"Why do we even bother paying these people, if they don’t deliver the promised services. They never have enough money, and they always want more. The community only receives false promises from the municipal managers and staff. " Cassim Park residents have had it in chunks 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 20 July 2021 "Why do we even bother paying these people, if they don’t deliver the promised services. They never have enough money, and they always want more. The community only receives false promises from the municipal managers and staff. " The Tribune ePaper has received a barrage of complaints from residents of Cassim Park, who are, according to complaints, getting the short end of the stick. An alarming amount of unfinished worksites, dubious connections and crumbling infrastructure are but a few of the complaints. Another major complaint from a resident was that of the streetlights that are out of order, and have been for the longest time. Additionally, the road conditions in Cassim Park leaves much to be desired, with focus shifting to Littledale Street and Nelspan Road. The condition of these roads, and the roadway in general in Cassim Park is horrendous, with a mixture of rubble, chipped bricks, stone and other materials that have been used as makeshift patches in an attempt to make the roads traversable. Unwary motorists could easily suffer great damage to their vehicle if not alert. The majority of streetlights are either damaged and leaning dangerously towards the roadway, or completely out of order. This, in turn, contributes to a high crime rate and opportune conditions for criminals to lurk and sneak in the yards of residences. A large number of residents in Cassim Park have already suffered damages as criminals pounce, with any items of value not bolted down or locked up, being nabbed from yards. Uncollected refuse litter the sidewalks, grass on municipal grounds are long and unkempt, and council buildings, covered in graffiti and obscene spray painted images, rot away in glorious non-maintenance. Residents are also irked by the fact that they face electricity issues on a daily basis, often being left for hours without electricity, with a very slow response rate from municipal departments. According to complaints, the electricity are often not restored in a timely manner after the load reduction had been implemented by Msukaligwa Local Municipality. “We pay our bills and pay our taxes, but this municipality never fixes the issues we have in the area, or Ermelo as a whole. The street lights have been off for years, and all we get are weak excuses of the trees being a problem. Most of the lamps don’t even have bulbs in them. The roads are falling apart, water leaks are all over the place, and then every other week there is a stream of sewage running down the streets. Why do we even bother paying these people, if they don’t deliver the promised services. They never have enough money, and they always want more. The community only receives false promises from the municipal managers and staff. The upkeep is so neglected that even the tennis court is no more, and the sportsground is falling apart. All this is due to poor management. Enough is enough,” stated one angry resident. < Previous Article Next Article >

“The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. MLM sheds light on municipal load shedding 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. The Tribune recently communicated with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, regarding the remedy to the load shedding situation, and posed a number of questions to the communication department. As municipal load shedding is not a long term solution to the issues faced by the municipality, it is not acceptable to appease the community with statements claiming that “they are working on a solution”, but no further indication as to the way forward. The reply received to the aforementioned is as follows: “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. Load reduction is due the power demand that has spiked, during winter months which is exacerbated by the illegal connections a fact that is denied by good-self. In averting possible power blackouts, the municipal implement the load reductions which is standard norm in situations like this, Eskom is doing it and individual households does it when there’s overload. The municipality on an ongoing program is implementing the cutting off of the illegal connections from grid. The municipal has engaged for an increase Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) for all strained substations, it must be noted that the process is a cumbersome and long process that will also have huge financial implications. The municipality has developed electricity infrastructure master in order to address capacity and infrastructure challenges within Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The projected funds needed to address the capacity and infrastructure is R81 416 785.21. The municipality has since submitted the plan to national and provincial government,” Mandla Zwane, MLM spokesperson, stated. The Tribune also enquired as to will be held responsible for damages suffered by residents who are left without electricity extended periods of time. Rotting meat, deep freezes running down, and food spoiling in fridges, as well as damage to electronics are included, amongst others. MLM dodged elaborating on the question, and simply stated “anyone who has a complaint with municipality, referred such to municipality.” Therefore it can be assumed that residents who suffer damages due to lack of service provision from MLM must approach the legal department to submit a claim against the municipality. Lastly, the Tribune enquired as to what MLM plans to improve communication during electrical outages, as a myriad of residents complain that either the call centre does not answer the phone, or the outage is not attended to in a timely manner. Updates on restoration times often do not reflect the actual restoration of electricity. “During the power outages, sometimes the Call Centre is also affected, the calls are get in as the telephone system at the Call Centre function only when there’s power. The municipality has proactively issued schedules for the load reductions. The municipality is in the procurement process of a new hybrid telephone system, and hosting of the contact Centre is at the advanced stage. The municipality urges the public to have patience, as this matter is been addressed/resolved. The incessant power outages put a strain on the Municipality as well.” Zwane concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Met die reënseisoen wat sterk oppad is, is die kanse dat die oppervlak van die roete dit gaan maak tot volgende jaar hierdie tyd redelik skraal. Kommer oor gerehabiliteerde Wessel Weg 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 28 September 2021 Met die reënseisoen wat sterk oppad is, is die kanse dat die oppervlak van die roete dit gaan maak tot volgende jaar hierdie tyd redelik skraal. Motoriste en besighede het ‘n sug van verligting laat val rakende die onlangs gerehabiliteerde Wessel Weg, want die pad was voorheen 'n volslae nagmerrie vir verbruikers. Na ‘n uitermatige lang gespoeg en spartel tussen Burlec Electrical en Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM), het ‘n hofbevel die munisipaliteit egter forseer om die roete te herstel, asook om die onkostes te dra wat aangegaan was deur Burlec Electrical. Alhoewel meeste heel tevrede en dankbaar is dat die oppervlak van die roete nou glad en nuut is, is daar egter bekommernis vanaf die publiek en besighede in die area. Die afrondingswerk van die roete laat veel te wense oor, en laat rooi ligte flits oor die duursaamheid van die oppervlak. Die stormafvoer geute is geensins geïnstalleer nie, en die kante van die roete is ‘n ramp wat wag om af te speel. Met nadere ondersoek kan daar opgemerk word dat die dikte van die teer op die oppervlak oneweredig is, en op sekere areas ‘n skamele 1cm dik is. Met die reënseisoen wat sterk oppad is, is die kanse dat die oppervlak van die roete dit gaan maak tot volgende jaar hierdie tyd redelik skraal. Verdere kwessies wat geopper word is die afrondings van die roete wat na die ingange van besighede lei. Die rand van die roete, waar die randstene en afvoer geute veronderstel is om te wees, ins slegs ‘n onbegaanbare sloot, soveel so dat afleweringsvoertuie aan die oorkant van die pad moet parkeer om voorraad af te laai. Motoriste en kliënte wat kleiner voertuie besit se kanse is min om deur die sloot te kom tot by die parkeer areas. Verder is daar ook kommer uitgespreek oor die opruiming van die area. Die puin van die herboude rybaan is doodluiters in die nabye veld gestort, gepaard met verskeie ander rommel items en boumateriaal wat gebruik was deur die kontrakteurs. Die Tribune ePaper het navraag rakende die kwessies gerig aan die verteenwoordiger van MLM, Mandla Zwane. Teen perstyd het Zwane egter versuim om terugvoer te verskaf. < 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 >

Sop, sjerrie en heerlike musiek 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 15 June 2021 Daar was heerlike sop bedien met tuisgebakte brood. Die gemeenskap het die aand terdeë geniet. Op Saterdag, 12 Junie, was daar behoorlik lekker geselligheid gewees by Hein se Plaas, waar ‘n opkomende sanger, Zandré Human, die Ermelo gemeenskap kom vermaak het. Daar was heerlike sop bedien met tuisgebakte brood. Die gemeenskap het die aand terdeë geniet. Die eienaar asook bestuur van Hein se Plaas wil graag die gemeenskap bedank vir hul getroue ondersteuning. Op die foto verskyn Erika en Hein Aucamp, eienaars van Hein se Plaas, saam met Zandré Human. < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum rig watertenks op in Piet Retief 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 September 2020 Die AfriForum-tak in Piet Retief het onlangs hul eerste ses noodwaterpunte op strategiese plekke in die dorp opgerig, sodat inwoners en gemeenskapslede in tye van nood toegang tot water sal hê. Die AfriForum-tak in Piet Retief het onlangs hul eerste ses noodwaterpunte op strategiese plekke in die dorp opgerig, sodat inwoners en gemeenskapslede in tye van nood toegang tot water sal hê. Deborah Straat, Jasmyne Straat, Magnolia Straat, Piet Retief-moskee en die AGS Kerk Fontana is almal voorsien met watertenks wat 5 kiloliter water kan hou. AfriForum bedank graag vir Build It, wat die tenks voorsien het. Inwoners word genooi om gebruik te maak van die waterpunte gedurende die twee-weke lang waterinperking soos bekendgestel. “Die projek se sukses en volhoubaarheid is afhanklik van die hele gemeenskap se samewerking en betrokkenheid. Ons wil gemeenskapslede wat daartoe in staat is, aanmoedig om tot dié projek by te dra, veral persone wat boorgate het en kan help om water te verskaf. Ons wil graag nóg waterpunte in die Piet Retief-omgewing oprig om meer water tydens onderbrekings beskikbaar te stel.” sê AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Hoëveld, Bronwen Pretorius. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hierdie jaar se Errie-presteerders is gekies uit 137 inskrywings regoor die provinsie. Dit is ‘n merkwaardige prestasie. Sewe Visuele kunste-leerders van Hoërskool Ermelo het hierdie jaar ingeskryf vir die Mpumalanga Kunskompetisie, en ontvang meriete-toekennings van die Departement van Onderwys. Die tema vir 2020 was ‘Heritage Re-imagined’. Errie kuns-leerders tydens Mpumalanga Kunskompetisie 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 6 Oktober 2020 Hierdie jaar se Errie-presteerders is gekies uit 137 inskrywings regoor die provinsie. Dit is ‘n merkwaardige prestasie. Sewe Visuele kunste-leerders van Hoërskool Ermelo het hierdie jaar ingeskryf vir die Mpumalanga Kunskompetisie, en ontvang meriete-toekennings van die Departement van Onderwys. Die tema vir 2020 was ‘Heritage Re-imagined’. Die Erries neem elke jaar deel aan die kunskompetisie, wat deur die Departement van Onderwys geloods word, en vele top tien plekke is al deur die Erries ingepalm. Hierdie jaar se Errie-presteerders is gekies uit 137 inskrywings regoor die provinsie. Dit is ‘n merkwaardige prestasie. Sewe Visuele kunste-leerders van Hoërskool Ermelo het hierdie jaar ingeskryf vir die Mpumalanga Kunskompetisie, en ontvang meriete-toekennings van die Departement van Onderwys. Die tema vir 2020 was ‘Heritage Re-imagined’. Die leerders moes unieke kuns werke skep, waarin hulle die tema vanaf konseptualisering tot ‘n produk op ‘n kreatiewe wyse moes interpreteer en uitbeeld. Hierdie tema vorm ook deel van die Graad 12 werk vir 2020. Geluk aan Micheala Erasmus (87%), Zara Büchling (86%), Nontokozo Ngwenya (86%), Nomfundo Shabangu (85%), Cara Roos (82%), Phumelele Malinga (81%) en Geraldine Liebenberg (81%), met hul puik uitslae. “Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op elkeen, en het groot waardering vir jul besondere kuns talent, asook die leiding wat die leerders ontvang vanaf EHS se kuns onderwyser, me Carin van der Merwe. Mag elkeen se toekoms kleurvol wees!” < Previous Article Next Article >

SANDF issues warning regarding border patrols 1/1 Share Content Supplied 6 July 2022 "SANDF will not shed its responsibility given by the constitution to protect and secure the integrity of the Republic to anybody or organization." Media Statement - The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) would like to reiterate what the Department of Home Affairs said, that it would be illegal for any civil organization or NGO including business to conduct patrols at any borders of the Republic of South Africa. This follows a video that has been circulating on social media and other news platforms that alleges members of the AfriForum had taken the responsibility for border patrols. It must be stated that the constitution of the Republic mandates the SANDF to protect and secure the territorial integrity of the Republic and will do so by making sure that the country’s land, air and sea borders are protected and secured. It is the responsibility of the SANDF to maintain all borderline integrity of the country and not any other non-state grouping or groups. Therefore the responsibility of borderline patrols belongs to the SANDF which is a statutory law enforcement agency, and that this responsibility cannot be ceded to business, NGOs or organizations. The SANDF wants to assure all South Africans, in particular those living along the borders that it will continue to secure the borderline and will work with those communities namely; farmers, traditional leaders, business and community in general to ensure that there is a coordinated effort to curb cross border crime. However it will not shed its responsibility given by the constitution to protect and secure the integrity of the Republic to anybody or organization. < 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 >

Die Liggies het ‘n uitstekende hokkienaweek beleef, en hul vaardighede opgeknap vir die komende seisoen. Hokkie kursus: Hubach Hockey Academy 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 3 March 2022 Die Liggies het ‘n uitstekende hokkienaweek beleef, en hul vaardighede opgeknap vir die komende seisoen. Die Liggies het ‘n uitstekende hokkienaweek beleef, en hul vaardighede opgeknap vir die komende seisoen. Die afrigters van Hubach het die Liggies omtrent beïndruk met hul kennis en vaardighede, en laat drome droom om dieselfde hoogtes te bereik. What an experience to be coached and motivated by excellent players like Marizan Marais (SA Women’s Tokyo Olympics), Lerato Mahole (SA Women’s Tokyo Olympics), Thati Zulu (SA Women’s Tokyo Olympics, Captain SA u/21 Jnr World Cup Team), Onke Letuka (SA Men’s Team), Kim Hubach (Former national player and vice-captain) and Rassie Pieterse (goalkeeper coach), who played more than 150 tests for SA, and took part in the Olympics. We look forward to the hockey season! - Soos ontvang vanaf skool < Previous Article Next Article >

One of the business owners in the area lamented that state of the complex, and dangers inherent with the regression. Cassim Park shopping complex now lawless badlands 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 30 June 2022 One of the business owners in the area lamented that state of the complex, and dangers inherent with the regression. The Cassim Park Complex in has, over the past several years, systematically regressed to a crime-ridden rotten spot in the once-glorious Cassim Park. Despite a constant barrage of complaints from residents and business owners, Msukaligwa Local Municipality turns a blind eye and a deaf ear. Upon visiting the complex, one’s nose is greeted with a hearty serving of old, rank urine, mixed with rotting refuse that lone the sidewalk and roadway. Makeshift testing grounds sees lumbering heavy vehicles crunch over shards of broken liquor bottles, while unsavory characters skulk around in and around the dilapidated buildings. At the centre of the complex, a group of vagrants have staked out the charred husk of a building, which they now call home. The outside walls are blackened with soot from daily fires made to melt down cable casings to get to the valuable innards, while the inside of the building is wrought with human faeces, old blankets and refuse. Any item of value has long been stripped from the walls, and the PVC drainage pipes, both interior and exterior, have been reduced to ash by the flames. A lonely, stripped wreckage of a vehicle has, oddly, also made an appearance. Piles of wiring that holds no monetary value is left smoldering, while vagrants loot the surrounding businesses for anything of value. Miraculously, the few remaining mast lights still stand tall, but have been out of order for several years, encouraging criminal behavior in the dead of night. Heaps upon heaps of liquor bottles and other manner of refuse are dumped on site by unknown individuals, including garden refuse. One would assume that the lack of service delivery in Cassim Park attributes to the dumping of refuse, as the municipal refuse collection service often fails to do rounds, or leave entire wards uncollected. The absence of municipal refuse bins and skip bins also contribute to the ghastly state of the area, as litterbugs have a field day. One of the business owners in the area lamented that state of the complex, and dangers inherent with the regression. “The state in which this complex, and Cassim Park as whole, finds itself in is nothing short of a travesty. If only the mast lights were to be operational, at least we’d have some peace of mind at night. But, alas, this is not the case. Our businesses and premises are being ransacked on a weekly basis by criminals looking for scrap metal to trade. In one of these buildings, a pop-up scrap dealer has opened its doors, and in my opinion, directly contributes to the soaring crime rate in Cassim Park. I’m not sure if the dealer is operating legally, but I do know that it really impacts the crime rate. Time after time I have caught brigands on my premises, looting anything of value to go and sell. It’s a pain for by business, as well as many others. The fact that we face constant electrical outages due to dilapidated junction boxes only aggravates the situation. It’s as if the municipality simply does not care what happens to their residents.” he stated. The Tribune lodged an enquiry with Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding the state of affairs, as well as the issue regarding the mast lights. The municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, stated that the municipality is investigating, and will provide a response. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hoërskool Ermelo se ruiters het tydens die naweek van 15 tot 18 Oktober aan die Mpumalanga Dresseer Kampioenskappedeelgeneem te Badplaas. Die Erries het uitstekend presteer, en EHS se naam hoog gehou. Errie-ruiters aangewys as MPU-kampioene Inge van der Walt in aksie tydens die Mpumalanga Dresseer Kampioenskappe. Inge van der Walt in aksie tydens die Mpumalanga Dresseer Kampioenskappe. 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 10 November 2020 Hoërskool Ermelo se ruiters het tydens die naweek van 15 tot 18 Oktober aan die Mpumalanga Dresseer Kampioenskappedeelgeneem te Badplaas. Die Erries het uitstekend presteer, en EHS se naam hoog gehou. Hoërskool Ermelo se ruiters het tydens die naweek van 15 tot 18 Oktober aan die Mpumalanga Dresseer Kampioenskappedeelgeneem te Badplaas. Die Erries het uitstekend presteer, en EHS se naam hoog gehou. Surika Struwig behaal eerste plekke in Elementary Medium freestyle, warm-up Elementary Medium, Elementary freestyle en warm-up Elementary. Sy word aangewys as Mpumalanga-kampioen in beide Junior Elementary Medium- en Junior Elementary-klasse. Margha Greyling behaal twee eerste plekke in onderskeidelik Open Show Hunter en in 1m Jumping, en tweede plek in Open Show Riding. Sy word aangewys as reserwe Mpumalanga-kampioen in beide Show Horse- en Working Hunter-klasse. Inge van der Walt word aangewys as die Mpumalanga-kampioen in die 80cm ponieruiter-kampioenskapsklas. Walter van der Walt behaal‘n algehele eerste plek in die 1.10m kampioenskapsklas, en word aangewys as Mpumalanga-kampioen. Walter word ook aangewys as Victor Ludorum in die 1.10m-klas. “Baie geluk aan elkeen van hierdie Erries. Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op julle.” < Previous Article Next Article >