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Nomsa is proud semi-finalist in Mrs. SA pageant 1/1 Share GK CRONJE To vote for Nomsa, and help her to achieve her dreams in the pageant, you can send an SMS, with her name, Nomsa Mokoena to 35959. In a prestigious pageant, where only the best of the best advance, 49-year-old Standerton resident Nomsa Jennifer (Nkutha) Mokoena has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the competition. Born in Soweto, Nomsa grew up playing soccer, and sees herself as a born dancer. Nomsa used to be a choreographer, teaching young models the ropes, and sharing her love for dancing. Many of these models went on to feature in Sowetan pageants. As mother of eight children, Nomsa taught her daughter and little sister the ins and outs of modeling. Nomsa is a fun, loyal, passionate, loving and energetic person, and is married to Sipho Charles Mokoena. “We’re in a passionate and loving relationship, and Sipho always pushed me to be the best that I could be. He was the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams by entering the pageant.” Nomsa said, clearly smitten. Being selected for the Mrs. South Africa pageant is an achievement of note, as only 100 women are selected to enter. Sponsors and sessions are hosted and presented at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng, with the entrants and contestants of Mrs. SA focusing on charity work en empowerment. Nomsa is a graduate in journalism, and also dabbled in public relations, business management, shorthand, bookkeeping, and desktop publishing, but decided to enter the field of interior decoration. Nomsa plied her trade in the East Rand, but thirsted for more. Surprisingly, Nomsa entered civil construction under the umbrella of Women In Construction, and launched her own company with her daughter. At this time, Nomsa is a successful, self-employed business woman. “My main motivation for entering the Mrs. SA pageant is to help the community, and to pave the way for me to fulfill my dreams in helping the needy.” Nomsa beamed. “I am honored to fulfil my obligations set forth by the Mrs. SA pageant. For now, my own charity work includes a unique elderly day care in Gauteng, established by my mother and I . We provide daily meals, assist them in visiting wellness centres, and provide attention where necessary. I would like to thank my husband for allowing me to be me, as many other husbands would not be so supportive. I love him so much, and I love his selfless heart. I would also like to thank my children for their support.” To vote for Nomsa, and help her to achieve her dreams in the pageant, you can send an SMS, with her name, Nomsa Mokoena to 35959. < Previous Article Next Article >

Some residents claimed that blatant grandstanding by municipal officials impacted the protocol and quality control that should be followed. MLM announces R3.5 million service delivery drive 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 20 September 2022 Some residents claimed that blatant grandstanding by municipal officials impacted the protocol and quality control that should be followed. The Jetpatcher team was spotted in Horster Road, Netherland Park, last week, providing some much needed TLC to the dilapidated roadway. This roadway, which had been slated for overhaul in February 2022, fell victim to political infighting at the municipality, and the planned project was put on ice. A section of the roadway has now been patched, although more serious intervention is needed to alleviate the shoddy road conditions in Netherland Park. The Jetpatching initiative takes place periodically as the district vehicle and materials become available, and is a joint venture between Msukaligwa Local Municipality, Gert Sibande District Municipality and other roleplayers. On videos and photos shared by the municipality, the executive mayor, Cllr MP Nkosi, as well as Gert Sibande Distrit Municipality (GSDM) executive mayor, Cllr MW Mngomezulu, also attended the announcement of the so-called “integrated service delivery programme”. Heide Avenue was also targeted by the Jetpatcher team. According to the municipality, the district will assist with a road resealing initiative to the value of R3.5 million. According to the municipality, the programme will include, amongst others, patching of potholes, cleaning and removing of illegal dumping, disconnecting and removal of illegal electricity cables, unblocking of sewerage main holes, the repair of water pipe leaks and public lighting, such as streetlights and high masts. “Is not that we are concentrating in town only, we are going to rehabilitate Msheveni- and Mthambama Streets in Wesselton in this financial year,” Cllr Nkosi stated. The reaction from the community has been a mixed bag, with some members of the community lauding the attempts by the municipality, while others questioned the workmanship of the projects, claiming that blatant grandstanding by municipal officials impacted the protocol and quality control that should be followed. Other concerns were also raised that the infrastructure failure such as roadways are not addressed at root level, and is instead just patched to feign effective service delivery and provide short term solutions. At this stage, the timeframe of the project is unknown, and the areas that will receive attention is yet to announced. See more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

In light of the blatant disregard from residents who use the dam as a party site, and who pay no heed to social distancing and COVID-19 regulations, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has issued a closure of the Pet Dam, with immediate effect. MLM has stated that an increase in COVID-19 cases is the reason for the closure. The Local Command Council (LCC) has made the decision. Party time is over at the Pet Dam The state of the Pet Dam site, where residents party their lives away, paying no heed to COVID-19 regulations. The state of the Pet Dam site, where residents party their lives away, paying no heed to COVID-19 regulations. The state of the Pet Dam site, where residents party their lives away, paying no heed to COVID-19 regulations. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 10 October 2020 In light of the blatant disregard from residents who use the dam as a party site, and who pay no heed to social distancing and COVID-19 regulations, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has issued a closure of the Pet Dam, with immediate effect. MLM has stated that an increase in COVID-19 cases is the reason for the closure. The Local Command Council (LCC) has made the decision. After numerous complaints falling on deaf ears regarding the Pet Dam and residents who swarm to the site daily in order to get the party started, it has come to pass that drastic measures have been forcibly implemented. In light of the blatant disregard from residents who use the dam as a party site, and who pay no heed to social distancing and COVID-19 regulations, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has issued a closure of the Pet Dam, with immediate effect. MLM has stated that an increase in COVID-19 cases is the reason for the closure. The Local Command Council (LCC) has made the decision. Speaking to Mr. Zwane, MLM spokesman, he stated that the Pet Dam’s gates will be locked to prevent access, and that security detail will patrol the area of the Pet Dam to ensure compliance from defiant residents. This is a developing story, and we are awaiting further information from MLM. Read the full article in the next publication of the Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

Winter Fire Season draws to a close 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 9 November 2021 The globally recognized WOF Programme is also celebrating 18 years of its existence. The 2020/2021 Winter Fire Season officially drew to a close on 31 October 2021. However, the Department of Fisheries, Forestries and the Environments Working on Fire Programme’s firefighters remain on standby and ready to assist partners, Fire Protection Associations, and landowners in Integrated Fire Management Services. The season officially began on 1 June 2021, however, Working on Fire Mpumalanga’s 24 teams attended to fire suppression operations prior to the official opening. The teams, based in the Lowveld and Highveld, assisted in a total of 267 fires throughout the season. This is a decline from the previous season, where teams assisted in 288 fires. WOF Mpumalanga General Manager, Martin Bolton, gave acknowledgment to valued stakeholders, partners, management and especially the teams on a job well done, adding: “Well done to our firefighters and management for persevering through the season, while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Your tremendous support and work are noted and celebrated.” The WOF Programme shifts its attention and resources to the Western and Eastern Cape, where the Summer Fire Season begins on 1 December 2021. The provinces have been hard at work with preparations and have concluded their Yellow Card Training Assessment and Fire Safety Campaigns. The globally recognized WOF Programme is also celebrating 18 Years of its existence under the theme: “18 Years of Sustainability. The Programme continues to make a sustainable contribution to protecting the environment, saving lives, making a difference and restoring the dignity of South Africa’s disadvantaged youth by recruiting and training them in the specialized veld and forestry skills. < Previous Article Next Article >

The circulating reason for the outage seems to point towards a broken reservoir pump, which has allegedly been run into oblivion due to lack of maintenance and acts of sabotage and vandalism. Breyten residents left weeks without water 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 February 2021 The circulating reason for the outage seems to point towards a broken reservoir pump, which has allegedly been run into oblivion due to lack of maintenance and acts of sabotage and vandalism. Residents in Breyten are having a hard time with the lack of service delivery from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), as a myriad of households have been sitting with dry taps for extended periods of time. Complaints have flooded in regarding this issue, with residents stating that some areas have been left without water for four weeks, with no action from MLM. The circulating reason for the outage seems to point towards a broken reservoir pump, which has allegedly been run into oblivion due to lack of maintenance and acts of sabotage and vandalism. The call centre is of no use, with residents stating that the phone simply remains unanswered. Further aggravating the outage is the fact that the water tankers from MLM fails to deliver potable water to households in need, allegedly only supplying one street at a time, and calling it a day, leaving the rest high and dry. Complaints have also been received regarding the attitude of water tanker operators, who seem to feel nothing for the plight of residents. Many residents have also stated that MLM has, to date, failed to deliver on their promise of water tankers, as declared on 1 February 2021. Relayed messages from officials state that the pump is indeed out of commission, and that a lack of funds prevents MLM from repairing the pump and filling the reservoirs. Allegations have also surfaced that the main pump ha been replaced with a smaller pump, incapable of sufficient pressure to fill the reservoir. When asked about this allegation, the MLM spokesman claimed that he would enquire from the technical team. At the time of press, no response on this matter had been received. Upon enquiry, MLM supplied the Tribune with an update on the reservoir levels. However, the levels have come under scrutiny, as this exact same message had been forwarded to other residents days prior, with the levels of the reservoirs being identical. MLM claims that the reservoir in Breyten has a level of 60%, yet a large amount of households are still left without running water. Serious concerns have also been raised as schools opened yesterday (Monday, 15 February 2021), with no running water in large parts of Breyten.. As hygiene is paramount during the pandemic, this is a serious cause for concerns, especially with the washing of hands and toilets that needs to be flushed. Residents alleges that the municipality is blatantly lying to them, with each official singing a different tune as to the reason for the interruption and water outage. MLM has said that residents can contact CDW Mandla Manana on 060 502 7459, Ward Councillor Dhludhlu on 082 935 1257, or the contact centre on 080 001 4903 with complaints and queries. MLM has issued and update regarding the water outage in Breyten, stating the following: “Torbenite pump room update - At the Breyten water plant, there was no flow from the pump room, due to vandalized infrastructure as per the video. The situation was exacerbated by the load shedding over the past few days. Water has been restored in many part of Breyten and Chrissiesmeer, however the high lying areas are still experiencing low pressure or no water at all. Both maintenance team are on site for the repairs. The restoration time not provided. MLM apologize to the affected community for the inconvenience caused by the interruptions.” The video of the pump room can be viewed on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. This update, provided by MLM on Monday (yesterday), is of little comfort to affected residents, who received the same update during the course of last week, and are still without running water at this point in time. It has, however, come to the attention of the Tribune that the alleged vandalism of the pump had taken place between 2 and 4 February 2021, with it being nearly two weeks since the incident, with MLM simply not being able to deliver water to the community. The discrepancy in the timeline of events, as well as conflicting reports from officials have raised serious concerns from residents, as an evident lack of transparency from MLM seriously brings into question what the situation is at the Breyten pump station. MLM has wholly dodged the enquiries and addressing the main concerns of residents, and had failed to respond to enquiries as to the date when the video was taken, and when the reservoir levels were last checked. Also, no indication has been provided as to the reason for the outage, as the MLM spokesman claimed to have been waiting for feedback from the technical department. The Tribune requested a statement from MLM, which had not received. At the time of press, there had been no clarity from MLM regarding the situation in Breyten, the steps being taken to remedy the outage, nor the supply of water tankers. The operating condition and level of efficiency of the pump is also unknown at this time. < Previous Article Next Article >

Over the past few months, the issue of drug use and trafficking in Ermelo and surroundings has become more prominent, with various individuals shamelessly partaking in public displays of defiance in this regard. Most notable is the building at 31 Oosthuise Street, which has now turned into the place to be if you’re looking for a fix. Drug users and addicts openly inject themselves, and each other intravenously, many individuals can be seen snorting their lives away while slouching against the walls, and the pavement is bustling with shady drug deals and trafficking, in broad daylight. Drug addled users can be seen lounging against the walls or aimlessly staggering around the sidewalk and across the street, much to the frustration of oncoming traffic. Residents in this area have complained to authorities on many occasions, to no avail. Businesses in this area also complained that they have notified the SAPS of the illegal activity at this site, but to date, no palpable action has been taken. “I drive past this sight for sore eyes every morning, and my children are with me in the vehicle. I have to subject them to these issues, and it is completely uncalled for. How can they just be left to peddle and use drugs in public, without any repercussion,” an irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Upon enquiry with the SAPS Ermelo, Const. Msizane replied as follows: “ The SAPS has attempted to remove these individuals, but the issue is that the municipality must issue us with the by-laws and the way to deal with this matter. We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers. The SAPS can not make an arrest without any evidence, and even if we arrest them for being intoxicated, we do not have drug test kits on hand to provide as evidence to the court. These individuals have been given the option of rehabilitation in Delmas, but refused.” The Tribune ePaper referred this nonsensical response regarding the by-laws to Msukaligwa Local Municipality. As would be expected, Mr. Zwane, spokesman for the municipality, stated that the arrest of these individuals carry no connection with the by-laws of the municipality, and that the enforcement of the law remains the duty of the SAPS. Blind eye turned to public drug use Blind eye turned to public drug use 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 "We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers." Over the past few months, the issue of drug use and trafficking in Ermelo and surroundings has become more prominent, with various individuals shamelessly partaking in public displays of defiance in this regard. Most notable is the building at 31 Oosthuise Street, which has now turned into the place to be if you’re looking for a fix. Drug users and addicts openly inject themselves, and each other intravenously, many individuals can be seen snorting their lives away while slouching against the walls, and the pavement is bustling with shady drug deals and trafficking, in broad daylight. Drug addled users can be seen lounging against the walls or aimlessly staggering around the sidewalk and across the street, much to the frustration of oncoming traffic. Residents in this area have complained to authorities on many occasions, to no avail. Businesses in this area also complained that they have notified the SAPS of the illegal activity at this site, but to date, no palpable action has been taken. “I drive past this sight for sore eyes every morning, and my children are with me in the vehicle. I have to subject them to these issues, and it is completely uncalled for. How can they just be left to peddle and use drugs in public, without any repercussion,” an irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Upon enquiry with the SAPS Ermelo, Const. Msizane replied as follows: “ The SAPS has attempted to remove these individuals, but the issue is that the municipality must issue us with the by-laws and the way to deal with this matter. We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers. The SAPS can not make an arrest without any evidence, and even if we arrest them for being intoxicated, we do not have drug test kits on hand to provide as evidence to the court. These individuals have been given the option of rehabilitation in Delmas, but refused.” The Tribune ePaper referred this nonsensical response regarding the by-laws to Msukaligwa Local Municipality. As would be expected, Mr. Zwane, spokesman for the municipality, stated that the arrest of these individuals carry no connection with the by-laws of the municipality, and that the enforcement of the law remains the duty of the SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. No respite from stray cattle as another collision occurs 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 26 July 2022 The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. Over the course of several years, cattle owners have systematically circumvented the by-laws of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) with regards to the care, control and branding of cattle and other stray animals. These individuals have also taken advantage of MLM’s lax attitude and have erected pens and makeshift shelters for farm animals in several wards. Despite the municipality’s by-laws stating that no person may keep farm animals in an enclosure or stable within 15 meters of any boundary of any land, dwelling, building or any structure used for human habitation, or 50 meters of any water resource or water supply intended or used for human consumption, transgressors live their best lives without consequence. The unenforced by-laws are wholly ignored, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and danger for motorists and residents. 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. Although it is mandated by the Animal Identification Act, Act 6 of 2000, a large percentage of the stray animals roaming the CBD, roadways, wards and surrounding areas are unmarked and unbranded. The fact that there are no longer pounding services offered by local companies makes life extremely difficult for residents and road users alike. Stray animals and cattle impede the flow of traffic, and have been the cause of many an accident in the vicinity of Ermelo. In rare cases, a cattle herder can be seen lazily coaxing the animals through residential areas, but in the majority of instances these animals are left to their own devices. The inherent danger of stray cattle is especially notable on the N11 Ermelo-Hendrina road, where several serious collisions have been caused by these nuisance strays. These animals are also becoming a nuisance on the N17 and N2, where several instances of collisions with stray cattle have been reported. Due to the municipalitys complete and utter disregard of by-law enforcement, stray cattle issues are expanding deeper into the residential wards, and have also become a nuisance in the CBD, where these animal blindly lumber over busy roadways, oblivious to traffic. In addition to this, stray cattle and animals within wards demolish gardens, tear open refuse bags and unnecessarily rile up neighborhood dogs. On previous occasions, MLM stated that residents should contact the call centre to report such incidents. However, the complete inefficiency of the call centre, coupled with the complete lack of response from municipal departments have made this statement all but redundant. Although the municipal by-laws grants the municipality the power to rapidly fill their coffers by impounding and selling stray animals if they are not collected by their owners, the motivation seems to be lacking for unknown reasons. Despite several previous enquiries, MLM have, to date, failed to step up with a response and solution. The stray livestock have become so used to residential traffic and scolds from angry residents, that not even car horns spook these cattle when they loaf about the streets. Unfortunately, in Ermelo, a blind eye is turned to the issue, which have, and will again, result in a loss of life as motorists collide with these stray animals. A prime example of this is a motorist who collided with a stray animal in Church Street on Saturday, 23 July 2022. The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. The animal was also the cause of another near-miss, as it bucked into oncoming traffic in shock. Luckily, the oncoming vehicle managed to avoid colliding with the animal. On the accident scene, a group of stray cattle could be noted grazing on the sidewalk, with their owner being blissfully unaware of the danger and damage these animals caused. < Previous Article Next Article >

Jabu Ndlovu obtains MPRE certification 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 Jabu achieved the status of Master Practitioner in 2021 after completing his PDE 5 exams. Jabu Ndlovu, principal and owner of Candid Properties, a well-known and respected estate agency in Ermelo, has risen to new heights after obtaining Master Practitioner in Real Estate status. A Master Practitioner in Real Estate (MPRE) is a full-status professional estate agent, practicing as a Principal estate agent who has been issued with a valid fidelity fund certificate, as well as a certificate of professional recognition by the Estate Agency Affairs Board. The holder of such designation is accredited as being a knowledgeable, competent, and skillful principal estate agency practitioner, who is able to perform all estate agency activities, as defined in the Estate Agency Affairs Act, 112 of 1976, with the necessary degree of care and skill in the interest of protecting consumers of estate agency services. Jabu Ndlovu, a resident of Ermelo for more than 20 years, was born in Davel, grew up enjoying the farm life, attending high school at Lindile Secondary School. After completing his school career, Jabu started his upwards trajectory as estate agent at Remax Properties, and then moved to Vleissentraal, where he worked for five years. Candid Properties was established in 2010, with a branch in Ermelo. At first with association with RI Scholtz Estate Agency, but later spread his wings to find its feet in Ermelo. Jabu completed his NQF Levels 4-5 at UNISA, with the PDE 4 board exam following after that. Jabu achieved the status of Master Practitioner in 2021 after completing his PDE 5 exams. “My plans for the future is to create employment for as many aspiring practitioners as I can, and to build bridges to the future. My ultimate goal is to establish Candid Properties as a franchise, and become a household name in South Africa.” Candid Properties currently has branches in Ermelo, Secunda and Emalahleni, creating it’s footprint of real estate excellence.” Jabu would like to thank all his loyal clients for their support, and would like to invite all existing and new clients to contact him regarding their real estate needs on 079 134 2733, or info@candidproperties.net . < Previous Article Next Article >

To date, not a single pothole had been repaired in Hardewyk Road, where the initial repairs were said to start. MLM a no-show as potholes multiply 1/18 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2022 To date, not a single pothole had been repaired in Hardewyk Road, where the initial repairs were said to start. On Wednesday, 19 January 2022, the executive mayor, Cllr Mahlalela, accompanied by the technical services MMC, Cllr Zulu, hosted a meet and greet with affected parties in Hardewyk Road, Nederland Park, to affirm their commitment to improving the service delivery in Ermelo, especially the condition of the roads. Various roleplayers in the private and business sector attended the meeting, explaining how the community is adversely affected by state of the roads in Ermelo. The MMC assured all attendees that they were in the works of procuring the machinery and cold asphalt needed to commence repairs. Fast forward to 29 March 2022, and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) is missing in action. Where the community scoffed at the promises made by the municipal management, the notion of distrust has now taken form. To date, not a single pothole had been repaired in Hardewyk Road, where the initial repairs were said to start. On the contrary, the state of the road is worse, not to mention 90% of the roadways in Ermelo and the surrounding areas. Road users suffer damages to their vehicles and tyres on a daily basis, with no reprieve in sight. Additionally, some of the self-repair strategies do more harm than good, with all manner of construction rubble, bricks and shards of floor tiles being thrown into potholes, which in turn poses an additional danger to both motorists and pedestrians. Most notably, the entirety of Netherland Park is riddled with potholes and sinkholes, with Ermelo East, Cassim Park and De Bruin Park in close contest. Many of Wesselton, Sun City and Nyibe’s roads are completely untraversable. The state of Ermelo’s roads has even caused a large number of residents to mention Ermelo in Jacaranda FM’s show, Breakfast With Martin Bester, along with the hashtag, #Gatvol. Several attempts from the Tribune ePaper to clarify the situation has yielded no results. Several attempts by the Tribune to contact MMC Zulu also yielded no response. < Previous Article Next Article >

1000Kings Presents Launch Festival 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 18 May 2021 All are invited to attend the 1000Kings record launch on Saturday, 22 May 2021, from 10:00 - 19:00, opposite the Old Garage and Carwash and Shisanyama, opposite Cebisa School. Media Statement - "Through to the dedication and commitment that has shown by 1000Kings Movement since it's founding in 2012 to empower Msukaligwa Artists and surrounding areas, National Arts Council #NAC has approved the funds to assist the organization to Launch 1000Kings Records due to the role it played to create jobs, and assist local artists to persuade their careers in a professional manner. In this coming event, 13 jobs will be created in a form of performances on the day of the event. Makhosi Nkosi, the founder of 1000Kings Movement, would like to thank all the stakeholders who reached out to embrace this launch, as well as our local radio stations with our local newspaper (Tribune) for being part of this initiative. We will continue to push Msukaligwa local talent and nurture it." All are invited to attend the 1000Kings record launch on Saturday, 22 May 2021, from 10:00 - 19:00, opposite the Old Garage and Carwash and Shisanyama, opposite Cebisa School. COVID-19 Regulations will be enforced. Enquiries: 073 254 6757 #1000kingsMovement #1000KingsRecords < Previous Article Next Article >

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, is perturbed by incidences where gun taunting individuals often fire shots randomly at funerals. Another incident recently took place over the weekend. These individuals become trigger happy and discharge firearms totally disregarding the law and lives of other funeral attendees or children. General Zuma therefore condemns such incidences in the strongest terms and indicated that such dangerous actions must not be supported. “Bereaved families must assist police and not allow criminals to discharge firearms during funerals of their loved ones, irrespective of how the deceased behaved while still alive. The condemnation by General Zuma comes after four men and a woman were arrested on Saturday, 19 September 2020, by the Tactical Response Team members. The suspects are alleged to have attended a funeral at Masoyi Trust. Their arrest came after police received damning reports about certain individuals who were busy firing shots at a funeral claiming they were bidding farewell to their friend. In that regard, police followed this information and cornered the suspects at Hazyview, whereupon searching them, police found two unlicensed firearms loaded with ammunition. Yesterday, 21 September 2020, the villains made their first appearance at the White River Magistrate’s Court, where they were all remanded in custody until Friday, 25 September 2020. Sfiso Mkhabela 31 years old, Sipho Khoza 36, Sendra Ngwenya 33, Sizwe Johannes Mkhabela 26 and Eulanda Mlimi 28, were all not asked to plea hence they were sent packing back to custody. Last month, a similar incident occurred at Marite Trust near Hazyview where a group of lawlessness individuals also fired shots after a funeral in a so called after tears event. In that occasion, the Tactical Response Team members responded but were shot at by the very same suspects who were negligently using firearms. They (police) had to defend themselves at which two suspects were fatally shot, meanwhile a third one was injured. Two firearms with serial numbers filed off were confiscated and 11 suspects arrested, charged with violation of Lockdown Regulations. Six of the 11 were further charged with nine counts of attempted murder, two counts of murder, three of malicious damage to property and two counts of possession of prohibited firearms. These six suspects were all granted bail ranging between R7000 and R3000, however two abandoned their bail. Their case is expected back at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on 21 October 2020, whereas they will also appear for the Lockdown Regulations’ case on 19 October 2020, which the other five will join them in the dock. “This is surely enough evidence showing how some individuals can disregard the law to that extent. I urge the community not to celebrate such actions nor tap these unscrupulous individuals on their shoulders and unduly crowning them champions or wise. Report these people to the police because they are a danger to the society,” concluded General Zuma. SAPS warns trigger-happy funeral attendees SAPS warns trigger-happy funeral attendees Sfiso Mkhabela, Sipho Khoza, Sendra Ngwenya, Sizwe Johannes Mkhabela and Eulanda Mlimi were arrested at scene. Sfiso Mkhabela, Sipho Khoza, Sendra Ngwenya, Sizwe Johannes Mkhabela and Eulanda Mlimi were arrested at scene. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 23 September 2020 The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, is perturbed by incidences where gun taunting individuals often fire shots randomly at funerals. Another incident recently took place over the weekend. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, is perturbed by incidences where gun taunting individuals often fire shots randomly at funerals. Another incident recently took place over the weekend. These individuals become trigger happy and discharge firearms totally disregarding the law and lives of other funeral attendees or children. General Zuma therefore condemns such incidences in the strongest terms and indicated that such dangerous actions must not be supported. “Bereaved families must assist police and not allow criminals to discharge firearms during funerals of their loved ones, irrespective of how the deceased behaved while still alive. The condemnation by General Zuma comes after four men and a woman were arrested on Saturday, 19 September 2020, by the Tactical Response Team members. The suspects are alleged to have attended a funeral at Masoyi Trust. Their arrest came after police received damning reports about certain individuals who were busy firing shots at a funeral claiming they were bidding farewell to their friend. In that regard, police followed this information and cornered the suspects at Hazyview, whereupon searching them, police found two unlicensed firearms loaded with ammunition. Yesterday, 21 September 2020, the villains made their first appearance at the White River Magistrate’s Court, where they were all remanded in custody until Friday, 25 September 2020. Sfiso Mkhabela 31 years old, Sipho Khoza 36, Sendra Ngwenya 33, Sizwe Johannes Mkhabela 26 and Eulanda Mlimi 28, were all not asked to plea hence they were sent packing back to custody. Last month, a similar incident occurred at Marite Trust near Hazyview where a group of lawlessness individuals also fired shots after a funeral in a so called after tears event. In that occasion, the Tactical Response Team members responded but were shot at by the very same suspects who were negligently using firearms. They (police) had to defend themselves at which two suspects were fatally shot, meanwhile a third one was injured. Two firearms with serial numbers filed off were confiscated and 11 suspects arrested, charged with violation of Lockdown Regulations. Six of the 11 were further charged with nine counts of attempted murder, two counts of murder, three of malicious damage to property and two counts of possession of prohibited firearms. These six suspects were all granted bail ranging between R7000 and R3000, however two abandoned their bail. Their case is expected back at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on 21 October 2020, whereas they will also appear for the Lockdown Regulations’ case on 19 October 2020, which the other five will join them in the dock. “This is surely enough evidence showing how some individuals can disregard the law to that extent. I urge the community not to celebrate such actions nor tap these unscrupulous individuals on their shoulders and unduly crowning them champions or wise. Report these people to the police because they are a danger to the society,” concluded General Zuma. < Previous Article Next Article >

Don’t miss SARS deadline 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 For more details on the submission of payroll data and the online platforms available for submission, employers can visit the PAYE page on the SARS website www.sars.gov.za . The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is calling on employers to prepare data for the annual employers filing season. “SARS calls on employers to ensure that they are ready to submit their annual reconciliation declarations with the latest and most accurate payroll information about their employees and the tax they have deducted,” said the revenue service. The revenue service said it is committed to providing certainty and clarity to all taxpayers and traders regarding their tax and customs obligations so that they can remain compliant and to ensure that transacting with the organization is as simple and easy as possible. At the same time, SARS expects that providers of third-party information from institutions who administer medical aid schemes, retirement annuities and others also provide the latest and accurate information to make it easy for taxpayers who are required to file an income tax return, stated the revenue service. However, the ease and simplicity of transactions with SARS depends on each segment of taxpayers, traders and third parties fulfilling their legal obligations to ensure a seamless service offering by SARS. The data that must be submitted to SARS from employers should cover the monthly employer declarations submitted, payments made and Tax Certificates (IRP5/IT3) as generated, covering the full tax year from 1 March to 28 February. Information submitted by third parties should cover the same tax period. “From the side of employers, their payroll data is of vital importance to SARS. Firstly, it gives a reconciled account of what amounts of tax the employer deducted from the taxable remuneration of each of its employees. Secondly, it shows what amount of tax the employer has paid to SARS on behalf of the employee. It also records other allowances that an employer pays to an employee as part of their remuneration benefits,” said the revenue service. Based on this payroll information and data from third parties, SARS will be able to issue an income tax return to taxpayers that is pre-populated with the relevant information for the ease and convenience of taxpayers who do not have complex tax affairs. For these taxpayers, filing a return becomes a simple matter of checking that all the information pre-populated on the return is correct and then submitting the return to SARS.” Employers and third parties have from 1 April 2021, until 31 May 2021 to submit their data to SARS. Employers who fail to submit payroll data on time may become liable for late submission penalties of up to 10% of the value of their payroll. “In the interests of their employers and a seamless and hassle-free filing season, we urge all employers to now prepare accurate and up-to-date information that should be submitted to SARS. “ For more details on the submission of payroll data and the online platforms available for submission, employers can visit the PAYE page on the SARS website www.sars.gov.za . < Previous Article Next Article >