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AfriForum-takke in Mpumalanga help gemeenskappe tydens COVID 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 Junie 2020 Die takke in die provinsie – Bethal, Delmas, Ermelo, Leandra, Lydenburg, Machadodorp, Middelburg, Nelspruit, Piet Retief, Secunda, Standerton, Witbank en Witrivier – het altesaam meer as R150 000 se voedsel, handreiniger en maskers versprei. Hierdie projekte is gefinansier vanuit skenkings, takfondse en die taknoodfonds wat tydens die inperking op die been gebring is. AfriForum se takke in Mpumalanga het die afgelope maand meer as 30 ton voedsel aan behoeftige gesinne uitgedeel. Die aksie is in samewerking met Solidariteit Helpende Hand, Saai en verskeie ander organisasies aangepak om gemeenskappe tydens die staat van inperking te ondersteun. Groot nood het in gemeenskappe ontstaan nadat sommige mense nie tydens die inperking salarisse ontvang het nie of selfs hul werk verloor het omdat ondernemings hul deure moes sluit. ’n Taakspan wat uit AfriForum, Saai en Solidariteit Helpende Hand bestaan, is op die been gebring om die verspreiding van voedsel na gemeenskappe op ’n georganiseerde wyse te bestuur. Die takke in die provinsie – Bethal, Delmas, Ermelo, Leandra, Lydenburg, Machadodorp, Middelburg, Nelspruit, Piet Retief, Secunda, Standerton, Witbank en Witrivier – het altesaam meer as R150 000 se voedsel, handreiniger en maskers versprei. Hierdie projekte is gefinansier vanuit skenkings, takfondse en die taknoodfonds wat tydens die inperking op die been gebring is. “Dit is wonderlik om te sien dat gemeenskappe saamstaan en mekaar in dié moeilike tyd ondersteun. Baie van die kospakkies wat versprei word, is moontlik gemaak danksy skenkings wat ons by mense in die gemeenskap ontvang het. Dit sou nie moontlik gewees het om dié projek te dryf sonder die hulp van die gemeenskap nie,” sê Hennie Bekker, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Laeveld. AfriForum het ook ’n noodfonds vir elke tak geskep wat gebruik word om hierdie aksies volhoubaar voort te sit. Lede van die publiek kan skenkings aan die noodfonds maak wat weer gebruik word om noodsaaklike produkte vir behoeftiges aan te koop. Mense wat skenkings wil maak, kan hul naaste tak kontak vir meer inligting of die taknoodfonds-blad op AfriForum se webtuiste besoek. Sluit vandag nog by AfriForum aan en help ons om ’n daadwerklike verskil in mense se lewens te maak. SMS jou naam na 45350 (R1) en word deel van die oplossing. < Previous Article Next Article >

Aan my liefste ouma, my laaste brief 1/1 Share Supplied Content 14 June 2022 "Ons het ouma lief, hierdie is my laaste brief aan my oumie. Ek is jammer, ouma." Brief - My hart is seer, my oë moeg, ek was nie gereed om ouma so te groet nie. Ek is so ongelooflik jammer dat ouma se laaste paar maande op die aarde, ouma se maande van hel was. Ek wens ek kon tyd terug draai, maar al wat ek nou kan doen is om ouma se verhaal te vertel met die hoop dat ander kinders en kleinkinders mooi dink voor hulle ooit hulle oupa’s en ouma’s in Ermelo SAVF ouetehuis sit. Ek is jammer ouma se mond was goud geel, aangeplak en vrot van die plaak toe ouma uiteindelik opgeneem is in die hospitaal, na dae wat ouma nie kon eet of drink het nie. Ek het gedink ouma is vol nonsens, maar toe die dieëtkundige moes jaag om ouma se mond met koeksoda skoon te probeer skrop, en sy vir ons sê dat ouma nie sou kon eet nie want met so aangeplakte vuil mond proe alles wat ouma ineem letterlik vrot, en soos uriene, het ek my hart voel breek! Ouma het letterlik net swakker en swakker geword omrede ouma nie kon eet nie, nie omdat ouma nie wou eet nie. Toe ons die tehuis vra vir ouma se tandeborsel was daar nie eers een in ouma se “frail care” kamer nie! Ek het keer op keer waneer ek kom kuier het ouma se vol kateter sak op die vloer opgetel, waar die sak oop en bloot net op die grond langs ouma se bed gelê het. Die pyp van daai sak is ook net so lank! Ek kan nie dink hoe seer dit in ouma se privaat dele moes wees nie! Dit moes vreeslik getrek het! Watse verleentheid dit nie vir ouma moes wees nie! N eens mooi statige, altyd netjiese vrou, nou ‘n verwaarlose tannie, met haar uriene op die grond langs haar bed! Sou dit so baie moeite wees vir die verpleegsters, of selfs bestuur, om dit net toe te maak met ‘n deel van ouma se laken, en op die hak van die spesiale bed waarin ouma gelê het te hak! Dis tog immers waarom die bed een het! Ek’s so jammer ouma moes sulke vernedering deurgaan. Vir dae aaneen kon ouma ook nie eet nie, omrede die kos wat vir ouma gegee is nie gepas was vir ouma se behoeftes en swak stadium nie... wat my die seerste maak is dat daar nie eers iemand was wat ouma probeer voer het nie! Ouma was bedlêend, maar ouma se naels was bruin vuil van die aangepakte kos soos ouma self probeer eet het! Plat op ouma se rug moes ouma probeer oorleef. Snags het boeta gery om ouma se water bottel, wat dae en ure lank leeg was, by die kraan vol te maak. Hoeveel keer het ek nie by ouma se bed gekom en gesmeek, asseblief, maak net my ouma se water vol nie. Hoeveel ure voor ons kon kom kuier, selfs soms dae, het ouma sonder ‘n druppel water deur gegaan nie? Ek is jammer ons kuier is kort geknip die dag wat die tannie twee kamers weg van ouma op die koue teëls geval het. Ek kon haar gehuil en geroep na hulp nie meer ignoreer nie, en het na die susters stasie, direk oorkant haar kamer, gegaan en die personeel gesmeek dat hulle my asseblief moet kom help haar optel. Jammer ek kon nie langer sit en ouma se naels ,wat bruin van vuil was, skoon maak nie. Ouma, ek weet ouma het ‘n skoon netjiese kamer verdien, dis waarom ons maar beurte probeer maak het om ouma se kamer op te ruim, en ouma se asblik wat altyd oorvol was, leeg te maak. Dit het my gebreek toe ek die hoeveelste keer pille onder ouma se bed op die vuil vloer moes kry... Tot vandag toe kan niemand vir my sê hoekom niemand seker gemaak het ouma drink ouma se pille nie! Hoekom niemand ouma gehelp het as ouma dit laat val nie. Ek kan net dink hoe frustrerend dit vir ouma moes wees, ouma was bedlêend en kon dit nie eers self optel nie. Ek weet ouma het ‘n hele paar keer probeer kla, maar elke keer is ouma se klagtes uitgemaak as ouma se eie skuld. Hoeveel keer het ouma nie my hand gegryp as ek gegroet het nie, en my gesmeek om aseblief net ouma saam te vat, ek wens ek kon, maar ek kon nie. Ek is net bitter bly, maar met ‘n seer hart, nou kan ek ouma se verhaal van hel vertel want nooit weer kan hulle op ouma pik omdat ouma praat van wat aangaan in daai gebou van hel nie. Ek wens ek het ouma eerder in Hendrina Ouetehuis gesit, maar ons het geglo wat die nuwe bestuur in Ermelo ons belowe het! Ons het geglo dat ouma met liefde en respek behandel sou word, en die beste diens en 24 uur hulp in die “frail care” eenheid na ouma se operasie sou kry! Dat die personeel “top”opgelei is om ouma die nabehandeling te kon gee van die operasie. Ons het ten duurste betaal vir al die mooi beloftes! Mamma en pappa kon ouma nie invat nie, hulle is self nie meer vandag se kinders nie. Ek en boeta werk voldag, en sou nie ouma kon versorg 24 uur ‘n dag nie, maar ouma hoe spyt is ek nie vandag ons het nie geweet wat vir ouma wag nie! Ouma is letterlik net in die ouetehuis gelos om dood te gaan. Die ou, maer tannie wat in die hospitaal gelê het, se nalaat op haar liggaam bewys die hel waardeur ouma is! Nuwe oor geverfde gange en gordyne, opgedonste kamers, 5-ster professionele diens, beste gehalte gesonde kos gepas vir ouma se toestand en al die nuwe bestuur se mooi beloftes is nie wat ouma beleef het nie. Die jaar 2022 was ouma se laaste jaar, op 24 Mei 2022 is ouma hospitaal toe. Dokter het gesê hy gaan ouma nie terug stuur as ouma hier uit kom nie, want hulle kan nie vir ouma sorg nie, ouma was in ‘n walglike kondisie. Op 2 Junie 2022 het Liewe Jesus ouma kom haal. Of dit ouma se tyd was, weet ek nie, maar dokter kon nie ouma se infeksie telling afkry nie, as gevolg van ouma se bakterieë in ouma se mond wat alles binne ouma aangetas het! Ouma, ek weet ouma is nou pyn vry by Liewe Jesus, maar moes ouma so mishandel en verwaarloos word, so seer hê voor ouma se dood? Is dit waarvoor ons so bitter duur betaal het? Ons kan ouma nooit terug bring nie! Ek kan nie eers vir ouma sê ek is jammer nie, al wat ek kan doen is om ander oupa’s en ouma’s te red met ouma se laaste paar maande se gebeure! Al wat ek kan doen om die seer, die lelik beter te maak, is om ouma se waarheid van hel te deel! Al help dit een persoon om twee keer te dink voor hulle hul geliefdes in daai gebou in druk, dan is ouma se lyding ten minste iets werd! Jammer ek kon nie vroeër praat nie, ek was te besig om my ouma te sien uit teer en doodgaan. Ons het ouma lief, hierdie is my laaste brief aan my oumie. Ek is jammer, ouma. - Hartseer Kleinkinders < Previous Article Next Article >

Report on alleged racism at Ligbron Academy of Technology 1/1 Share Content Supplied 30 August 2022 We will compile and use reports of learners who were directly involved in order to assist Labour Relations. Statement - On 24 August 2022 at 13:00 our Deputy Head boy informed me of an alleged racism incident that happened at school. The learners were unhappy about the situation and were planning a mass action in response. Reports of alleged racism were lodged by a group of grade 12 learners. These included complaints related to both verbal and physical assault on learners. The incident took place on 18 August 2022 when a group of grade 12 learners attempted to organise a mass bunk and ran out of the classes, disrupting the school’s programme. Mr. G Pretorius, an HOD at our school, was allegedly involved in the incident when he attempted to restore order and get learners back to class. Actions that were taken: The Circuit manager, Dr. Mango was notified, The SGB was notified. Mr. Phako, a delegate of the District of Gert Sibande and representing the HOD of the province, is assisting us concerning these allegations. A meeting with learners in Grade 12 was held. Their grievances were lodged and noted. The following concerns were addressed: Language policy, verbal abuse by Mr Pretorius, Code of Conduct and Teachers’ conduct. Actions to be taken: We will relieve the teacher of his duties and responsibilities as head of the RCL. Steps will be taken to defuse the situation by limiting contact with learners where Mr. Pretorius is actively involved with the learners until the investigation is completed. Therefore, Mr. Pretorius will be on leave from the 25 August 2022. The relevant parties will review our Code of Conduct. We will compile and use reports of learners who were directly involved in order to assist Labour Relations. Work sessions, focussing on the awareness of diversity in classrooms, will be held with teachers. The SGB commits to investigating and reporting on this matter. - As received from Ligbron due to demand from parents and learners < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Woensdag, 4 Augustus was daar verskeie plunderaars wat 3 vragmotors, asook een dubbel kajuit bakkie aan die brand gesteek het op die N2. Die rede vir die plundering was weens werk wat gesoek word by die Merino Mall. Konstabel Nkambule, wat van die speurtak is, was die ondersoek beampte, en kon daarin slaag om op 5 Augustus vir Mandla Prince Khumalo (22) te arresteer. Op 6 Augustus het Konstabel Nkambule vir Mduduzi Joseph Mzala Pondzole (36) en Makhozi Eszon Msayi Dlamini (57) vasgetrek, en op 9 Augustus het hy Mpendulo Gift Dladla ook gearresteer. Die vier verdagtes het op Dinsdag, 10 Augustus in die Ermelo hof verskyn. Die verdagtes is aangekla vir openbare geweld, kwaadwillige saakbeskadiging, sameswering om noodsaaklike infrastruktuur te beskadig, en skade of inmenging met die elektrisiteitstoevoer. Die verdagtes het die steenkool vragmotors geforseer om te stop, die sleutels gesteel en die bestuurders van die vragmotors geintimideer, waarna hulle die vragmotors aan die brand gesteek het. Die waarde van die drie vragmotors wat hulle aan die brand gesteek het is ongeveer R7 500 000.00. Die laaste aanklag van skade of inmenging met die elektrisiteitstoevoer is weens die feit dat die vragmotors steenkool vervoer het na Camden Kragstasie, waar hulle die steenkool nodig het vir elektrisiteitstoevoer. Verdagte 1 en 4 bly in aanhouding weens vorige sake wat nog nie afgehandel is nie, en verdagte 3 en 4 kan R15 000 opdok vir borg, of hulle bly in aanhouding. Die saak is uitgestel tot 24 Augustus 2021 vir verdere ondersoek. N2 plunderaars maak eerste verskyning in hof N2 plunderaars maak eerste verskyning in hof 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 17 August 2021 Die waarde van die drie vragmotors wat hulle aan die brand gesteek het is ongeveer R7 500 000.00. Die laaste aanklag van skade of inmenging met die elektrisiteitstoevoer is weens die feit dat die vragmotors steenkool vervoer het na Camden Kragstasie, waar hulle die steenkool nodig het vir elektrisiteitstoevoer. Op Woensdag, 4 Augustus was daar verskeie plunderaars wat 3 vragmotors, asook een dubbel kajuit bakkie aan die brand gesteek het op die N2. Die rede vir die plundering was weens werk wat gesoek word by die Merino Mall. Konstabel Nkambule, wat van die speurtak is, was die ondersoek beampte, en kon daarin slaag om op 5 Augustus vir Mandla Prince Khumalo (22) te arresteer. Op 6 Augustus het Konstabel Nkambule vir Mduduzi Joseph Mzala Pondzole (36) en Makhozi Eszon Msayi Dlamini (57) vasgetrek, en op 9 Augustus het hy Mpendulo Gift Dladla ook gearresteer. Die vier verdagtes het op Dinsdag, 10 Augustus in die Ermelo hof verskyn. Die verdagtes is aangekla vir openbare geweld, kwaadwillige saakbeskadiging, sameswering om noodsaaklike infrastruktuur te beskadig, en skade of inmenging met die elektrisiteitstoevoer. Die verdagtes het die steenkool vragmotors geforseer om te stop, die sleutels gesteel en die bestuurders van die vragmotors geintimideer, waarna hulle die vragmotors aan die brand gesteek het. Die waarde van die drie vragmotors wat hulle aan die brand gesteek het is ongeveer R7 500 000.00. Die laaste aanklag van skade of inmenging met die elektrisiteitstoevoer is weens die feit dat die vragmotors steenkool vervoer het na Camden Kragstasie, waar hulle die steenkool nodig het vir elektrisiteitstoevoer. Verdagte 1 en 4 bly in aanhouding weens vorige sake wat nog nie afgehandel is nie, en verdagte 3 en 4 kan R15 000 opdok vir borg, of hulle bly in aanhouding. Die saak is uitgestel tot 24 Augustus 2021 vir verdere ondersoek. < Previous Article Next Article >

Water wastage in Mpumalanga raises eyebrows 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Albert Luthuli Local Municipality’s water loss increased from 15% to a whopping 51% in the 2018/19 financial year. For several years, Mpumalanga’s municipalities have been affected by old and dilapidated water infrastructure, which in turn affects the provision of water, as is the case in Lekwa and Thaba Chweu local municipalities. The Democratic Alliance (DA) have written to the Premier, asking her to ensure that the 2% which is ringfenced from all of the Department's budgets for maintenance of existing infrastructure, is used to deal with the issues of old and dilapidated water infrastructure in municipalities. Having access to a stable water supply plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. Having stable access to a water source drives the agricultural sectors, abattoirs, food processing plants and supports heavy industries in our province. The distribution of water in Mpumalanga is also hampered further by debt which is owed to external entities such as Rand Water. Rand Water, in turn, implement water throttling and water pressure reductions for outstanding amounts. In Lekwa Local Municipality, the inability to provide a stable water source affected companies such as Astral Foods. In the case of Astral Foods, the shortage of water cost the company close to R100 million, and threatens the job security of the workers. Water losses through leaks and old dilapidated infrastructure caused Lekwa Local Municipality to lose 83% of the total water that was purchased in the 2018/19 financial year. Thaba Chweu Local Municipality’s water losses increased from 66% in 2017/18, to 69% in the 2018/19 financial year. Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality increased from losing 29% of the total water purchased in 2017/18, to a worrying 61% in the 2018/19 financial year, and Albert Luthuli Local Municipality’s water loss increased from 15% in the 2017/18 financial year, to a whopping 51% in the 2018/19 financial year. The DA’s COGTA representative will also investigate water outages and wastage in Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Residents in Ermelo, Breyten, Chrissiesmeer and surroundings are urged to report their water issues, be it wastage or water outages, by sending a WhatsApp to 071 885 2505, or by sending an e-mail to editor@highveldtribune.com . If possible, these reports may include photos, and an exact address or area where the issue is experienced must be included. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die spelers het waardevolle ondervinding opgedoen ter voorbereiding van die Groot Vyf tennis toernooi eerskomende naweek in Nelspruit. EHS atlete gereed vir Interhoër 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 15 February 2022 Die spelers het waardevolle ondervinding opgedoen ter voorbereiding van die Groot Vyf tennis toernooi eerskomende naweek in Nelspruit. Op Vrydag, 11 Februarie, het die Erries te Hoërskool Midstream deelgeneem aan die Midstream Atletiekbyeenkoms met deelnemende skole soos Midstream College, Hoërskool Alberton, Hoërskool Overkruin en Curro Hazeldean. Dit was die laaste geleentheid vir die seisoen ter voorbereiding van Interhoër. “Deur hierdie seisoen het die Errie-atlete hul goed van hul taak gekwyt, en ons wil ons opgewondenheid spreek oor die Interhoër wat Saterdag, 19 Januarie gaan plaasvind te Secunda Stadion. Ons is ongelooflik trots op die Errie-Atlete, en ons het volle vertroue dat julle ons baie trots gaan maak by hierdie puik geleentheid.” Die seuns eerste-tennis span van Hoërskool Ermelo het ook Vrydag, terwyl die atletiekbyeenkoms teen Midstream College plaasgevind het, deelgeneem. Die spelers het waardevolle ondervinding opgedoen ter voorbereiding van die Groot Vyf tennis toernooi eerskomende naweek in Nelspruit. < Previous Article Next Article >

Vuurwapen amnestie word verleng 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 Augustus 2020 Die polisie het gesê geen vrywaring word toegestaan vir vuurwapens wat gebruik word om enige misdaad te pleeg nie, en alle vuurwapens wat ingehandig is, sal ballisties getoets word om te verseker dat dit nie gebruik is in die pleging van misdade voordat dit vir vernietiging oorweeg kan word nie. Onwettige vuurwapeneienaars kry 'n tweede kans met die nuwe vuurwapenperiode wat sal duur tot 31 Januarie 2021. Die vorige amnestietydperk was vanaf Desember verlede jaar tot Mei vanjaar, maar is deur die COVID-19 pandemie in die wiele gery. Die SAPS glo dat daar baie meer vuurwapens daarbuite is wat nog oorgegee moet word, en het die beperkings op Vlak 4 en 5 van grendeltyd verhinder dat mense hul onwettige, ongewenste en ongelisensieerde vuurwapens en ammunisie inslaan. Dit het die minister van SAPS, generaal Bheki Cele, genoop om die parlement te nader om 'n nuwe aansoek van 'n amnestietydperk van ses maande goed te keur. Die goedkeuring van die nuwe aansoek is sedertdien op 31 Julie vanjaar in die Staatskoerant gepubliseer, waardeur alle mense met onwettige of ongewenste vuurwapens sowel as ammunisie dit by hul naaste polisiekantoor kan inhandig. Die polisie het mense aangespoor om hierdie periode te benut om hul vuurwapens en ammunisie in te dien vir vernietiging, of hernuwing van 'n bevoegdheidsertifikaat en 'n geldige lisensie. Die jongste statistieke oor nasionale misdaad toon weereens dat vuurwapens die voorkeurwapen in die pleging van die meeste geweldsmisdaad was. Die vermindering van die sirkulasie van vuurwapens kan die plaag van geweldsmisdade heelwat verminder, en die amnestie van die vuurwapens beoog om 'n verminderde aantal vuurwapens wat onwettig besit in die land in omloop te sien. Dit bied dus vuurwapeneienaars die geleentheid om onwettige en ongewenste vuurwapens in te dien, wat sal lei tot die voorkoming van misdaad en die bevordering van veiligheid om te verseker dat mense wat in Suid-Afrika woon, veilig is en voel. Die polisie het gesê geen vrywaring word toegestaan vir vuurwapens wat gebruik word om enige misdaad te pleeg nie, en alle vuurwapens wat ingehandig is, sal ballisties getoets word om te verseker dat dit nie gebruik is in die pleging van misdade voordat dit vir vernietiging oorweeg kan word nie. Vir navrae oor vuurwapenamnestie, kontak 012 353 6111, of stuur 'n e-pos na cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

As the Merino Mall’s construction is progressing swiftly, senseless acts of violence and intimidation seem to be the order of the day from residents in Ermelo and the surrounding informal settlements. Several serious allegations have surfaced, ranging from incitement of violence from prominent business men in the area, to death threats, and threats of a complete shutdown of Ermelo if inane demands aren’t adhered to. On Wednesday, 4 August 2021, various reports were received from residents marching through Ermelo, armed with knives, pangas, sticks and pipes. Authorities responded swiftly, and dispersed the crowds. According to available information, infighting between residents residing in opposing informal settlements over employment opportunities at the Merino Mall construction site was the cause of the ruckus. Although the crowds dispersed, later the same evening all hell broke loose on the N2 Acacia crossing, which is notorious for the senseless acts of violence from the residents in the area. Three trucks and a light vehicle were set alight in an apparent act of protest, while two other trucks were damaged by suspects. In an act of mindlessness, one of the drivers of the heavy vehicles was also severely beaten by protestors. The sudden surge of violence prompted police and the SANDF to maintain heightened visibility for several days after the fact. The police in Ermelo called, and still calls, on members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the suspects who set the vehicles alight. The probe continues, and residents with information pertaining to the incident are urged to come forward. Five people were arrested in connection with the violence and arson of the vehicles. The five suspects that were arrested are aged between 30 to 58-years old. The suspects are expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 10 August 2021. Needless violence from protestors plague N2 Needless violence from protestors plague N2 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2021 Five people were arrested in connection with the violence and arson of the vehicles. The probe continues, and residents with information pertaining to the incident are urged to come forward. As the Merino Mall’s construction is progressing swiftly, senseless acts of violence and intimidation seem to be the order of the day from residents in Ermelo and the surrounding informal settlements. Several serious allegations have surfaced, ranging from incitement of violence from prominent business men in the area, to death threats, and threats of a complete shutdown of Ermelo if inane demands aren’t adhered to. On Wednesday, 4 August 2021, various reports were received from residents marching through Ermelo, armed with knives, pangas, sticks and pipes. Authorities responded swiftly, and dispersed the crowds. According to available information, infighting between residents residing in opposing informal settlements over employment opportunities at the Merino Mall construction site was the cause of the ruckus. Although the crowds dispersed, later the same evening all hell broke loose on the N2 Acacia crossing, which is notorious for the senseless acts of violence from the residents in the area. Three trucks and a light vehicle were set alight in an apparent act of protest, while two other trucks were damaged by suspects. In an act of mindlessness, one of the drivers of the heavy vehicles was also severely beaten by protestors. The sudden surge of violence prompted police and the SANDF to maintain heightened visibility for several days after the fact. The police in Ermelo called, and still calls, on members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the suspects who set the vehicles alight. The probe continues, and residents with information pertaining to the incident are urged to come forward. Five people were arrested in connection with the violence and arson of the vehicles. The five suspects that were arrested are aged between 30 to 58-years old. The suspects are expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 10 August 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rietspruit Farm was also the star of a dodgy deal saga, that involved the DOHS state security minister, one Bongani Bongo. At the time, Bongo was the head of legal at Mpumalanga DOHS, where Rietspruit Farm was purchased by the department for a whopping R36 million. It came to light that the farm was actually valued at a mere R12 million. Rietspruit Farm finally allocated for housing The residents who invaded the farm in 2018, amidst corruption allegations within the DOHS. Rietspruit Farm was also the star of a dodgy deal saga, that involved the DOHS state security minister, one Bongani Bongo. Cllr. Mkhaliphi during the sod-turning ceremony. The residents who invaded the farm in 2018, amidst corruption allegations within the DOHS. 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 Rietspruit Farm was also the star of a dodgy deal saga, that involved the DOHS state security minister, one Bongani Bongo. At the time, Bongo was the head of legal at Mpumalanga DOHS, where Rietspruit Farm was purchased by the department for a whopping R36 million. It came to light that the farm was actually valued at a mere R12 million. In a surprising turn of events, Rietspruit Farm near Ermelo (also known as Extension 44), has been allocated by the Department of Human Settlements (DOHS) to house nearly 5 000 housing units. This flagship project was recently officiated by Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, during a sod-turning ceremony. Gert Sibande District Municipality GSDM) regional planning unveiled that a reported 5 760 stands will be made available, with an estimated 4 000 mixed housing opportunities. Plans for more than 600 rental units were also mentioned. The project will be constructed on portion 6 of the site. Residential, retail and parks were touted as the main attraction, and water, sewage and roads infrastructure will be made available by DOHS. According to available information, DOHS purchased the land, and it was handed to MLM for the purpose of this development. DOHS will also appoint town planners to spearhead the development. This development did not come to pass without its fair share of woes and unrest from the community, who invaded the land in 2018. Thousands of residents flocked to the site to mark and measure out their stands, as word was passed around that development was planned at the site. Rietspruit Farm was also the star of a dodgy deal saga, that involved the DOHS state security minister, one Bongani Bongo. At the time, Bongo was the head of legal at Mpumalanga DOHS, where Rietspruit Farm was purchased by the department for a whopping R36 million. It came to light that the farm was actually valued at a mere R12 million, and the Hawks pounced with an extensive investigation. Bongo was later axed due to several reasons, which included failure to deliver on RDP housing and allegations of politicking. He has, however, been reintegrated into parliament, where he now faces charges of corruption and bribery involving Eskom and state capture. The Rietspruit Farm allocation has been a sleeper since 2011, and is seemingly finally been brought to potential by the DOHS. < Previous Article Next Article >

The underground electrical cables around the swimming pool has been excavated and melted down inside the building. Enterprising looters have also begun breaking down sections of the walls and chipping the bricks clean, presumably for personal use or sale. Vandalism rife as MLM looks the other way 1/8 Share GK CRONJE 13 July 2021 The underground electrical cables around the swimming pool has been excavated and melted down inside the building. Enterprising looters have also begun breaking down sections of the walls and chipping the bricks clean, presumably for personal use or sale. With great execrations and excitement, the Pet Dam reform project was announced in mid 2016. Golden promises of ablution blocks, braai areas, security gates and operating hours turned out to be little more than a lick and a promise. Sibongintuthuko Construction was awarded the tender to construct the Betwaview fence, which would be part of the reform project. The fence spans a distance of 720 meters, and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) stated that the costs were covered by a Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG). According to MLM at the time, the fencing of the Pet Dam was an initiative bt Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM). However, absolutely nothing has come of the project, and to date, the state of the Pet Dam, public swimming pool and surrounding area has, in fact, regressed in shocking fashion. Since its construction, the fence has rusted, sagged and is now lopsided. Sections have been destroyed by vehicular accidents, and a section has been cut open by vandals to provide easy shortcuts to the loot at the abandoned public swimming pool. Despite promises from MLM and GSDM that the area would be spruced up, and that the public swimming pool would be, once again, be an popular attraction, the exact opposite has transpired. The main purpose of the fence has been defeated, and loitering, littering and groups of vagrants and vandals setting up camp in the husk of the swimming pool building is the order of the day. Despite enquiries from over the span of several months, no response has been received from neither the GSDM Communication Unit, nor MLM. Several instances of vandalism and looting had been reported since approximately 2017, where intoxicated residents partying at the swimming pool building damaged the building in their drunken stupor. Fast forward to 2021, and the swimming pool, building, pump house and storage room has been looted of all that is valuable. A lack of action taken by both MLM and the SAPS is to blame. Residents in the vicinity of the Pet Dam has complained on several occasions that they have reported instances of looting and vandalism to the SAPS, who in turn claimed that they either did not have vehicles, or did not have officers to respond to the complaints. Upon investigation, the swimming pool building is an empty husk. Literally everything for value has been stripped from the building. The bathrooms have been vandalized beyond repair, with basins, toilets, shower heads and taps being long gone. The pump room has been systematically looted, with the water pipes being sawn off to access the inner copper lining. The filtration tanks are being cut apart piece by piece, and will soon be carried away as well. The lower parts of the roof has been looted and the beams are missing. Even the metal front gate, which was once locked, is missing. All window frames have been looted, and bricks have been gouged from the walls to strip the water pipes. The inside area of the swimming pool is strewn with melted plastic casings of electrical cables, and the remnants of the electrical infrastructure leaves nothing to be looted. The underground electrical cables around the swimming pool has been excavated and melted down inside the building. Enterprising looters have also begun breaking down sections of the walls and chipping the bricks clean, presumably for personal use or sale. The swimming pool, as well as the kid’s splash pool, is kept full by a water leak emanating from a looted water pipe. The leak had been reported to MLM in 2017, and the municipality has, to date, failed to take action to remedy the leak. It begs the question as to who foots the bill for this colossal waste of potable water, and why MLM has failed to take action in this regard. When all is said and done, the swimming pool, the surrounding buildings and the ghastly Pet Dam are all part of the large-scale collapse of Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The once glorious swimming pool is but a shadow if its former self, with the smell of urine and feces further tainting the dilapidated image of the site. Even amidst loud, yet hollow barking from councillors who threatened to lock the gates of the Pet Dam and hire security companies, the deafening silence of utter incompetence overbears all. < Previous Article Next Article >

MBCF takes off the kid gloves 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 17 November 2020 MLM is provisionally prohibited from imposing municipal load shedding at will, unless reductions or interruptions are associated with national load shedding or maintenance. The legal council for the Msukaligwa Business and Community Forum (MBCF), Mr. Andreas Peens, recently joined in a meeting with members of the MBCF committee in Ermelo. The case was heard in court on 12 November 2020, regarding the matter of the application to stop the NMD load shedding currently being implemented by Eskom and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). The conjoined efforts by Mr. Peens, MBCF and affiliates paid off, with the court ordering the provisional suspension of municipal load shedding. Eskom has been ordered to issue and file applications compelling the indebted municipalities, which include MLM, to settle arrear amounts owed on, or before 30 November 2020. The municipalities have time to lodge applications until 14 December 2020, with Eskom granted time to file replying affidavits no later than 31 December 2020. Hence, MLM is provisionally prohibited from imposing municipal load shedding at will, unless reductions or interruptions are associated with national load shedding or maintenance. Should MLM fail to adhere to the conditions, MBCF is granted leave to re-enroll the matter in the urgent court for argument. The costs associated with the enrolments are appearances in urgent court during the week of 10 November 2020, as well as the time scheduled for actual appearances are reserved at this time. “People have been accepting the unacceptable for far too long, and unfortunately there are no quick fixes. But what is important is to start.” Mr. Peens has stated. To support the MBCF cause, donations can be made to Msukaligwa Business and Community Forum, Standard Bank, account number 031064701, Ermelo branch, with branch code 052844. Kindly remember to use your cellphone number as reference. Business owners and residents who would like to become members, can do so by completing the membership form. Membership costs entail R300 per household, annually, and R1200 per business, annually. For more enquiries, please contact 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >

Like a frog in a pot of slowly heating water, criminal elements coax more and more from MLM with each passing day, and the lack of maintenance to infrastructure makes it a walk in the park. Scenes such as this one in Erica Avenue is commonplace, with more and more substation doors, coverings, wiring and internals making a miraculous disappearance with each passing day. Ripe for the picking 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 16 June 2020 Like a frog in a pot of slowly heating water, criminal elements coax more and more from MLM with each passing day, and the lack of maintenance to infrastructure makes it a walk in the park. Scenes such as this one in Erica Avenue is commonplace, with more and more substation doors, coverings, wiring and internals making a miraculous disappearance with each passing day. Amidst constant electricity outages and rotational load shedding by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), sub- and mini-substations are systematically stripped away and vandalized. Like a frog in a pot of slowly heating water, criminal elements coax more and more from MLM with each passing day, and the lack of maintenance to infrastructure makes it a walk in the park. Scenes such as this one in Erica Avenue is commonplace, with more and more substation doors, coverings, wiring and internals making a miraculous disappearance with each passing day. This coverless substation begs to be vandalized, and should the surrounding field be set alight, the internals will be melted beyond repair. Alas, this is but one of many substations being left without maintenance, without doors and coverings, to rust away and be systematically stripped, and MLM all the while lamenting and blaming the inadequate electrical infrastructure for outages. As the old saying goes, a bad workman always blames his tools. < Previous Article Next Article >