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"The municipality has since moved some of the kiosks from 88kV substation to the 11kV substation in order to try and ameliorate the situation at the 88kV." The 88kV Line - Words akin to foul language 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 8 June 2021 "The municipality has since moved some of the kiosks from 88kV substation to the 11kV substation in order to try and ameliorate the situation at the 88kV." As residents sit and contemplate their fate in the darkness of yet another and endlessly ongoing electrical outage, tempers are starting to flare, and many sit in desperation. Scores of residents have been left, and still are, without electricity, as Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) flogs the 88kV line horse to tatters. According to the responses provided by the call centre and electrical support groups, alleged overloading of the electrical infrastructure is causing havoc on all fronts, leaving hundreds of residents in the cold and dark for days on end. Many have complained about damages suffered from electrical fluctuations, with droves of geysers, televisions and residential circuit breakers biting the dust as the electrical supply spikes repeatedly. The constant barrage of electrical flow being switched on and off have caused thousands or Rands worth of damage to residents, and even more to MLM, as substations, junction boxes and circuit breakers melt, catch fire, explode, or are irreparably damaged. As the municipality states that illegal connections are to blame, coupled with residents “drawing too much electricity” for the 88kV and 11kV lines to handle, many residents aren’t biting on the carrot presented by MLM. Rolling bouts of load reduction is the order of the day, with the electrical supply often failing to return after the scheduled times. Even more frustrating to residents is the fact that the apparent schedule issued by MLM is rarely followed, and load reduction is implemented without notice, and without consequence. The community must simply grin and bear the mounting issues. Speaking to Mr. Zwane, municipal spokesman, attempts at obtaining clarity regarding the rolling outages produced the following reply: “The municipality reiterates that there are two substations. The first one is called the 88kV substation, where Eskom is supplying the municipality with Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) of 14 MVA. The second substation is called 11kV sub station, where Eskom is supplying the municipality NMD of 27MVA. The municipality has since moved some of the kiosks from 88kV substation to the 11kV substation in order to try and ameliorate the situation at the 88kV. The NMDs for the four substations are informed by the electrical master plan, which is in line with the growth of the municipality. During the winter period there’s exponential increase on power demand causes load to exceed the licensed NDM per substation. Unfortunately, numerous informal settlements mushroom all over the municipal area, and started connecting illegally into municipal electrical grid. This then causes a spike on the power load demand. MLM tried in numerous accounts to cut off the illegal connections from our grid, with no luck. MLM went as far as hiring external service provider to eradicate this problem. MLM exceeded the licensed NMD, and incurring payable penalties. This precipitated the inclination in Eskom bills. Over the past five years, together with ESKOM, the ANC led government in Msukaligwa Local Municipality has facilitated the electrification of 1195 new households between 2016 and 2021. The percentage of households that are electrified increased from 44683 (87%) in 2016 to 45878 (90%) in June 2020. The electricity master plan for the entire Msukaligwa LM was developed in 2019. The master plan guided the development of technical reports for electricity infrastructure development and upgrades which are still under consideration by the Department of Energy. Public lighting has been provided to various communities, as thirty new high mast lights were installed throughout the municipality. The municipality has built a switch station /substation 88/11kV in Ermelo Extension 33, and further constructed the MV line and switching station at Extension 7 and refurbishment of switching station at Extension 6. Integrated national electrification programme (INEP) of R10 million, and another R10 million to replace the burnt transformer at 88kV late last year.” The Tribune ePaper has lodged a detailed enquiry with MLM regarding the plan to resolve the electrical crisis, with the response dated to be printed in next week’s publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

Meet The Team Lynette Hattingh Owner / Marketing Director 082 542 9592 Garth Cronje Editor / Municipal 071 885 2505 Sue-Marie Hattingh Sub Editor / Crime & General 082 734 0867

Verkeer was vir omtrent twee ure lank belemmer op die N11, oorkant die ingang van die Ermelo stortingsterrein. Volgens ooggetuies op die toneel het die botsing tussen die voertuie plaasgeving nadat een van die bestuurders die agterklap van ‘n motor teen ‘n redelike hoë spoed getref het. Volgens die omstaanders was loslopende diere te danke vir die chaos, maar dié moet egter deur die SAPS bevestig word. Tydens die botsing was vier voertuie oënskynlik betrokke, waarvan twee voertuie erge skade opgedoen het, een ligte skade, en een voertuig het in ‘n nabye veld opgeinding. Verkeersbeamptes het hul hande vol gehad met motoriste was ongeduld getoon het in die ry van voertuie wat bykans 500 meter lank tougestaaan het. Motoriste wat in die rigting van Ermelo gereis het moes ook wyd kyk vir omstaanders wat blindelings oor die pad gehardloop het om ‘n oog te gooi, en groot skares wat langs die pad saamgedrom het. Ten tye van pers kon die SAPS geen terugvoer gee aan die Tribune ePaper rakende die botsing nie. Daar word verneem dan slegs ligte beserings opgedoen was deur die betrokke partye. Kyk gerus na die video van die toneel op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. Agterklap-botsing saai chaos op N11 Agterklap-botsing saai chaos op N11 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 Motoriste wat in die rigting van Ermelo gereis het moes ook wyd kyk vir omstaanders wat blindelings oor die pad gehardloop het om ‘n oog te gooi, en groot skares wat langs die pad saamgedrom het. Verkeer was vir omtrent twee ure lank belemmer op die N11, oorkant die ingang van die Ermelo stortingsterrein. Volgens ooggetuies op die toneel het die botsing tussen die voertuie plaasgeving nadat een van die bestuurders die agterklap van ‘n motor teen ‘n redelike hoë spoed getref het. Volgens die omstaanders was loslopende diere te danke vir die chaos, maar dié moet egter deur die SAPS bevestig word. Tydens die botsing was vier voertuie oënskynlik betrokke, waarvan twee voertuie erge skade opgedoen het, een ligte skade, en een voertuig het in ‘n nabye veld opgeinding. Verkeersbeamptes het hul hande vol gehad met motoriste was ongeduld getoon het in die ry van voertuie wat bykans 500 meter lank tougestaaan het. Motoriste wat in die rigting van Ermelo gereis het moes ook wyd kyk vir omstaanders wat blindelings oor die pad gehardloop het om ‘n oog te gooi, en groot skares wat langs die pad saamgedrom het. Ten tye van pers kon die SAPS geen terugvoer gee aan die Tribune ePaper rakende die botsing nie. Daar word verneem dan slegs ligte beserings opgedoen was deur die betrokke partye. Kyk gerus na die video van die toneel op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Bethal hospital urgently needs direct power line 1/2 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 15 September 2020 Although the Bethal hospital does make use of generators, which costs them approximately R755 000 per month, the hospital morgue and other departments are incurring significant damage due to the constant power outages and fluctuations. Media Statement - Sources at the Bethal hospital voiced their concerns about the frequent power outages that residents and the hospital have been experiencing over the last five months, and it must be resolved. The FF Plus is calling on the Govan Mbeki Municipality (Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt) and Eskom to stop punishing the hospital and paying Bethal residents by implementing load shedding that lasts up to eighteen hours on a daily basis. The municipality simply cannot make the responsible residents, who pay their accounts, suffer the detrimental effects of rotational municipal load shedding because the municipality owes Eskom R1,8 billion, a debt burden for which incompetent and irresponsible officials are to blame. Although the Bethal hospital does make use of generators, which costs them approximately R755 000 per month, the hospital morgue and other departments are incurring significant damage due to the constant power outages and fluctuations. The unnecessary costs of repairing fridges and other essential equipment, which are not directly related to the patients' health, are putting pressure on the hospital's finances, and the FF Plus fears that it might result in the needless loss of lives. The FF Plus will bring these issues to the attention of the MEC’s of the Departments of Health and Public Works, so that a solution to the problem may be found. < Previous Article Next Article >

Vehicle license renewals made easy at SAPO 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 12 January 2021 ce. Mokoatle says it does not matter if you did not receive a renewal notice; the renewal form (ALV) can also be downloaded from the SAPO website. You will need to present an identity document when renewing your motor vehicle licence. Motorists in Ermelo, Ganala-Kriel, Siyabuswa, Mbombela, Thulamahashe and Volksrust can now renew their car licences much more conveniently at their local South African Post Office (SAPO). This service is offered in cooperation with the Mpumalanga Government. Cash as well as debit and credit cards are accepted as payment for the renewal of motor vehicle licences. “Post Offices offer an extra venue for renewing motor vehicle licences,” says regional manager Thomas Mokoatlo. “Post Offices are also open on Saturdays from 08:00 to 12:30, and that is a blessing for people who work during the week.” Unlike other licence renewal agencies, the post office does not charge a cent extra for the service. The client pays only the amount on the renewal form. Also, there is no need to return days later to collect your licence disk. You leave the post office with your new licence. Mokoatle says it does not matter if you did not receive a renewal notice; the renewal form (ALV) can also be downloaded from the SAPO website. You will need to present an identity document when renewing your motor vehicle licence. The Post Offices offer a bulk renewal service for fleet owners, who can drop off their renewals and collect their disks later. The renewal of motor vehicle licences is one of the most popular transactions at Post Office branches – clear evidence of the success of this service. During the past financial year more than three million motorists renewed their car licences at a post office branch. Motorists who have received a traffic fine issued in terms of the AARTO Act can pay the traffic fine at any Post Office countrywide. < Previous Article Next Article >

NPSS tackles GBV issues 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 Featuring representatives from SPAR, and the inspirational motivational artist that leads others by example, WarriorRic (Ricardo Gressel),the event aimed to bring a halt to the violence. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the scholars was all ears as they were addressed by the speakers. In an effort to raise awareness and support in light of the rising surge of gender based violence (GBV) in South Africa, Netherland Park Secondary School (NPSS) launched a hard-hitting campaign on Thursday, 22 April 2021. The campaign was especially aimed to stem the tide of violence in Ermelo and surrounding areas. Featuring representatives from SPAR, and the inspirational motivational artist that leads others by example, WarriorRic (Ricardo Gressel),the event aimed to bring a halt to the violence. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the scholars was all ears as they were addressed by the speakers. The staff and management of NPSS expressed their extreme gratitude towards all who contributed to the day. “NPSS would like to thank Me. Marlene Gunter and SPAR for sponsoring the day. Without our incredible speakers, Warrior Ric (Ricardo Gressel) and his team, Ms. Jeana Motsamai (CMR Ermelo) and her colleagues, Pastor Mzi Dyule, Dr. J. du Plessis and all the other speakers from the department of correctional services, as well as Mr. Brian Zwane, who shared his life story in a heartfelt manner, this day would also have been impossible. You may view more photo and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Gholfers kan balle slaan Herman Bosman saam met Marelize Potgieter wat die kompetisie gewen het met 54 punte. Herman Bosman saam met Marelize Potgieter wat die kompetisie gewen het met 54 punte. 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 1 September 2020 Op Saterdag, 29 Augustus, was daar “2 Ball better ball Scramble drive” kompetisie by die Ermelo buiteklub aangebied. Die spelers het deur die woeste winde die dag nogsteeds geniet. Daar was heerlike worsbroodjies gewees om daai honger gaatjies te vul. Op Saterdag, 29 Augustus, was daar “2 Ball better ball Scramble drive” kompetisie by die Ermelo buiteklub aangebied. Die spelers het deur die woeste winde die dag nogsteeds geniet. Daar was heerlike worsbroodjies gewees om daai honger gaatjies te vul. Die wenners van die dag was Herman Bosman en Marelize Potgieter met 54 punte. Willem Cilliers en Karen Cilliers was in die tweede plek met 52 punte. E. Neveling en T. Alexander was in die derde plek. “Baie geluk aan elke speler. Die klub nooi graag die gemeenskap uit om Vrydae en Saterdae te kom speel.” < Previous Article Next Article >

"He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all." Mkhondo ex-municipal manager appointed at MLM 1/1 Share Content Supplied 18 August 2022 "He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all." Msukaligwa Local Council appointed Maqhawe Kunene as the Municipal Manager at the Special Council meeting held on 12 August, 2022. The appointment is in terms of section 54A of the Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000 as amended, on a five year fixed term contract of employment which is performance based, after a punctilious selection processes by the municipality. Executive Mayor, Cllr MP Nkosi, welcomed Kunene on Monday, 15 August 2022, on behalf of Council and wishes him all best. The Executive Mayor assures the community of Msukaligwa that Kunene is a person of high moral integrity. “We pride ourselves with his appointment and believe he will serve the municipality and community at large with humility and vigour.” Maqhawe Kunene matriculated in Cefups Academy in 1998, he passed with exemption, subsequent to his matriculation, he enrolled for Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in the University of Zululand and both obtained in 2001 and 2002 respectively. He further enrolled for additional courses as part of sharpening his knowledge in Human Resources, and obtained a diploma in Human Recourse Management, as well as a Certificate Program in Executive Management Development for Municipal Finance (CPMD). He is a holder of Master in Business Administration degree from Regent Business School. He also obtained short courses in Labour Relations, Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme, SAMTRAC Certificate and Certificate Programme in Municipal Finance. Kunene worked at the Transnet Freight Rail in Ermelo as Train Driver and Train Assistant for three years nine months, as a Fleet and Auxiliary Manager for three years, as well as Human Capital Manager for two years. Kunene is not new to local government, as he first worked at Gert Sibande District Municipality as General Manager for Community and Social Service, responsible for provision of efficient and effective Social Development Service, which includes Disaster Management, Transversal Programme and Sports, Culture and Recreation as well as Municipal Health in the entire Gert Sibande District Municipal area. The position he served with distinction from 2013 to 2017. He was later appointed as Municipal Manager in Mkhondo Local Municipality, responsible and accountable for the management of the municipality, ensuring basic service are delivered to the communities in a sustainable manner. He was also responsible for the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and advising Council and Political Office Bearer. He served Mkhondo Local Municipality from 2017 until his contract come to an end in 2022. Kunene is a visionary, challenge driven, successful leader in both work and community arenas. He is natural and persuasive communicator, recognized among colleagues for a keen ability to energize and inspire individuals to work towards achieving common goal. He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all. - Content as per Msukaligwa Local Municipality < Previous Article Next Article >

GSDM hosts inaugural council meeting 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 30 November 2021 The council is comprised of the majority seats held by the ANC (28), followed by the official opposition party, EFF (10), the DA (8) and lastly, the VF Plus (2). The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) successfully convened its inaugural council meeting on Thursday, 25 November. Attendance was limited due to COVID-19 regulations, but the meeting could be observed via the live stream. The meeting was, however, not with out strife, as security was beefed up due to threats of residents who planned on disrupting the meeting. This council sitting marks the sixth administration for the GSDM offices in Ermelo. The council is comprised of the majority seats held by the ANC (28), followed by the official opposition party, EFF (10), the DA (8) and lastly, the VF Plus (2). During the sitting, Cllr Busisiwe Sekhonde was elected as Speaker of Council, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu was elected Executive Mayor, replacing honorable Cllr Chirwa, Cllr Trevor Nkosi was elected Whip of Council, and Cllr Noliqwa Nhlapo being elected as Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee. < Previous Article Next Article >

Erries se harte gaan uit 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 29 September 2020 Hoërskool Ermelo dink met simpatie aan die familie en vriende en bid dat ons Vader hulle met Sy vertroosting sal omhels in hierdie deurmekaar en moeilike tyd. Dis met groot hartseer dat EHS verneem van die afsterwe van oud-Errie, Pieter (Fielies) Moolman. Hy het gematrikuleer in 2009 en laat sy vrou, Lumé en twee kinders, Hendrik en Miné agter. Hoërskool Ermelo dink met simpatie aan die familie en vriende en bid dat ons Vader hulle met Sy vertroosting sal omhels in hierdie deurmekaar en moeilike tyd. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ex-Liggie graduates 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 12 January 2021 Raeesa graduated as a Dentist in 2020 with the highest distinction, summa cum laude. Raeesa Seedat, an ex-Liggie, graduated as a Dentist in 2020 with the highest distinction, summa cum laude. Raeesa is currently the community service dentist at the Ermelo Provincial Hospital. “Congratulations, we are very proud of you.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Aksiegroep dreig om R33/34/66 roetes te sluit 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 19 October 2022 Volgens die groep word die areas se padoppervak deur swaarvoertuie vertrap. Die aksiegroep R33/R34/R66 JOC het ‘n kennisgewing gerig aan alle eienaars en bestuurders van die horde abnormale vrag en kantkip steenkoolvragmotors wat tans die N2 by Pongola, Ermelo, Piet Retief, Paulpietersburg, Vryheid, Melmoth en Utrecht gebiede deurkruis, dat die roete vanaf Donderdag, 20 Oktober 2022, gesluit sal wees vir die bogenoemde voertuie. Volgens die groep word die areas se padoppervak deur swaarvoertuie vertrap. Die groep voer die toestand van verval van die R33 en R66 aan as 'n rede waarom steenkooldraende vragmotors nie hierdie roetes gebruik nie, en het die R33 tussen die Pongola-brug en Vryheid uitgelig as nie ontwerp om die die hoë aslaste te hanteer nie. R33/R34/R66 JOC het gesê dat, vir die kort termyn, moet steenkoolvragmotors opdrag gegee word om alternatiewe roetes na Richardsbaai te gebruik, en op lang termyn, moet steenkool via die Richardsbaai-spoorfasiliteit vanaf die steenkoolvelde na die Baai vervoer word. “In ’n desperate poging om te keer dat die huidige onaanvaarbare situasie langer voortduur, sal die R33, R34 en R66 vanaf Donderdag 20 Oktober 2022 gesluit wees vir alle vragmotors wat steenkool op hierdie roetes vervoer. Die situasie het egter so gevaarlik en skadelik vir die betrokke gemeenskappe geword dat hulle met geen ander opsie gelaat word as om tot vreedsame siviele stappe te wend in ’n desperate poging om verdere skendings van hul menseregte, die bedreiging vir menselewens, te voorkom nie. en die onomkeerbare skade aangerig aan die padinfrastruktuur waarvan hierdie gemeenskappe afhanklik is vir hul sosio-ekonomiese voortbestaan,” lui die verklaring uitegreik deur die aksiegroep. Hulle het gesê versperrings sal op verskeie plekke langs hierdie roetes opgerig word, en het gesê hierdie optrede word genoodsaak deur die uiters verwoestende en gevaarlike gevolge wat die huidige stand van sake op die mense en infrastruktuur van die betrokke gemeenskappe het. In hierdie stadium is dit onduidelik of die groep wettige prosedures rakende roetesluitings sal volg. < Previous Article Next Article >