The entirety of this area’s road surface has gone to hell in a hand basket, littered with large sinkholes and untended potholes. Renewed hope for Chris de Villiers Street 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 The entirety of this area’s road surface has gone to hell in a hand basket, littered with large sinkholes and untended potholes. Road users who traverse the area between De Emigratie Road and Chris de Villiers Street will agree that the entirety of this area’s road surface has gone to hell in a hand basket. Wards are littered with large sinkholes and untended potholes, which cause thousands of Rands of damage to unsuspecting road users on a weekly basis. Heavy vehicles also have a terrible time of it, with more often than not, heavy vehicles are bogged down in the massive, waterfilled sinkhole in Chris de Villiers Street, which then requires the expense of a towing service to free them from the quagmire. This comes at great financial cost for transport companies, as this is the only route where heavy vehicles are allowed to travel, lest they wish to risk a traffic fine by weaving through the residential wards or CBD. There is, however, a glimmer of hope, as Athol Stark, president of the Ermelo Business Association (EBA), has arranged to take hands with Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) to rehabilitate the road surface to a certain extent. The cash strapped entity has had a hard time maintaining the roadways within its area of governance, and the EBA has now graciously offered to extend a helping hand. According to Mr. Stark, they have made arrangements with several key roleplayers to cordon off the entire area for heavy vehicles only, including the heavy vehicle route. Residents of the area, and other light motor vehicles, will still be allowed to travel the area freely. This is necessary, as time is needed to drain the sinkhole in Chris de Villers Street, and allow loads of crushed rock and sediment to be offloaded and compacted. This will make the road surface traversable for the foreseeable future, although it should not be misconstrued as a complete overhaul and resurfacing of the roadway. The EBA’s goal is to ease the strain and toll on motorists and heavy vehicles, who have no choice but to use the roads in this area on a daily basis. MLM has also committed themselves to patching the potholes in the wards of this area to the best of their ability. During the time that this heavy vehicle route is cordoned off, it should be noted that heavy vehicles will be utilizing Voortekker Avenue, turning into Church Street, and exiting Ermelo at the De Emigratie intersection towards Volksrust. Residents are urged to be patient during this time, as there will be a noticeable influx of heavy vehicles on the above mentioned route. Ultimately, the short duration of this mild inconvenience will be well worth the results, making life easier for all residents and road users. Operations will commence within the week. Should you have any enquiries regarding this project, you may contact Mr. Stark on 082 786 7959. < Previous Article Next Article >

Gedurende verlede week het die Tribune ePaper ‘n klagte ontvang van ‘n inwoner, wat werkers van Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) op heter daad betrap het terwyl hul rommel stort net buite die Ermelo Vliegveld. Morsjors, tel op jou papiere! 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Gedurende verlede week het die Tribune ePaper ‘n klagte ontvang van ‘n inwoner, wat werkers van Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) op heter daad betrap het terwyl hul rommel stort net buite die Ermelo Vliegveld. Gedurende verlede week het die Tribune ePaper ‘n klagte ontvang van ‘n inwoner, wat werkers van Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) op heter daad betrap het terwyl hul rommel stort net buite die Ermelo Vliegveld. Ironies genoeg preek die munisipale leiers aanhoudend vir lede van die gemeenskap oor onwettige rommel storting, maar word dan betrap as deel van die groeiende probleem. Die Tribune ePaper het ‘n navraag gestuur aan die munisipale verteenwoordiger rakende die kwessie, en wat se stappe geneem gaan word teen die skuldiges. Teen tye van publikasie, was daar geen terugvoer ontvang vanaf MLM nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

MSV Holdings gives back to community 1/30 Share GK CRONJE 6 July 2021 MSV Holdings, a road marking contractor from Piet Retief, made a substantial donation to the learners of the school. As part of giving back to the community, Mr. Vusi Nkosi of MSV Holdings (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with the main contractor, VEA Roads, maintaining R35-1 & R35-2, recently donated various items to Sizakhele Primary School. MSV Holdings, a road marking contractor from Piet Retief, made a substantial donation to the learners of the school, which included 28 pairs of school shoes, 25 pairs of school jerseys and a blistering 2 759 sanitary pads to make the lives of various learners much easier. < Previous Article Next Article >

"The state of Mkhondo continues to deteriorate as lack of accountability and poor governance continues to haunt this municipality,” the DA stated. Mkhondo mayor blows nearly R1 million on unauthorized outing 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 12 July 2022 "The state of Mkhondo continues to deteriorate as lack of accountability and poor governance continues to haunt this municipality,” the DA stated. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed their distress regarding the businesses and residents of Mkhondo Local Municipality, who face a bleak future as they experience up to 10 hours a day without electricity because of load shedding and load reduction. The DA has stated that the situation is so dire that it threatens their existence. While this scenario plagues business owners and residents, the mayor allegedly spent almost R1 million of taxpayers' money in Durban on an unauthorized “meeting”. The DA has noted that they find it strange that the meeting coincidentally took place on the same weekend as the Durban July. Despite the increasing population in Mkhondo Local Municipality over the past couple of years, and many requests to Eskom to increase their Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) of electricity to 40MVA, Eskom has refused. The municipality is being restricted to using only 18MVA due to their R341 million debt. The last payment made to Eskom was in April 2022, and they paid only R500 000. “Then you have a mayor and councillors who decided to go to Durban for an unauthorized meeting, that caused taxpayers and council almost R1 million. The state of Mkhondo continues to deteriorate as lack of accountability and poor governance continues to haunt this municipality,” the DA stated. The DA also noted that other than Mkhondo, residents in Govan Mbeki and Msukaligwa Local Municipalities are also experiencing daily load reduction because of their Eskom debt. “This is concerning because it will lead to job losses as businesses will eventually be forced to close doors. With the loss of 51 000 jobs in the first quarter of 2022, Mpumalanga cannot afford to lose more jobs as businesses and local economies are crippled by an inadequate electricity supply. We must create a conducive environment and that can only be attained by keeping the lights on. As these municipalities had their requests to increase their Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) rejected due to outstanding debts, the DA calls on COGTA MEC, Mandla Ndlovu, to engage with Eskom to suspend rotational load reduction in municipalities that exceed their NMD in the midst of load shedding,” the DA concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Ligbron groet oud-Liggie onderwyseres 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 29 September 2020 Verskeie boodskappe het net gewys in hoeveel mense se harte die Roodt egpaar werklik in geklim het, en watter lewenservaringe elke persoon van hulle geleer het. “Rus sag, Anita. Jy gaan baie gemis word.” Die afsterwe van Juf. Anita Roodt op Sondag, 27 September 2020, lê swaar op die Liggies se harte. Anita het ‘n groot rol in die gemeenskap gespeel, en voor haar aftrede saam haar man, Herman Roodt, het hulle baie diep spore in Ligbron getrap. Vele oud-Liggies maak steeds melding van die invloed wat dié egpaar in hulle lewens gehad het. Juffrou Anita was 'n legende in haar tyd, en was baie bekend vir die musiekblyspele wat sy saam met mnr. Herman by Ligbron so suksesvol aangepak het. Die Liggies dink met die grootste waardering aan haar terug, en bid vir haar geliefdes troos en sterkte toe. Hené Swanepoel ‘n oud-Liggie het so ‘n spesiale boodskap op Anita se Facebook blad gelos, en dit het presies vir Anita beskryf, en hoe baie mense haar gesien het: “Liewe Jesus het gekies om vandag hierdie legende te kom haal ❤ Liefste juffrou Roodt, juffrou was nog altyd my rolmodel in die onderwys, mag ek juffrou se fantastiese gees op kultuur vlak en met tieners voluit voort leef in my onderwys jare!!! So bly ons kon laasjaar vir oulaas lekker kuier!! Rus sag by Jesus!! Love you always❤ ”. Verskeie ander boodskappe het net gewys in hoeveel mense se harte die Roodt egpaar werklik in geklim het, en watter lewenservaringe elke persoon van hulle geleer het. “Rus sag, Anita. Jy gaan baie gemis word.” < Previous Article Next Article >

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

LJV klink die doppies 1/8 Share GK CRONJE 1 December 2020 Die LJV sien uit om alle skuts, beginner of veterane, te sien by die volgende skietdag, wat binnekort aangekondig sal word. Die skuts van die Laeveld Jagters Vereniging (LJV) het hulself gate uit geniet by die onlangse skietdag, waar groot prestasies opgelewer was. Die formaat was 3 Gun, en die ou bulle het gewys dat hulle nog op en top is, met Pieter Ackerman wat met eerste plek wegstap in die veterane afdeling, met Danie Roos in tweede en Costas Klonaris in derde plek. In die senior dames afdeling neem Christelle Aucamp eerste plek in, Letitia van Rooyen tweede en Thelmari Aucamp derde plek in met puik tellings. Die senior mans het nie op hul laat wag nie, met Rudie Snyman in eerste plek, Riaan Neethling en Riaan Stander wat tweede plek deel, en Hardus Aucamp wat derde plek inneem. Rudie Snyman Jnr neem eerste plek in die junior afdeling, met Pieter de Beer Jnr in tweede plek. In die junior junior afdeling het Reynard de Beer behoorlik sy staal gewys. Thelmari Aucamp stap ook weg as die wenner van die gelukkige trekking. Die LJV nooi alle belangstellendes uit om die skietdae saam te kom geniet. Skuts wat belang stel hoef noe noodwendig lede van die LJV te wees nie, en kan met ‘n skamele bedrag van slegs R50 deelneem aan die skietkompetisies. Op die dae word eet- en drinkgoed ook te koop beskikbaar gestel, en alle ouderdomsgroepe word hartlik uitgenooi. As u belangstelling toon om die dae te geniet saam met die LJV, kan u gerus vir Santie Rautenbach, LJV Ermelo sekretaresse, kontak by 071 674 8178. Die LJV sien uit om alle skuts, beginner of veterane, te sien by die volgende skietdag, wat binnekort aangekondig sal word. < Previous Article Next Article >

To date, the water pressure has been reduced by 70%, leaving many residents and businesses high and dry. Rand Water unbothered by court order 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2021 To date, the water pressure has been reduced by 70%, leaving many residents and businesses high and dry. Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) owes the Rand Water Board (RWB) in excess of R355-million, and has repeatedly failed to honor payment agreements set out between RWB and GMM. To date, the water pressure has been reduced by 70%, leaving many residents and businesses high and dry. At this time, GMM is expected to pay approximately R50 million to RWB every 45 days. However, this payment covers the current account, and not the old debt and interest it has accumulated. Despite GMM winning a High Court case against Rand Water, scores of residents in Bethal, eMzinoni, Secunda, Trichardt, Evander, Kinross and eMbalenhle are still left without water. AfriForum has also stepped into the fray, lodging a case against WRB to ensure that residents are supplied with water. AfriForum also believes that GMM should be held accountable for the water crisis, stating that mismanagement of the repayment has led to the current crisis. According to the executive mayor of GMM, Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, RWB had not opened the valves to let water through to the GMM area as required, and had failed to pump water to the region that includes Bethal. At this time, the water is supplied to reservoirs, but it is still an uphill battle as many residents and business are still without water due to the low reservoir levels. < Previous Article Next Article >

"Msukaligwa Local Municipality is currently engaged in the processes of establishing the Local Economic Development Forum. The community and all interested groups are called upon to participate in thus process in order to formalize our economic efforts in a streamlined manner. " MLM clarifies mining complaints 1/2 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 15 September 2020 "Msukaligwa Local Municipality is currently engaged in the processes of establishing the Local Economic Development Forum. The community and all interested groups are called upon to participate in thus process in order to formalize our economic efforts in a streamlined manner. " Media Statement - The office of the Executive Mayor is inundated with complaints of individuals who falsely use the name of the municipality and/or the Executive Mayor to solicit work at mines or other companies. The responsibility of the municipality is to, inter alia, encourage cordial interaction between employers and job-seekers and other interest groups, within the relevant legislation and policies. The office of the Executive Mayor hereby categorically states that no one was ever mandated to speak on behalf of the municipality outside the Council structures. Msukaligwa Local Municipality is currently engaged in the processes of establishing the Local Economic Development Forum. The community and all interested groups are called upon to participate in thus process in order to formalize our economic efforts in a streamlined manner. Once established, the LED Forum will be the appropriate platform to discuss economic development issues that are mutually beneficial to all. < Previous Article Next Article >

In an environmental study released, MLM, amongst three other Mpumalanga municipalities, is explicitly fingered as a main culprit in the years-long pollution of the Vaal River. More pollution added to Pet Dam 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 24 August 2021 In an environmental study released, MLM, amongst three other Mpumalanga municipalities, is explicitly fingered as a main culprit in the years-long pollution of the Vaal River. Amidst Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) approving new construction projects, building plans and residence extensions left and right, the environment, fauna and flora, as well as residents get the shortest end of the stick imaginable. Since circa 2014, the sewerage system in President Fouché Avenue and the surrounding wards have been on a downward spiral, with municipal managers from three iterations back’s promises still remaining unfulfilled. The impact on the wildlife and wetland animals, especially notable the Egrets that grace Ermelo, is a cause of great concern, as the spillage eventually flows down to the Pet Dam, leaving a trail of pollution and wildlife death in its wake. From the Pet Dam, which is already polluted beyond measure, the overflow ties in with the Klein Drinkwater stream, ultimately ending up in the Vaal River. In an environmental study released, MLM, amongst three other Mpumalanga municipalities, is explicitly fingered as a main culprit in the years-long pollution of the Vaal River. Alas, to date no upgrades, nor action have been taken, with the situation being inexplicably worse than before. The frequent blockages and overflow of the sewerage line in President Fouché Avenue clearly indicates a larger problem factor with the network area, as residents near the President Fouché Avenue and Roberts Street intersection live in a near constant cloud of putridity, as the overflowing manholes in this section is a constant issue, with feaces, sanitary products, condoms and toilet paper being left to bake in the sun. The fields in this area is constantly drenched with sewage, and also holds serious health implications for residents and learners from the nearby schools. The issue of the pandemic further proves problematic, as MLM barks at residents to practice hygiene, but back at the ranch, they are the main culprits of unhygienic practices. While MLM’s authority figures, as well as various ward councillors are well aware of the problems faced by residents, it would seem that little is being done to provide a permanent and viable solution. The Gert Sibande District Municipality had also been informed of the issue on several occasions, but claim to have no jurisdiction in the matter. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has noted that the party had sent a letter to the Premier of Mpumalanga, by the time response is received from provincial level, the damage will be immeasurable. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >