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On Wednesday, 27 January, a collision occurred at the Church- and Buhrman Street intersections. According to bystanders, the driver of the red Toyota Quantum minibus taxi was traveling in Church Street at high speed, wholly disregarding the traffic light. Another motorist, driving a Kia station wagon, was busy turning at the traffic light, and was hit by the taxi. According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. At this time, there are no reports of serious injury, although several individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Emergency medical services, the fire department and towing services were on scene in a flash, with ACSU ensuring orderly conduct from onlookers. Emergency personnel appeals to motorists to obey the traffic laws, and to keep to the speed limit. Disregard of traffic light leads to accident Disregard of traffic light leads to accident 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 27 January 2021 According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. On Wednesday, 27 January, a collision occurred at the Church- and Buhrman Street intersections. According to bystanders, the driver of the red Toyota Quantum minibus taxi was traveling in Church Street at high speed, wholly disregarding the traffic light. Another motorist, driving a Kia station wagon, was busy turning at the traffic light, and was hit by the taxi. According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. At this time, there are no reports of serious injury, although several individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Emergency medical services, the fire department and towing services were on scene in a flash, with ACSU ensuring orderly conduct from onlookers. Emergency personnel appeals to motorists to obey the traffic laws, and to keep to the speed limit. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Pet Dam has returned to its former glory of infamous party site, with no adherence to social distancing. Residents who dance and drink their nights away at the dam do not wear masks or adhere to social hygiene, urinate and defecate in the dam and on the surround shores, thereby risking cross contamination. Business as usual at Pet Dam 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 The Pet Dam has returned to its former glory of infamous party site, with no adherence to social distancing. Residents who dance and drink their nights away at the dam do not wear masks or adhere to social hygiene, urinate and defecate in the dam and on the surround shores, thereby risking cross contamination. With the National Alert Level being lowered to Level 2, and more freedom is granted to citizen’s movement, the Pet Dam has already lured hundreds of party animals. With th lax law enforcement in Ermelo, it’s business as usual at the dam, complete with overly loud music, dancing, drunk driving and street fights. With residents in proximity to the dam having had some peace and quiet during the lockdown, it’s all back to square one now. The Pet Dam has returned to its former glory of infamous party site, with no adherence to social distancing. Residents who dance and drink their nights away at the dam do not wear masks or adhere to social hygiene, urinate and defecate in the dam and on the surround shores, thereby risking cross contamination. It is expected from residents that Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and relevant authorities take charge of this situation, as it is completely unacceptable for such behavior to be allowed during a worldwide pandemic. As stated previously, the SAPS has made clear that Msukaligwa Local Municipality is required to take action in this regard, and the buck cannot be passed to the SAPS, or any other law enforcement company, by MLM stating that “residents should report incidents such as these”. Upon enquiry as to how MLM plans to curb the increasing numbers of party-goers at the dam, the following response was submitted: “It is a common knowledge that as a country, we are still under the National State of Disaster (COVID-19) as extended by the Minister of Cooperative and Traditional Affairs in terms of section 27(5)(c ) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 , the extension commenced from 15 of August 2020 to 15 September 2020 in terms of Government Notice 756, published in Government Gazette 43524. Enforcement officers are mandated under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 and regulations, if anyone contravene the regulations, the Enforcement Officer is expected to execute his or her her duties in terms of guideline regarding enforcement of the State of Disaster Regulations. Members of the public who commits an offence in terms of the Act, can expect the following: A person may be arrested or requested to accompany an enforcement officer to a police station. If the offence is of a serious nature, the person may be detained, subject hereto that he or she must be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than 48 hours after the arrest. The person may apply for bail at his or her appearance in court. If the offence is less serious, the community service centre commander or the senior member of the SAPS in charge must consider the release of a person (in consultation with the investigating officer) ─ (a) on written warning to appear in court (section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) (A form SAPS 496 will be issued with a court date); (b) on written notice (section 56 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) (A form J 534 will be issued with an option to pay a fine or appear in court on the date indicated on the form. This option enables a person to pay an admission of guilt fine and to be released thereafter. This means that the person will not have to appear in court, but by paying the admission of guilt fine, it is regarded as if the person has been conviction in court on the charge and the person will have criminal record); (c) on bail (sections 59 and 59A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [J398 or J399] (This means that an amount for the bail will be determined by the relevant police official or the prosecutor. The person will have to appear on a date indicated on the receipt); (d)after a charge has been withdrawn through an arrangement with the Public Prosecutor; or (e)if he or she was detained as a suspect, but is released from detention before the expiry of the 48-hour period because no charge is brought against him or her(section 50(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [SAPS 328]. The municipality reiterates that it does not have municipal police like Metros or City ( Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekweni etc). The municipality relies on the SAPS to enforce the by-laws, same as Parliament makes, laws and law enforcement agencies enforce those laws, not parliament.” In light of this response, residents who feel threatened, or are distraught by misbehavior at the Pet Dam, may contact the SAPS on 017 819 7803, or contact ACSU on 017 811 1274. < Previous Article Next Article >

Continued load shedding highly likely 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The load shedding and breakdown of units is troubling, especially considering the fact that Eskom bemoans the fact that Arnot and Kendal contributes a large amount of the MW, but at the same time, has plans to decommission Arnot and Kendal plants in the near future, bringing into question the rationale behind these decisions. Despite Eskom’s claimed best efforts to return additional generation units to service after the breakdowns that occurred during the week, the crumbling state-owned power utility said on that it had not made sufficient progress to enable us to suspend load shedding. In a statement, Eskom said that it wished to assure the public that implementing load shedding was the last resort, in order to protect the national grid. “In order to limit the impact of load shedding on the morning traffic peak, Eskom will start implementing Stage 2 load shedding from 09:00. This will continue until 22:00. Implementing load shedding is also necessary in order to replenish the emergency generation reserves to better prepare for the week,” the entity stated. On Sunday evening, Eskom teams successfully returned one unit at the Kriel power station, adding 475MW to the grid. The return of a generation unit each at Tutuka and Kriel power stations has been delayed, contributing to the supply constraints. The power utility said during the coming week Eskom would continue to experience supply constraints. According to the utility, Arnot, Duvha and Kendal power stations were successfully returned to service after unexpected breakdowns. These have added a combined 1 565MW capacity to the generation system. The return of a generation unit each at Tutuka, Kriel and Hendrina power stations has been delayed, contributing to the supply constraint. According to Eskom, the cold weather has put the capacity to supply electricity “under severe strain”. The load shedding and breakdown of units is troubling, especially considering the fact that Eskom bemoans the fact that Arnot and Kendal contributes a large amount of the MW, but at the same time, has plans to decommission Arnot and Kendal plants in the near future, bringing into question the rationale behind these decisions. < Previous Article Next Article >

A total of 271 males were arrested during an operation focusing on illegal mining in Ermelo on Thursday, 13 October 2022. The illegal mine is located approximately 10KM out of Ermelo on the N11, and the operation was led by the SAPS Gert Sibande District Office. They were assisted by members from the SAPS National Intervention Unit, SAPS Ermelo, Ermelo K9, the SAPS Air Wing, Department of Home Affairs, Kunene Security, Spartan Training, AfriForum Buurtwag and 303 Security. Amongst the suspects arrested were 30 Zimbabwian citizens, 92 citizens from Mozambique and 11 from Swaziland. 138 are South African citizens. Investigation revealed that the citizens from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland did not have proper documentation to be in the country, and the are all facing charges of being in South Africa illegally. The SAPS confiscated one front-end loader, three trucks and six bakkies loaded with coal, wheelbarrows, pick axes and forks, all of which had been used in the illegal mining of coal. During the arrest, SAPS Air Wing got their eyes on another mine, where they dispatched SAPS members. Upon arrival at the scene, there were an estimated 50 miners, as well as women selling food and colddrinks from a makeshift stall. All of these miners were also arrested. At this location, there is a mine shaft’s opening is at the end of a 150 meter decline. On Friday, 14 October 2022, outside the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court, family members and working colleagues gathered outside the court waiting for the court case. SAPS visibility was high, and the area cordoned off by SAPS vehciles. At a later stage, the protestors were in front of the SAPS station, were they demanded that the arrested suspects be released to go back to work. Rubber bullets and tear gas was later used to disperse the rowdy crowd, and restore order. The suspects made their appearance before court on Monday, 17 October 2022, were they remained in custody. The suspects that appeared before the court on Monday, are facing all the following charge: the Accused, being an illegal foreigner, is guilty of the offence of contravention of section 49(1)(a), read with sections 9(1) and 9(3)(b) of the immigration Act, Act 13 of 2022 as amended by Act 13 of 2011. The Accused did wrongfully enter the Republic in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2022, by entering the Republic at a place other than a port or entry, or entering the Republic whilst he/she was not in possession of a valid passport or in that the accused, being a foreigner who is not the holder of a permanent residence permit, did enter the Republic while his/her passport was valid for less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay, and that he/she was not issued with a valid temporary residence permit; and or in that the entry into the Republic by the said accused was not recorded by an immigration officer, and or remain in the Republic without being iin possession of any form or document allowing him/her to remain in the Republic. The remaining suspects made their appearance in court on 18 October, and again on 21 October, respectively. In a previous article in Tribune of 9 August 2022, Bidvest Protea Coin lodged several complaints to Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regarding all these illegal mining in and around Ermelo. The Tribune has also directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. To date, the Tribune has received no further communication from any of the recipients, the department’s Queen Tsebetsebe, nor from the office of the Director General’s Nonhlanhla Ndebele. The DMRE’s Solomon Phetla acknowledged the enquiry, but to date, failed to reply. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. Total of 271 zama zama males arrested in Ermelo Total of 271 zama zama males arrested in Ermelo 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 18 October 2022 To date, the Tribune has received no further communication from any of the recipients, the department’s Queen Tsebetsebe, nor from the office of the Director General’s Nonhlanhla Ndebele. The DMRE’s Solomon Phetla acknowledged the enquiry, but to date, failed to reply. A total of 271 males were arrested during an operation focusing on illegal mining in Ermelo on Thursday, 13 October 2022. The illegal mine is located approximately 10KM out of Ermelo on the N11, and the operation was led by the SAPS Gert Sibande District Office. They were assisted by members from the SAPS National Intervention Unit, SAPS Ermelo, Ermelo K9, the SAPS Air Wing, Department of Home Affairs, Kunene Security, Spartan Training, AfriForum Buurtwag and 303 Security. Amongst the suspects arrested were 30 Zimbabwian citizens, 92 citizens from Mozambique and 11 from Swaziland. 138 are South African citizens. Investigation revealed that the citizens from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland did not have proper documentation to be in the country, and the are all facing charges of being in South Africa illegally. The SAPS confiscated one front-end loader, three trucks and six bakkies loaded with coal, wheelbarrows, pick axes and forks, all of which had been used in the illegal mining of coal. During the arrest, SAPS Air Wing got their eyes on another mine, where they dispatched SAPS members. Upon arrival at the scene, there were an estimated 50 miners, as well as women selling food and colddrinks from a makeshift stall. All of these miners were also arrested. At this location, there is a mine shaft’s opening is at the end of a 150 meter decline. On Friday, 14 October 2022, outside the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court, family members and working colleagues gathered outside the court waiting for the court case. SAPS visibility was high, and the area cordoned off by SAPS vehciles. At a later stage, the protestors were in front of the SAPS station, were they demanded that the arrested suspects be released to go back to work. Rubber bullets and tear gas was later used to disperse the rowdy crowd, and restore order. The suspects made their appearance before court on Monday, 17 October 2022, were they remained in custody. The suspects that appeared before the court on Monday, are facing all the following charge: the Accused, being an illegal foreigner, is guilty of the offence of contravention of section 49(1)(a), read with sections 9(1) and 9(3)(b) of the immigration Act, Act 13 of 2022 as amended by Act 13 of 2011. The Accused did wrongfully enter the Republic in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2022, by entering the Republic at a place other than a port or entry, or entering the Republic whilst he/she was not in possession of a valid passport or in that the accused, being a foreigner who is not the holder of a permanent residence permit, did enter the Republic while his/her passport was valid for less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay, and that he/she was not issued with a valid temporary residence permit; and or in that the entry into the Republic by the said accused was not recorded by an immigration officer, and or remain in the Republic without being iin possession of any form or document allowing him/her to remain in the Republic. The remaining suspects made their appearance in court on 18 October, and again on 21 October, respectively. In a previous article in Tribune of 9 August 2022, Bidvest Protea Coin lodged several complaints to Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regarding all these illegal mining in and around Ermelo. The Tribune has also directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. To date, the Tribune has received no further communication from any of the recipients, the department’s Queen Tsebetsebe, nor from the office of the Director General’s Nonhlanhla Ndebele. The DMRE’s Solomon Phetla acknowledged the enquiry, but to date, failed to reply. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Maandag, 26 Julie, het daar 'n botsing tussen 'n Hyundai Elantra en 'n Volkswagen Chico plaasgevind op die Breyten pad. Volgens die bestuurder van die Hyundai was daar digte rook op die pad, waarna hy sy hoofligte aangeskakel het en begin stadiger ry het. Met al die digte rook het die Volkswagen in die Hyundai vas gery. Al die nooddienste, asook nood personeel was spoedig op die toneel. Tydens die botsing het die drie insittendes in die Volkswagen ligte beserings opgedoen, en is blitsvinnig na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal geneem vir mediese ondersoek. Nog 'n botsing op Breyten pad Nog 'n botsing op Breyten pad 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 3 August 2021 Tydens die botsing het die drie insittendes in die Volkswagen ligte beserings opgedoen, en is blitsvinnig na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal geneem vir mediese ondersoek. Op Maandag, 26 Julie, het daar 'n botsing tussen 'n Hyundai Elantra en 'n Volkswagen Chico plaasgevind op die Breyten pad. Volgens die bestuurder van die Hyundai was daar digte rook op die pad, waarna hy sy hoofligte aangeskakel het en begin stadiger ry het. Met al die digte rook het die Volkswagen in die Hyundai vas gery. Al die nooddienste, asook nood personeel was spoedig op die toneel. Tydens die botsing het die drie insittendes in die Volkswagen ligte beserings opgedoen, en is blitsvinnig na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal geneem vir mediese ondersoek. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Pollution on the daily irks business owners 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 19 April 2022 "And it’s not just here. Look around Ermelo, there’s refuse lining every street.” Business owners in Ennis Street are having a hard time with pollution of all kinds right on their shopfront’s doorsteps. Near-daily gatherings of individuals in this area cause the roadway, sidewalks and parking areas of surrounding businesses to become the ultimate party site. Large pile of glass bottles have been spotted on the sidewalk, with the refuse bin, ironically, being nearly empty. The roadway, sidewalks and parking area of the surrounding businesses are littered with a myriad of empty liquor bottles, food containers and shards of glass from bottles being shattered in drunken stupor. “It’s really troubling to see that this issue is ongoing, with no reprieve from authorities or law enforcement. My shopfront and parking area is littered daily with bottles, glass shards, other refuse, and even human feaces. I have to clean this area, and I don’t even sell liquor,” an irate business owner told the Tribune. “I’m not the only one. Look at the entire area here. It’s unacceptable. My customers have to drive on eggs when visiting my shop to avoid the shards of glass slicing their tyres. It’s making everything more difficult than it needs to be. And it’s not just here. Look around Ermelo, there’s refuse lining every street.” While on scene, the Tribune noticed two municipal employees gingerly cleaning the shard-strewn road, and picking up a large amount of liquor bottles lining the street and sidewalk. An enquiry will be sent to Msukaligwa Local Municipality, and the response published in the next publication. See more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

The election of Cllr. Sekhonde follows a vacancy created by the passing of late Cllr. Mangaliso Joshua Nkosi in July 2020. In her acceptance speech as the new elected Speaker of Council, Cllr. Sekhonde appreciated the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon her to provide political and administrative leadership to Council. GSDM elects new speaker 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 August 2020 The election of Cllr. Sekhonde follows a vacancy created by the passing of late Cllr. Mangaliso Joshua Nkosi in July 2020. In her acceptance speech as the new elected Speaker of Council, Cllr. Sekhonde appreciated the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon her to provide political and administrative leadership to Council. The Acting Municipal Manager of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), Mr. Ephraim Thabethe, convened the sitting of the Council of GSDM on 14 August 2020, and presided over the election of the new Speaker of Council, Cllr. Busisiwe Sekhonde. The election of Cllr. Sekhonde follows a vacancy created by the passing of late Cllr. Mangaliso Joshua Nkosi in July 2020. In her acceptance speech as the new elected Speaker of Council, Cllr. Sekhonde appreciated the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon her to provide political and administrative leadership to Council. “These are the big shoes left by the late Cllr. Joshua Nkosi, but I trust that we will continue working together and that we will remain as united as we have been,” said Cllr. Sekhonde. Prior to the new role, Cllr. Sekhonde served as a Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community and Social Services. The election of the new Speaker was conducted virtually, and was conducted in line with Section 36, 37 and 39 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 1998 (Act 117 of 1998). < Previous Article Next Article >

Hennie Moldenhauer (58), ‘n welbekende plaasboer in die Amersfoort area, is op Sondag, 16 Mei, in die vroeë oggend ure uit die huis met sy handwapen, asook ‘n jagwapen. Mnr. Moldenhauer het Saterdag jakkalse gewaar, en het besluit om die volgende dag douvoordag uit te gaan en die jakkalse te gaan jag. Hennie se vrou, Mokkie, het Sondag na haar man begin soek nadat sy geen antwoord op sy selfoon of op die twee rigting radio gekry het nie. Na ‘n soektog het sy op sy ligaam langs die sojaboonlandery afgekom, waar sy bakkie ook nog geluier het. Wyle Hennie het ‘n skietwond naby aan sy linkeroor gehad. Enkele meters van sy ligaam af het daar oorskot van ‘n swart hond ook gelê, maar dis nie sy hond nie. Die SAPS vermoed die hond moes deel van die aanvaller, of aanvallers gewees het. Tydens ondersoek op die tonel is daar drie 9mm patroondoppies gevind. Die handwapen en jagwapen waarmee Hennie die huis verlaat het, was nie op die toneel gevind nie. Op Woensdag, 19 Mei, was die hoofverdagte in hegtenis geneem. Op Donderdag oggend, 20 Mei, was die verdagte dood in die aanhoudingselle gevind. Tydens latere ondersoeke en soektogte is die wapens van Moldenhauer terug gevind. Boer dood aangetref, verdagte ook dood in selle Boer dood aangetref, verdagte ook dood in selle 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 25 May 2021 Na ‘n soektog het sy op sy ligaam langs die sojaboonlandery afgekom, waar sy bakkie ook nog geluier het. Wyle Hennie het ‘n skietwond naby aan sy linkeroor gehad. Hennie Moldenhauer (58), ‘n welbekende plaasboer in die Amersfoort area, is op Sondag, 16 Mei, in die vroeë oggend ure uit die huis met sy handwapen, asook ‘n jagwapen. Mnr. Moldenhauer het Saterdag jakkalse gewaar, en het besluit om die volgende dag douvoordag uit te gaan en die jakkalse te gaan jag. Hennie se vrou, Mokkie, het Sondag na haar man begin soek nadat sy geen antwoord op sy selfoon of op die twee rigting radio gekry het nie. Na ‘n soektog het sy op sy ligaam langs die sojaboonlandery afgekom, waar sy bakkie ook nog geluier het. Wyle Hennie het ‘n skietwond naby aan sy linkeroor gehad. Enkele meters van sy ligaam af het daar oorskot van ‘n swart hond ook gelê, maar dis nie sy hond nie. Die SAPS vermoed die hond moes deel van die aanvaller, of aanvallers gewees het. Tydens ondersoek op die tonel is daar drie 9mm patroondoppies gevind. Die handwapen en jagwapen waarmee Hennie die huis verlaat het, was nie op die toneel gevind nie. Op Woensdag, 19 Mei, was die hoofverdagte in hegtenis geneem. Op Donderdag oggend, 20 Mei, was die verdagte dood in die aanhoudingselle gevind. Tydens latere ondersoeke en soektogte is die wapens van Moldenhauer terug gevind. < Previous Article Next Article >

"They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying." SAHRC complaint lodged against Msukaligwa Local Municipality 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2021 "They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying." As many residents in Breyten, Chrissiesmeer and surrounding areas sit with dry taps for more than 60 days, a big hoopla has been made by the National Government regarding the Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme Project, which will be completed in 2024. David Mahlobo, deputy minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Cllr Muzi Chirwa, executive mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, and Agnes Mnisi, acting executive mayor of Msukaligwa Municipality, launched the project in Warburton. The grand announcement was even accompanied by a “water saving” theme, in which “valuing water” was the focal point. This project, touted to solve all the water supply issues faced by residents, was met with grim dissatisfaction from residents who struggle with constant water outages on a daily basis, most notably in Breyten. “I work at a mine near Breyten, and the useless municipality expects me to make do with no water for weeks on end. It is a struggle on a daily basis, and Msukaligwa Municipality just doesn’t care,” one resident stated. While residents suffer for weeks on end, a few good Samaritans have made their boreholes available for neighbors to utilize. The promised water tankers from Msukaligwa Local Municipality also rarely make their arrival. “If the tankers arrive to deliver water, it is during the day. We are all at work during daytime, a tanker arriving at a closed door helps bugger all. The municipality just talks a load of rubbish, and makes empty promises that they fail to fulfill,” an extremely irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Another resident lamented the constant barrage of alleged lies and tomfoolery from MLM with the greatest of disgust. “I have an entire folder of screenshots from messages that the municipality sends, filled with poor excuses promises they never deliver on. They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying. The stories that they fabricate are nowhere near the same as the stories that our ward councillors tell us,” another resident explosively stated. “The call centre is just another useless part of the municipality. All they feed us are lies upon lies, and the stories they make up doesn’t even remotely coincide with what the technicians and municipal speakers on the WhatsApp group tells us. They don’t even give us reference numbers, they don’t take our details. What is the use of a call centre, if they don’t answer the phones 99% of the time?” he barked angrily. Speaking to Msukaligwa Local Municipality, no tangible information have been forthcoming either. Apart from the copy and paste response that residents have come to expect by now, citing the usual scapegoats of lack of equipment, and the old faithful trump card stating lack of funds and a cut budget, no concrete plan of action has been made available. MLM stated that vandalism of infrastructure is the main culprit of the outages, amongst other issues faced. However, there has been no action taken to actively remedy the situation in Breyten. Instead, the project from the DWS is being used a show horse to appease the residents, instead of immediate action being taken. “What is this nonsense about a water pipeline upgrade. We don’t care about upgrades. They just use it to pretend that they’re doing something for residents. We are struggling with water right now. Some of us have been without water for 5 months, and now the municipality comes with a story of water supply in 2024. What will that water help us in two years? Must we then live without water for two years until the municipality decides that it wants to care about residents? It is a joke.” a resident from KwaZanele told the Tribune ePaper. A large collective or residents have had absolutely no water since February 2021, and it’s not getting any better. Empty promises and tall tales from Msukaligwa Local Municipality further frustrates residents, and a complete lack of response from ward councillors further fan the flames. While the project seems like a magnificent initiative from local authorities and national government, sadly, they have been forced to act on water shortages following a successful complaint by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The DA held a public meeting in Skaapruiz informal settlement, with a specific focus of addressing this community’s concerns over the lack of water and greater service delivery, whereafter the DA submitted a letter to the SAHRC, requesting the Commission to investigate the provision of water in Skaapruiz and Nyibe. Research from the 2016/2017 Integrated Development Plan revealed that residents in Sheepmoore, Lothair, Chrissiesmeer and other areas of Msukaligwa Local Municipality have also complained of a lack of water, and the DA has included these areas in the complaint to the SAHRC. Following the complaint, the DA was informed that the municipality planned, and took steps to ensure that water given to Skaapruiz in the form of tankers, would be increased to three times a week, and this provision would be further increased to five times a week in July 2020. It was also found that water demand in Sheepmoore exceeds what the municipal boreholes can supply. The construction of a 7.1km pipeline from the Usuthu Vaal pipeline to Sheepmoore, as well as various upgrades were proposed. In Lothair, MLM plans to resuscitate the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant project, and construct a pipeline between Breyten and Lothair. In Chrissiesmeer, there are plans to keep the reservoirs at 50% to maintain pressure. Speaking to Jane Sithole, the DA leader in Mpumalanga, she told the Tribune ePaper that further investigations would be focused on Breyten in particular, as the magnitude of the lack of water supply to residents is unacceptable. “The provision of water is a basic human right, and to expect residents to endure further hardships through failure of service delivery is unacceptable,” she stated. “The DA will investigate the supply issues in Breyten, and provide updates as to the progress.” she concluded. The Tribune ePaper lodged an enquiry with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, requesting a statement regarding the complaints with the SAHRC, and what Msukaligwa Local Municipality is doing to remedy the immediate situation to alleviate the plight of residents in Breyten and other areas. MLM replied with the following: “There's nothing untoward and/or unheard of in a constitutional democracy that a chapter nine institution, be it public protector or Human Rights Commission of South Africa, will from time to time intervene on behalf of the citizenry, and to issue out directives as and when they deem it necessary to any organ of state. This indicates the effectiveness of the chapter nine institutions.” The Tribune ePaper is working closely with Jane Sithole, and will provide updates as it becomes available. < Previous Article Next Article >

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) acting head in Mpumalanga, Matric Luphondo, and a Hawks lieutenant-colonel were among the trio who appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on corruption charges. The bail application for the Mpumalanga head of Human Settlements in Mpumalanga, Kebone Masenga, the Hawks Unit Commander of Serious Corruption Investigation, Lieutenant-Colonel Ayanda Plaatje, and Luphondo is set to continue after the court refused the State’s application for a seven-day postponement. It is alleged that the trio colluded to bribe a prosecutor to withdraw charges that Masenga is facing in contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said in a statement. “The prosecutor reported the matter to his seniors as well as the police. Subsequently to further investigations, the three were arrested. The NPA has initiated the relevant labour processes against Luphondo. While the NPA is disappointed that any of its officials is entangled in such allegations, in conflict with our new values which are anchored on high ethical conduct, integrity and credibility, we take pride in the men and women who are resolute in defending our new vision. It is encouraging that there were prosecutors and investigators who acted swiftly and with honesty and strong moral principles in defence of our values and the law.’’ Ngwema said. High profile suspects in court for corruption High profile suspects in court for corruption 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 It is alleged that the trio colluded to bribe a prosecutor to withdraw charges that Masenga is facing in contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said in a statement. The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) acting head in Mpumalanga, Matric Luphondo, and a Hawks lieutenant-colonel were among the trio who appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on corruption charges. The bail application for the Mpumalanga head of Human Settlements in Mpumalanga, Kebone Masenga, the Hawks Unit Commander of Serious Corruption Investigation, Lieutenant-Colonel Ayanda Plaatje, and Luphondo is set to continue after the court refused the State’s application for a seven-day postponement. It is alleged that the trio colluded to bribe a prosecutor to withdraw charges that Masenga is facing in contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said in a statement. “The prosecutor reported the matter to his seniors as well as the police. Subsequently to further investigations, the three were arrested. The NPA has initiated the relevant labour processes against Luphondo. While the NPA is disappointed that any of its officials is entangled in such allegations, in conflict with our new values which are anchored on high ethical conduct, integrity and credibility, we take pride in the men and women who are resolute in defending our new vision. It is encouraging that there were prosecutors and investigators who acted swiftly and with honesty and strong moral principles in defence of our values and the law.’’ Ngwema said. < Previous Article Next Article >

MLM bestuur het egter die Tribune op verskeie geleenthede valslik verseker dat die NMD nie verminder is nie, en dat die kragonderbrekings te danke is aan verouderde infrastruktuur. Dit is egter te verwagte dat die NMD verminder is, siende dat MLM meer as R170 miljoen aan Eskom skuld. MBCF vorder met hofsaak teen MLM en Eskom Die Msukaligwa Bussiness & Community Forum (MBCF) span. Die Msukaligwa Bussiness & Community Forum (MBCF) span. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 October 2020 MLM bestuur het egter die Tribune op verskeie geleenthede valslik verseker dat die NMD nie verminder is nie, en dat die kragonderbrekings te danke is aan verouderde infrastruktuur. Dit is egter te verwagte dat die NMD verminder is, siende dat MLM meer as R170 miljoen aan Eskom skuld. Die Msukaligwa Bussiness & Community Forum (MBCF) 'n nie-winsgewende organisasie In Ermelo, dra die belange van Ermelo inwoners op die hart, en is besig om vinnige vordering te maak. Die forum het reeds ‘n reuse sosiale media volging, en nooi alle inwoners om aan te sluit by die forum. Besighede en inwoners kan by die MBCF aansluit teen 'n minimum bedrag van R300 per jaar vir 'n huishouding, en R1200 per jaar vir 'n onderneming. Die MBCF sal alle klagtes wat lede indien rakende water, elektrisiteit of dienslewering vanaf Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM), insluit in die hofsaak. Hierdie groep individue lê hul tyd en kundigheid volledig vrywillig neer. Die regspan het op Maandag, 12 Oktober, 'n tweedelige aansoek aan Eskom, MLM, die nasionale energiereguleerder van Suid-Afrika (NERSA), die premier van Mpumalanga, en die minister van minerale bronne en energie gerig. Hierdie aansoek, wat tans in die Noord-Gautengse hooggeregshof hangend is, sal dien om Eskom te verbied om die ladeningsvermindering, of “notified maximum demand” (NMD) te implementeer. Die NMD wat tans in werking is, verhoed dat Eskom die nodige elektrisiteitstoevoer aan MLM verskaf, en is die rede vir die daaglikse kragonderbrekings wat inwoners ondervind. MLM bestuur het egter die Tribune op verskeie geleenthede valslik verseker dat die NMD nie verminder is nie, en dat die kragonderbrekings te danke is aan verouderde infrastruktuur. Dit is egter te verwagte dat die NMD verminder is, siende dat MLM meer as R170 miljoen aan Eskom skuld. MLM se wanbetaling was sedert 2011 verskeie kere in die kalklig, met Eskom wat menigte male gedreig het om die elektrisiteitstoevoer totaal en al af te sny. Dit is egter kommerwekkend dat MLM bestuur inwoners en besighede ‘n rat voor die oë gedraai het, en die infame “Kabel 88" blameer het vir die onderbrekings. Volgens die MBCF, staan Eskom Deel A, die aansoek, teë. Deel B van die aansoek is 'n hersiening van Eskom se besluit om NMD toe te pas, wat 'n irrasionele besluit is, gebaseer op die skending van grondwetlike regte van betalende inwoners en sakeondernemings. Dié word tans deur die hof hersien, en sal hopelik tersyde gestel word. Die MBCF maak egter staat op die finansiële bydraes van inwoners en besighede om hierdie wettige veldtog suksesvol aan te dryf, om 'n beter en welvarende dorp vir almal te verseker. Aansoekvorms om ‘n lid te word van die MBCF is beskikbaar vir belangstellendes. Twee van die MBCF verteenwoordigers het ook onlangs met hul regspan, Andreas Peens. en advokaat Danie Wijnbeek vergader, en was baie beïndruk met die hoeveelheid navorsing en werk wat reeds gedoen was, en die manier waarop hulle van plan is om die saak te dryf. Inwoners en sake eienaars wat intussen tot die regskoste wil bydra, kan dit doen deur 'n inbetaling in die trustrekening van die MBCF prokureur, Andreas Peens, te maak. Die bankrekening besonderhede is as volg: Andreas Peens Prokureurs, ABSA lopende rekening, 409 642 0347, takkode 632005. Inwoners wat bydraes maak, moet asseblief die verwysing AP792MBCF gebruik met die inbetaling. Belangstellendes wat navrae het oor die MBCF, en die saak wat hul ter harte dra, kan 072 401 1449 kontak. < Previous Article Next Article >