzuki is Medi-Kliniek toe geneem deur ER24 vir mediese behandeling. Beide was opgeneem in die hospitaal, en is op Vrydag, 19 Junie ontslaan. Op Woensdag, 17 Junie, het daar ‘n botsing plaasgevind in De Emigratie Straat, reg voor Longtom Nissan, waarin ‘n Toyota Hilux en Suzuki betrokke was. Die oorsaak van die ongeluk is nog nie bekend nie. Die bestuurder en passasier van die Suzuki is Medi-Kliniek toe geneem deur ER24 vir mediese behandeling. Beide was opgeneem in die hospitaal, en is op Vrydag, 19 Junie ontslaan. Van Wettens insleepdienste was spoedig op die toneel, asook die brandweer diens en SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

Jumping back on the nuclear horse 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 June 2020 The renewed vigor for nuclear energy comes as a surprise, as government dropped controversial plans to build eight nuclear power stations. These dubious deals had been initiated by former president Jacob Zuma, and has come under extreme scrutiny amidst serious allegations of corruption. According to statements from the energy ministry, South Africa is planning a 2 500 megawatt civil nuclear programme in an attempt to solve the country's electricity supply problem. “Given the long lead-time of building additional new nuclear capacity, upfront planning is necessary for security of energy supply to society into the future,” the ministry stated. South Africa is the only country in Africa to have a civil nuclear programme. The two reactors at the Koeberg power plant have been in service for more than 30 years, producing 4 percent of the country's total energy. At this time, 90 percent of the country's electricity is generated from coal-fired stations that are dilapidated due to poor maintenance, vandalism and aging. The renewed vigor for nuclear energy comes as a surprise, as government dropped controversial plans to build eight nuclear power stations. These dubious deals had been initiated by former president Jacob Zuma, and has come under extreme scrutiny amidst serious allegations of corruption. < Previous Article Next Article >

The spill contravenes several statutory requirements, as stated by AfriForum in their 2014 summons. In terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence. 12 Years of Vaal River pollution 1/19 Share GK CRONJE 13 July 2021 The spill contravenes several statutory requirements, as stated by AfriForum in their 2014 summons. In terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence. “There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. As Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) fails to deliver on services across multiple levels of their management structure, the quote seems fitting. The Vaal river, a source of water for approximately 19 million South Africans, has been slated as polluted “beyond acceptable levels”, impacting on natural ecosystems and endangering the people's health. Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. The investigation by the SAHRC followed media reports that raw sewage from various water management works from several municipalities had been leaking into the Vaal River. MLM is no exception, and is, in fact, one of the major contributors to the pollution of the Vaal River. The constant flow of raw sewage from President Fouché Avenue, the field between Oosthuise and Joubert Streets, as well as a constant flow of raw sewage from the informal settlements along the outskirts of the N17. However, the issue of MLM’s blatant disregard of environmental impact is nothing new. In 2014, Municipal Manager at the time, Mr M.W. Zungu, the Head of the Water Department, Mr B. van der Merwe, and the Director of Technical Services, Mr S. Magudulela, received a summons, whilst performing in their capacity as managers of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, in connection to the blocked sewage drains in the vicinity of the Pet Dam. The raw sewage, which, to this very day, still overflows into the creek, deposits a quantity of >1 000 000 E. Coli per 100ml of water. This contravenes several statutory requirements, as stated by AfriForum in their 2014 summons. In terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence. However, no heed has been, or is paid by MLM. In 2014, stated that Rand Water has appointed contractors to see to the general maintenance of the sewer network. The purpose of the work being done at this site was to flush the bulk sewer lines so that proper water inflows at the sewer work can be measured. This is part of the Water Demand Management Project that has been launched. Birds, other wildlife and stray cattle feasts on the daily smorgasbord of excrement gushing from the sewerage lines, and cattle herders plod through the soggy marsh of sewage. The large-scale environmental contamination holds immense health risks to animals, and especially residents, facing the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several half-hearted attempts from MLM to remedy the issue has yielded no results or solution to the issue, and was done to quell the barrage of complaints from residents and businesses. The overflow from all the abovementioned sites connect directly to the Klein Drinkwater stream. This stream flows through several farms an small holdings to eventually contaminates the Vaal River with thousands of kiloliters of raw sewage per month. The overflow from the field in Camden Avenue contaminates the entire field between Mauritz Read Street and President Fouché Avenue, where cattle often graze and residents cross by foot. This sewage then flows towards the field between President Fouché Avenue and Wes Street, where it contributes to the shocking amount of sewage that overflows from the manholes and dilapidated sewerage network in this area. Instead of finding a solution to the overflow of raw sewage from the manholes in President Fouché Avenue, MLM has opted to brazenly dig trenches to redirect the sewage towards the middle of the field in an attempt to make the overflow less noticeable. However, this is of little comfort to residents in this area, as well as the local school, who have to suffer in the unsanitary environment and gagging stench, day in, and day out. This combined, constant stream of raw sewage then flows directly into the Pet Dam, which overflows into the creek between Oosthuise and Joubert Streets. There, it is joined by the overflow of the manhole in yet another field, which flows past the informal settlements and towards the Klein Drinkwater stream. Despite the raw sewage, the Klein Drinkwater stream is contaminated beyond all recognition by refuse, sanitary pads, tyres and all manner of other refuse being tossed in the stream by nearby residents. The Democratic Alliance of Mpumalanga (DA) has announced that they will write to COGTA MEC, Busisiwe Shiba, asking her to capacitate and help municipalities spend their infrastructure grant as residents are struggling with service delivery because of old and dilapidated infrastructure. “The recent Auditor-General report has mentioned that despite there being huge infrastructure backlogs in all municipalities across Mpumalanga, municipalities are still failing to utilize grants given by national government for the purposes provided. Over the past couple of years, Msukaligwa Local Municipality has become synonymous with infrastructure issues relating to water shortages, sewage leaks that run into the rivers and onto land, and issues around power outages. Numerous infrastructure backlogs resulted in a failure of the municipality to provide water to the residents of Sheepmoore, Skaapruiz and parts of Lothair and Breyten. In addition to the above, dilapidated sewage systems have resulted in sewage spills across the municipality, and the resultant pollution of land and the water systems such as the Vaal River. It is from this perspective, the DA condemns the municipality’s underspending of the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant by 95% as reported on by the Auditor-General in the 2019/20 audit of local municipalities,” the DA stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mall construction still on the cards A 3-D render of the planned Merion Mall in Ermelo. A 3-D render of the planned Merion Mall in Ermelo. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 22 September 2020 In January 2020, the Moolman Group was granted the go-ahead for the construction project. The Moolman Group has confirmed that the project is now codenamed Merino Mall, and planning have now been put in motion. In early 2015, residents learned with great excitement of a planned shopping center, Plateau Mall, which was to be built in Voortrekker Avenue, where the Showgrounds is currently located. The project would be managed by the Moolman Group, a well-known developer with many successful projects on their roster. This flagship construction project, touted as a 30,000m² development, would see a completion date of April 2020, and which would house many new chain stores, immediately made a big splash in the community. Unfortunately, over time, the excitement disappeared into the mist of uncertainty, after no indication of any building process was visible. The community also abuzz with rumours of alleged political influence that played a role in the objections. However, the allegations could not be substantiated, and the dust settled over time. After the events, the planning was quietly swept under the rug by officials, hoping that the Plateau Mall would die a silent death. However, in 2019, a silent war still raged on the courtrooms between Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and the Moolman Group. Hoping that the Moolman Group would abandon the construction, even though all legal channels and supporting documentation were in order, it turns out that the Moolman Group’s legal team still had a few aces up their sleeve. After an extensive court battle, the Moolman Group emerged victorious after obliterating the faux obstacles and reasons for the disapproval of the project from MLM. In January 2020, the Moolman Group was granted the go-ahead for the construction project. The Moolman Group has confirmed that the project is now codenamed Merino Mall, and planning have now been put in motion. They have made great strides in improving their relationship with MLM. At this point in time, with the information available, the construction is expected to commence in mid- to late 2021, and will take an approximate 18 month period to complete. As the only location lacking a regional mall within its immediate vicinity, Ermelo residents are sure to rejoice when the Merino Mall finally comes to pass. < Previous Article Next Article >

Alcohol sale now allowed under National Alert Level 3 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 In terms of the regulations, the sale of liquor at any licensed premises or through e-commerce delivery is permitted from Monday to Thursday, between 09:00 and 17:00, the transportation and distribution of liquor to licensed premises is permitted, the consumption of liquor at the place of sale is prohibited, the sale of liquor is prohibited on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays, and no special or events liquor licenses may be approved for the duration of the national state of disaster. Under National Alert Level 3, all licensed liquor outlets, including shebeens and taverns, will be able to sell alcohol on a takeaway basis. Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Mr. Pat Ngomane, emphasized that the sale of alcohol by licensed outlets will be permitted for consumption off the licensed premises only. This follows the release of the regulations for Alert Level 3 by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. “Under Alert Level 3, all licensed liquor outlets including shebeens and taverns, will be allowed to sell liquor but only for consumption off the licensed premises. By off-consumption, we mean people will only be allowed to buy liquor to take home to consume at their private residences. Therefore, consumption in premises will be strictly prohibited. I must stress that only licensed outlets, whether licensed to sell for on-consumption or off-consumption, will be allowed to sell liquor but for consumption off the licensed premises only. Level 3 regulations suspend the on-consumption condition for the outlets licensed as such and permit them to sell for off-consumption as well, during lockdown Alert Level 3. Licensees must therefore adhere to the rules and regulations, as well as all safety measures, as provided. I must add that outlets with liquor licenses that expired during the lockdown period will also be permitted to sell, but all those with licenses that expired or lapsed long before the lockdown are prohibited from operating”, explained MEC Ngomane. In terms of the regulations, the sale of liquor at any licensed premises or through e-commerce delivery is permitted from Monday to Thursday, between 09:00 and 17:00, the transportation and distribution of liquor to licensed premises is permitted, the consumption of liquor at the place of sale is prohibited, the sale of liquor is prohibited on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays, and no special or events liquor licenses may be approved for the duration of the national state of disaster. The offices of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) will remain closed until further notice, as the return to operations guidelines are being implemented. In the meantime, enquiries or submission of all documents can be forwarded via email to licensing@mer.org.za . Licensees and their customers are also reminded that the validity of licenses can be verified free of charge by using the SMS service offered by the MER or via portal on www.meronline.org.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Jacobs leads new-look Springbok Women side Catha Jacobs will lead the Springbok Women’s side in their friendly against England Under-20 on Sunday, after Stanley Raubenheimer decided to hand 12 players their first start of the November tour for the match in London. Catha Jacobs will lead the Springbok Women’s side in their friendly against England Under-20 on Sunday, after Stanley Raubenheimer decided to hand 12 players their first start of the November tour for the match in London. 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 26 November 2021 Jacobs, who came off the bench as a lock replacement in Vannes and at flank in Cardiff, said she will enjoy the extra time on the field and will take the captaincy in her stride. Blue Bulls Women's scrumhalf Rumandi Potgieter and EP Queens prop Monica Mazibukwana are the only uncapped players included in the starting team, while all of Donelle Snyders, Bernice Strydom, Micke Gunter and Sanelisiwe Charlie will play for the first time on tour as Raubenheimer opted to use all the members of the squad, including Tanya Scholtz, who is set to run out in the Green and Gold as the only uncapped player on the bench. Simamkele Namba, Jakkie Cilliers, Ayanda Malinga, Ziyanda Ngohlekana and Lerato Makua have seen action off the bench in the opening two matches of the tour – the Tests against France in Vannes and last weekend in Cardiff, where the Springbok Women took on Wales. Chumisa Qawe and Sizo Solontsi are the only players who will start for a third week in a row, while Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Jacobs also earned Test caps against both France and Wales and will play in their third match on tour. “When we secured the match against England's U20s, we decided to give some of our younger players in the group the chance to show their worth and to gain some match experience on tour,” Raubenheimer explained. “This match will be a valuable opportunity to stake a claim for future selections, which will of course include the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year. “A couple of the players are coming back from injury, others have worked hard as non-playing squad members and there are those who have not played for this team in a while. They all now get the opportunity to play and show the coaching staff that they have what it takes to make the trip to New Zealand next year.” Raubenheimer had a simple message to the new players – to go out and express themselves. “Some of them have made it into this team because of their good performances in our provincial competitions, while others have played for us before, but got injured and are coming back into contention,” the coach said. “I can tell all of them to just continue with the good things they have done in the past which gained them selection. It will be interesting to see how they cope with the higher intensity and less space and time at this level, but there is only one way to find out and that is by playing against quality opposition like we will this weekend.” Jacobs, who came off the bench as a lock replacement in Vannes and at flank in Cardiff, said she will enjoy the extra time on the field and will take the captaincy in her stride. “The team spirit has been developing nicely over the last couple of weeks as the players got to know each other better and started to bond, so from that perspective, the tour already proved to be a success,” said Jacobs. “We are also learning a lot, each of our opponents offered a different style and Sunday the same will apply against England. We are learning to adapt to all the changes, and I think we are doing well in that regard. “There are also enough experienced players in core positions to help me in the leadership department, so it will be an exciting time for all concerned.” The match, which kicks off at 15:00 (SA time), will be live streamed on www.springboks.rugby . “Congratulations Catha, the Liggies are very proud of you.” - Content supplied. < Previous Article Next Article >

Department of Education rewards excellent top achievers LB Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left) and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality (right). EHS Leandri Viviers from Hoërskool Ermelo with (f.l.t.r): Mr. PP Magagula - District Director, Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality. LB Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left) and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality (right). 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 8 February 2022 The following four schools receive the awards for 100% pass rate in 2021: George Hofmeyer, Chief CJ Nkosi Secondary School, Morgenzon Landbou Akademie and Highveld Muslim. The Mpumalanga Department of Education hosted the annual Gert Sibande District Grade 12 Award Ceremony at the District Municipality on Friday, 4 February. These awards are aimed at honoring the top achievers and schools in the Gert Sibande District for their hard work in 2021. The following four schools receive the awards for 100% pass rate in 2021: George Hofmeyer, Chief CJ Nkosi Secondary School, Morgenzon Landbou Akademie and Highveld Muslim. The best teachers in large enrollment content subjects are: Hoërskool Ermelo - Ms. E Fourie for Maths Literacy, 100% pass rate and 9 distinctions, Ligbron Academy for Technology - Ms SE van Zyl for Mathematics, 100% pass and rate 18 distinctions, as well as Ms. M. Bosman for Physical Science, 100% pass rate and 18 distinctions. The top ten learners in the Gert Sibande District are: Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with 1705 marks, Chenelle Roux from Hoërskool Hoogenhout with 1701 marks, Grace Thanjan form Hoërskool Secunda with 1693 marks, and Leandri Viviers from Hoërskool Ermelo with 1689 marks. Busisiwe Vemba, a learner from Ligbron Academy for Technology, was awarded for best overall learner in the District. Netherland Park Secondary School received an award for outstanding academic performance (90 - 100%) over 3 consecutive years, with an average of 93.5% for 2019, 94.6% for 2020 and 95.7% for 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Thursday, 29 September 2020, the Carolina Regional Court Sentenced Mayibila Anna Skhumbuso (36) to five years direct imprisonment for culpable homicide. The sentence came after Skhumbuso was arrested by the Carolina SAPS on 4 January 2020 for the death of Vusi Petros Msibi . According to the Msibi was reported missing in November 2019. During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. Skhumbuso pleaded guilty to killing the deceased in self defense by hitting him with an iron while they were embroiled in a quarrel, and stated that she was too scared to report the matter to the police. Magistrate Cloete stated that although the accused has shown regret and remorse for her actions, she should not have withheld the matter from authorities. Carolina woman sentenced for culpable homicide Carolina woman sentenced for culpable homicide 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 6 October 2020 During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. On Thursday, 29 September 2020, the Carolina Regional Court Sentenced Mayibila Anna Skhumbuso (36) to five years direct imprisonment for culpable homicide. The sentence came after Skhumbuso was arrested by the Carolina SAPS on 4 January 2020 for the death of Vusi Petros Msibi . According to the Msibi was reported missing in November 2019. During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. Skhumbuso pleaded guilty to killing the deceased in self defense by hitting him with an iron while they were embroiled in a quarrel, and stated that she was too scared to report the matter to the police. Magistrate Cloete stated that although the accused has shown regret and remorse for her actions, she should not have withheld the matter from authorities. < Previous Article Next Article >