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2 500 SASSA social relief payouts processed 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. Applications are made electronically to avoid scams roving on social platforms. To apply, citizens may also send a WhatsApp to 082 046 8553, enter USSD code *134*7737#, send an e-mail to srd@sassa.gov.za , or contact the call centre on 0800 60 1011 or 013 754 9428/54. Payment will be effected through choices of bank account, e-wallet, cash send or through the post office. < Previous Article Next Article >

The body of a female was found on 31 October at 01:00 in an open field next to Nelson Mandela avenue in Wesselton. The woman was naked, and she had stab wounds in her neck. She is still not identified. Any person with information regarding this case please phone Sergant S. Ndukwana on 017-819 2321/8 or 082 373 8389. In a second case, the owner of a local business closed shop at 17:00 on Saturday, 31 October, and was on his way to his father's business when he was apprehended by 3 suspects. They fired warning shots, took a bag with money from the complainant and fled. A lookout was given with a description off the vehicle and a registration number. Members from Ermelo SAPS discovered the vehicle at a house in Extention 32. One suspect was arrested, and two are still at large. The bag with cash was recovered. Naked woman found murdered in Wesselton Naked woman found murdered in Wesselton 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 3 November 2020 The woman was naked, and she had stab wounds in her neck. She is still not identified. The body of a female was found on 31 October at 01:00 in an open field next to Nelson Mandela avenue in Wesselton. The woman was naked, and she had stab wounds in her neck. She is still not identified. Any person with information regarding this case please phone Sergant S. Ndukwana on 017-819 2321/8 or 082 373 8389. In a second case, the owner of a local business closed shop at 17:00 on Saturday, 31 October, and was on his way to his father's business when he was apprehended by 3 suspects. They fired warning shots, took a bag with money from the complainant and fled. A lookout was given with a description off the vehicle and a registration number. Members from Ermelo SAPS discovered the vehicle at a house in Extention 32. One suspect was arrested, and two are still at large. The bag with cash was recovered. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hayley moes een van haar monoloë instuur, en is gekies om vir 12 maande saam met hulle te werk. Hierna staan sy 'n kans om in 'n kort film te speel in Februarie 2021. Desire Gardner is beter bekend as Carmen, wat in Suidooster speel. Errie skitter tussen bekendes 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 11 August 2020 Hayley moes een van haar monoloë instuur, en is gekies om vir 12 maande saam met hulle te werk. Hierna staan sy 'n kans om in 'n kort film te speel in Februarie 2021. Desire Gardner is beter bekend as Carmen, wat in Suidooster speel. Hayley van der Walt, ‘n Graad 8-leerder van EHS, het gedurende die grendeltyd deelgeneem aan oudisies vir ABS-Produksies se Speeltoneel 2020, in samewerking met aktrise Desire Gardner. Hayley moes een van haar monoloë instuur, en is gekies om vir 12 maande saam met hulle te werk. Hierna staan sy 'n kans om in 'n kort film te speel in Februarie 2021. Desire Gardner is beter bekend as Carmen, wat in Suidooster speel. Hayley het reeds vanaf 1 Junie 2020 begin werk saam met Desire Gardner, en word via aanlyn lesse deur die bekende aktrise afgerig. “Baie geluk, Hayley! Die Erries is voorwaar trots op jou, en wens jou alle voorspoed toe.” < Previous Article Next Article >

"The occupiers were given fourteen days to vacate the above properties, and/or interdicted from preventing or obstructing the municipal officials or employees or contractors to access the properties, in performance and compliance with their legal duties and/or obligations. They were also ordered to dismantle and remove the incomplete structures erected at these properties on or before 20 August 2020." Update - Irate residents picket at MLM 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 20 September 2020 "The occupiers were given fourteen days to vacate the above properties, and/or interdicted from preventing or obstructing the municipal officials or employees or contractors to access the properties, in performance and compliance with their legal duties and/or obligations. They were also ordered to dismantle and remove the incomplete structures erected at these properties on or before 20 August 2020." Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has seen their fair share of irate residents and business owners lately, and today it no different. A group of residents from various areas of Wesselton were picketing in front of the MLM building last week, while the SAPS kept a close eye on proceedings. The residents in question expressed their dismay regarding a court order of removal issued recently. Amongst other concerns, service delivery, employment issues and supply chain dissatisfaction issues were raised. “It’s terrible. We are treated like nothing, like we are not human beings. We are all suffering, we need to provide for our families, and we are being blocked by unlawful proceedings. We are promised free and fair housing during elections, but nothing ever comes to us,” a picketer told the Tribune. Wesselton has come under the spotlight for the lack of maintenance, especially regarding the roads, electrical and water supply infrastructure. “I care for a disabled family member, which makes it difficult to navigate within Wesselton. Everything is falling apart, an nobody is listening to us. We are without electricity a lot of the time. Innocent residents are suffering due to illegal connections. Not all of us are part of the “izinyoka”, yet some of us have no other choice. We will wait for municipality technicians until Jehova comes,” another picketer lamented. Scores of disgruntled residents kicked against the court order, which mandates that they vacate property that they have illegally occupied. Upon enquiry, Mr. Zwane, MLM spokesperson, issued the following statement: “The municipality is concerned with sporadic protest that halt the day to day work and loss of money. The community is also agonized because of disruption or lack of services because of these protects. Part of the protest was about the court eviction order on illegal land occupiers. On 11 August 2020, the High Court of South Africa Mpumalanga Local Division, Middelburg handed down judgement in application by the municipality for an eviction order. The High Court granted an eviction order against individual(s) or person(s) who unlawful or illegal or attempting to erect informal or formal dwelling structures in portion 13 remaining extent of farm Nooitgedacht 268-IT ( Farm Maphuti 770-IT); portion 183 extent of Farm Nooitgedacht 268-IT; portion 17 of Farm Witbank 268 –IT and portion 9226 of Wesselton Ext 11. On 6 August 2020, the Sheriff of the High Court served a notice on the occupiers of the above mentioned properties notifying them by posting the notice on an erected boards at the entrance of each property and/or served to 1st – 6th respondents. After service of the preliminary notices in terms Prevention of Illegal Eviction From and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998 (PIE), an order of court was obtained authorizing the service of the eviction application on the occupiers. The occupiers were given fourteen days to vacate the above properties, and/or interdicted from preventing or obstructing the municipal officials or employees or contractors to access the properties, in performance and compliance with their legal duties and/or obligations. They were also ordered to dismantle and remove the incomplete structures erected at these properties on or before 20 August 2020. In the event that the occupiers fail or refuse to comply with the order the Sheriff of this court, or his/her deputy be authorized to execute the order, and where necessary, to obtain the assistance of the South African Police Services, the sheriff of this court or his/her deputy will be authorized to demolish and remove the incomplete structures erected in these properties. It should be noted that only the court that can rescind the order.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Met die nodige leiding, word die leerders blootgestel aan leierskap en die vermoë wat nodig is om ‘n voorbeeld te wees wat ander met vrymoedigheid kan volg. Hoërskool Ermelo belê in leierskap by leerders 1/5 Share SH HATTINGH 6 April 2021 Met die nodige leiding, word die leerders blootgestel aan leierskap en die vermoë wat nodig is om ‘n voorbeeld te wees wat ander met vrymoedigheid kan volg. "Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat verkies is tot die Verteenwoordigende Raad van Leerlinge vir 2021." Hoërskool Ermelo pride ourselves in the development of leaders from a young age, therefore these chosen Representative Council of Learners have responsibilities as leaders of their classes. Met die nodige leiding, word die leerders blootgestel aan leierskap en die vermoë wat nodig is om ‘n voorbeeld te wees wat ander met vrymoedigheid kan volg. Die verkose leerders is: Graad 8A: Selma-Louise Janse van Rensburg en Wian Pretorius, Graad 8B: Elizma Swart en Kryn Romijn, Graad 8C: Wianke Cloete en Ulrich Badenhorst, Grade 8D: Sanele Mathebula and Buhle Lukhele, Grade 8E: Sbonga Madela and Siyabonga Makhanya, Grade 8F: Ziyanda Vilane and Nkosinathi Mathunjwa. Graad 9A: Hayley van der Walt en Carel Jacobsz, Graad 9B: Marice de Jager en Tredoux Ferreira, Graad 9C: Mia Davel en Tyrone Berning, Grade 9D: Sihle Mashinini and Siba Lamola, Grade 9E: Anathi Sanyo and Mpilwenle Mngonyama, Grade 9F: Reitsile Sebogodi and Lebohang Nkosi. Graad 10A: Ancois van der Berg en Altus Boshoff, Graad 10B: Nathalie Nel en Kyle Steynberg, Graad 10C: Nicole Meyer en Liam Wilkinson, Grade 10D: Andraya Macheyo and Sphe Mkhatswa, Grade 10E: Yoleka Manasoe and Thobani Zwane, Grade 10F: Bathabile Nkosi and Tabiso Mafokwane. Graad 11A: Zané de Wit en Lood Geldenhuys, Graad 11B: Caylin Loock en Riku van der Bank, Graad 11C: Ilandri Nel en Tiaan Grobler, Grade 11D: Snovuyo Ndinisa, Grade 11E: Nokwanda Nxumalo, Grade 11F: Sphesihle Msiza and Karabo Malatji. Graad 12A: Renita Moolman, Graad 12B: Helani Kruger, Graad 12C: Tumi Chwane, Grade 12D: Wandi Mndebele, Grade 12E: Siphesihle Mtsweni, Grade 12F: Khanyisile Nkosi. “May the year with all the challenges lead to personal growth and progress in leadership.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Candid Properties hosts decennial celebration 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 3 November 2020 Mr. EJ Ndlovu, has through hard work, excellent service and unwavering dedication to its clients, built a rapidly expanding estate agency which now comprises of offices and property practitioners in Ermelo, Emalahleni and Secunda in its real estate repertoire. On Saturday, Candid Properties, a well-known estate agency in Ermelo, celebrated their 10 year anniversary. Starting from humble beginnings, the director and principal, Mr. EJ Ndlovu, has through hard work, excellent service and unwavering dedication to its clients, built a rapidly expanding estate agency which now comprises of offices and property practitioners in Ermelo, Emalahleni and Secunda in its real estate repertoire. During the event, the energy from Mr. Ndlovu and his team was tangible, and the feeling of camaraderie and friendship was evident. Heartfelt speeches from Mr. Ndlovu, Pastor Bhembe, Mrs. ME Nkosi and Dr. MP Zwane lit up the event, with Ms. NE Kunene delivering the welcome speech. Under the leadership of Mr. Ndlovu, clients can expect prompt, professional and exceptional service from the Candid Properties team. Candid Properties would like to thank their client base for the ongoing support and unwavering friendship. As a final word of thanks, Candid Properties extends their warmest welcome to all new clients who wish to rent, sell or lease property, and would like to thank the community of Ermelo for their support in the continued success of Candid Properties. You may view more photo’s and video’s on their Facebook page, Candid Properties. < Previous Article Next Article >

Calstar Group truly cares 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 24 August 2021 The printer will go a long way in making the administrative duties of the school’s personnel much easier. In an act of true charity, the Calstar Group recently donated a printer to Ithafa Secondary School. The printer will go a long way in making the administrative duties of the school’s personnel much easier. Appearing on the photo (f.l.t.r): Sheila Maseko, Operation Manager at Debonairs Ermelo , Mrs Mabuya, Ithafa school principal, and Sweetness Mpofu, Manager at Debonairs Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. Stray cattle wreaks havoc 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. 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. In this case, by-laws are wholly ignored and remain unenforced by authorities, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and danger for motorists. Various residents have reported that their dogs get uncontrollably riled up by stray livestock roaming the residential wards, most notably in the De Bruin Park area. Reports have come in from residents stating that livestock has gotten so used to residential traffic and scolds from angry residents that not even car horns spook these cattle when they loaf around the streets, impeding traffic and grazing on the sidewalks of residences. Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. Motorists having to swerve, brake suddenly and drive on the opposite side of the roadway to avoid these animals pose a grave danger for motorists, pedestrians and the cattle alike. This issue, however, is not confined to the CBD and residential wards, as several complaints have been lodged by residents regarding cattle grazing the graveyards, trampling precious memories and damaging vases, flowers and other memorabilia left to honor those long gone. Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. At this time, both MLM and the SAPS in Ermelo turn a blind eye to the growing issue, which have, and will again, result in a loss of life as motorists collide with stray animals which are left to their own devices. Stray cattle have been reported lounging around the non-working traffic light at the Church- and Voortrekker Streets intersection. The photo right depicts the damage a motorist suffered after colliding with a stray calf in Border Street, which darted across the road while shrouded in darkness. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mag elke noot ‘n pragtige bydrae lewer tot die melodie van Errie-wees en mag jy elke dag jou Errie-lied uit volle bors sing. Hoërskool Ermelo verwelkom Graad 8 Errie-note 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 23 February 2021 Mag elke noot ‘n pragtige bydrae lewer tot die melodie van Errie-wees en mag jy elke dag jou Errie-lied uit volle bors sing. Die Graad 8’s van EHS is vanjaar “Note”. Dié naam sluit aan by die tema van 2021 se graad 8’s: van Noot tot Melodie. Elke noot vorm saam ‘n perfekte melodie by die Erries. Op Woensdag 10 Februarie het die graad 8’s by Hoërskool Ermelo geregistreer en hul self tuis gemaak in die onderskeie huise. Op Donderdag het die graad 8’s ‘n vol dag gehad van oriëntering wat prettige aktiwiteite soos ‘n skattejag ingesluit het, maar ook belangrike en nodige inligting, onder andere die skoollied, skoolreëls en Errie-waardes. Na afloop van die besige dag was dit tyd vir ‘n besondere Errie-tradisie vir die graad 8’s. Elke graad 8 het ‘n individuele ontmoeting met die hoof, adjunkhoof, departementshoof of graadhoof, waar die Note uitgevra word oor hul ervaring van Hoërskool Ermelo, wat hulle geleer het, wat vir hulle die meeste uitstaan van EHS of waarna hulle die meeste uitsien. Die grootste gedeelte van die graad 8-note se antwoorde op dié vrae, was: “Respek”. As een van die belangrike Errie-waardes is dit vir Hoërskool Ermelo ‘n eer dat die graad 8’s op so ‘n vroeë stadium reeds die konsep van respek by die Erries ervaar en verstaan. Na die gesprek het elke Errie-Noot die graad 8-Erekode, asook die verantwoordelikhede van ‘n Errie-Noot onderteken en hulle skoolbaadjies, wat hul op hangers moes rond dra, is deur ‘n leier vir elkeen aangetrek as simbool dat die graad 8-noot nou ‘n volwaardige Errie is. Nadat sy/haar baadjie aangetrek is, kry elke graad 8-leerder wat deel word van die Erries, die geleentheid om in ‘n spesiale bundel ‘n aanhaling te skryf wat vir hom/haar spesiaal is van die Erries. Wanneer die betrokke leerder die skool verlaat in graad 12, skryf hy/sy langs die graad 8-inskrywing ‘n groet as graad 12-leerder. Hierdie spesiale tradisie vind plaas in EHS se tradisie ryke Argief. Die dag is afgesluit met al die graad 8-Note en Errie raadslede in die Ouditorium met die sing van die skoollied waar elke graad 8 ‘n noot ontvang het om op ‘n leë notebalk te plaas. Dié note het saam die refrein van EHS se skoollied gevorm en so die tema van 2021 se Errie-graad 8’s onderstreep: elkeen se Noot lewer ‘n bydrae tot die perfekte Errie-melodie! Op Vrydag, 11 Februarie het die graad 8’s reeds ‘n vol rooster gevolg en sodoende elke onderwyser ontmoet, die klasse en roetine geleer en hul nodige boeke ontvang, sodat elke graad 8-Noot met die nodige vertroue by EHS se deur kan instap wanneer die skool amptelik begin op Maandag 15 Februarie. Aan elke graad 8 Errie-noot: welkom by die Erries. Mag elke noot ‘n pragtige bydrae lewer tot die melodie van Errie-wees en mag jy elke dag jou Errie-lied uit volle bors sing. Op die foto verskyn Margha Greyling en Richard Cloeté saam met Graad 8, Marné de Jager, net voor die baadjie oorhandiging. < Previous Article Next Article >

Travel in style at new Carolina Taxi Rank 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 Users of the facility were urged to properly handle this taxi rank, and guard it against vandalism. After the plight of taxi users in the area, construction has officially been completed, and the handover of the newly developed taxi rank in Carolina, coupled with a taxi office facility, took place on Saturday, 1 May 2021. The event was hosted in commemoration of Workers’ Day, and served as a word of thanks to all workers. Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr DP Nkosi, the Speaker of Council, Cllr MW Mngomezulu, the Municipal Manager Mr MS Dlamini, the Director of Community Safety Services, Mr. W Shabangu, executives of Taxi Associations and SANTACO were in attendance at the event, cutting the ribbon to officially open the establishment. Users of the facility were urged to properly handle this taxi rank, and guard it against vandalism. < Previous Article Next Article >

The remuneration scale is dependant on the population size, and the income generated by the municipality. NDZ publishes salary figures for officials 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 June 2022 The remuneration scale is dependant on the population size, and the income generated by the municipality. Recently, Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) published the tiered remuneration scale of government officials, including municipal officials. The gazette states the six levels, including the upper limit, which means a specified maximum amount of costs which may be claimed. The gazette specifies the total remuneration package as the annual total cost to a municipality, including a basic salary component, a motor vehicle allowance, housing allowance, the municipal contribution to a pension, provident or retirement annuity fund, and municipal contribution to a medical aid scheme. The remuneration scale is dependant on the population size, and the income generated by the municipality. As point of reference, the highest scoring municipality will have to cough up a shocking R1 446 388 per annum for the mayor, which translates to just over R120 500 per month. The point score for Msukaligwa Local Municipality is currently at level 4, meaning that the executive mayor receives R920 656 per annum, or R76 746 per month. The speaker receives R736 530 per annum, or R61 377 per month, and the whip receives R690 808 per annum, or R57 567.00 per month, according to the gazette. < Previous Article Next Article >

“The municipality expects that before residents go to work, they switch off unused appliances. Why should they switch on appliances like geysers, televisions, etc. when they are not at home?” MLM stated. No clarity on rotational load shedding 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 “The municipality expects that before residents go to work, they switch off unused appliances. Why should they switch on appliances like geysers, televisions, etc. when they are not at home?” MLM stated. Since March 2020, residents of Ermelo and surroundings have had to bite the bullet with daily rotational load shedding implemented by Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The load shedding occurs mainly during peak times, much to the frustration of residents who arrive home, to find that there is no electricity supply. Mundane chores such as cooking, bathing and laundry have become a struggle, and many students who make use of online education portals are left with no means to progress. The supply is more often than not interrupted for extended periods, with Mlm blaming the infamous 88kVA line for the majority of supply woes. Other reasons are alleged illegal connections, cable theft and a myriad of other, more feeble excuses. The Tribune directed an several enquiries at MLM regarding the ongoing municipal load shedding. In light of submissions by various political parties regarding the poor performance of municipalities in Mpumalanga, especially regarding the servicing of the Eskom accounts, it was enquired if the Eskom account is actually serviced per agreement, and if any arrears in payment are present. The outstanding amount owed my MLM is high, but relatively low in comparison with other municipalities in the province. The Tribune also enquired if, and how the amount owed to Eskom has impacted the notified maximum demand (NMD). The NMD is the contracted notified maximum demand, expressed in kVA, and the NMD should, and can not be exceeded unless agreed to by Eskom. An excess network access charge will be levied for exceeding the NMD. MLM has previously stated that the infrastructure is allegedly overloaded during times of municipal load shedding, and that the demand indeed exceeds the supply. The NMD comes into play noticeably of late, seen as Ermelo has been experiencing a disproportionate amount of electrical issues compared to previous years. Upon enquiry, MLM responded as follows: “The current account with Eskom is up to date. MLM is required to adhere to the agreed NMD and should not exceed it unless Eskom has agreed to the exceedance in writing and in advance. An exceedance of the NMD is a breach of Eskom’s electricity supply agreement and/or connection and use of system agreement. Eskom request the municipality to remain within the contractual NMD. If the municipality fails to heed the request above, remedies may be implemented by Eskom to correct such breach, including the right to limit the capacity. The municipality, in order to comply with the request, implemented load reduction in order to be within the NMD. Renegotiation with Eskom are ongoing in order to come up with mutual beneficial agreement of the NMD. Before an upgrade is implemented, Eskom conducts a feasibility study, among others, to check whether the capacity of the Eskom network is adequate to make supply available at a higher level on a continuous basis, etc.” MLM wholly ignored the enquiries as to when the load reduction will end, and what actionable plan MLM is employing to service the community. Residents and businesses in Ermelo are slowly but surely getting fed up with MLM’s tomfoolery and silence on the matter, as there are no honest, direct and palpable feedback from municipal authorities. If enquiries are responded to, elaborate statements which employ evasion tactics are submitted, often leaving more questions than answers. A Facebook group, which contains a substantial following of disgruntled residents, is evidence of the dismay regarding MLM’s ineptitude. Talks of a march against the municipality has surfaced, and another group of dismayed residents and businesses are considering legal action against MLM, much like the steps taken against Lekwa Local Municipality (LMM). LMM residents will feel some relief, as the high court has recently placed an interdict against the municipality, preventing them from implementing rotational load shedding permitted on a limitation linked to the shockingly reduced NMD. AfriForum has also locked horns with Eskom and LMM, as the extended periods of rotational load shedding, caused by the municipality, is considered and stated as unconstitutional. If MLM doesn’t shape up, the same fate awaits them, as many residents and businesses are negatively impacted by the rotational load shedding. The majority of residents and businesses in Ermelo are up to date with their utility bills. MLM has, themselves, stated that Ermelo has the highest utility payment rate from residents, with Chrissiesmeer and Breyten having amongst the poorest paying residents, with a shockingly high non-payment rate. Damage to appliances and equipment is also a cause of great concern, with MLM failing to elaborate on who will be held liable for damages caused by the fluctuation of electricity supply from the municipality. They have, however, added to their weekly load shedding schedule the wording “please switch off appliances to avoid damage from surges”. This statement is of nonsensical value, as many residents are at work during the constant fluctuations, and more often than not at home during these times. “The municipality expects that before residents go to work, they switch off unused appliances. Why should they switch on appliances like geysers, televisions, etc. when they are not at home?” MLM stated. Ultimately, MLM cannot expect to place the onus of damage to appliances on the residents, when the fluctuation of the feed is, to be frank, the doing of the municipality. At this time, residents and businesses can do little but to grin and bear the outages, which were stated as “temporary” when implemented by MLM seven months ago, along with the damages it brings. < Previous Article Next Article >