1 September 2020, 01h22 - An alarm was activated at a church in Thusi Village. The reaction team found that a tower on the premises had been vandalized, and all copper wire stolen. A power box belonging to the tower was recovered, and brought to ACSU office for safe keeping. The owner of the tower will be sending the repair team to tend to the damage at tower. 13h16 - A delivery driver was threatened by 3 males, one of which was armed, and told they wanted to rob him. The driver managed to get to the safety of ACSU’s client, who in turn pressed the panic button. ACSU escorted the delivery vehicle to all further deliveries, and then safely to Bethal on the N17. 2 September 2020 - 20h44 - In Wesselton Extension 7, an attempted burglary took place. The reaction team inspected premises, with the client finding that a window had been broken. Suspects were scared off by the alarm. 3 September 2020, 02h34 - A call from a client in Chris De Villiers Street stated that dogs were barking continuously. ACSU’s reaction team accompanied the client through the premises, and found that approximately 30 meters of cable had been stolen from pole in the yard. 03h20 - An attempted burglary was reported in Autumn Ridge. The suspect/s were scared off by the alarm, although the burglar bars were damaged. 4 September 2020, 02h35 - An attempted burglary was reported in Lelie Avenue. The gate was opened manually, a window pane was removed and burglar bars damaged. It was found that a television set was damaged, but not stolen. Suspect left behind a torch. 07h39 - A burglary was reported in Tienie Louw Street, with suspects making off with a television and two laptops. 6 September 2020, 03h26 - A burglary was reported in Autumn Ridge. Suspects made off with a laptop, television and cellular phone. 7 September 2020, 04h44 - A burglary was reported at a store selling sports equipment. One suspect was arrested, and one escaped. All the stolen items were recovered. News from ACSU’s office News from ACSU’s office 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 8 September 2020 A delivery driver was threatened by 3 males, one of which was armed, and told they wanted to rob him. The driver managed to get to the safety of ACSU’s client, who in turn pressed the panic button. ACSU escorted the delivery vehicle to all further deliveries, and then safely to Bethal on the N17. 1 September 2020, 01h22 - An alarm was activated at a church in Thusi Village. The reaction team found that a tower on the premises had been vandalized, and all copper wire stolen. A power box belonging to the tower was recovered, and brought to ACSU office for safe keeping. The owner of the tower will be sending the repair team to tend to the damage at tower. 13h16 - A delivery driver was threatened by 3 males, one of which was armed, and told they wanted to rob him. The driver managed to get to the safety of ACSU’s client, who in turn pressed the panic button. ACSU escorted the delivery vehicle to all further deliveries, and then safely to Bethal on the N17. 2 September 2020 - 20h44 - In Wesselton Extension 7, an attempted burglary took place. The reaction team inspected premises, with the client finding that a window had been broken. Suspects were scared off by the alarm. 3 September 2020, 02h34 - A call from a client in Chris De Villiers Street stated that dogs were barking continuously. ACSU’s reaction team accompanied the client through the premises, and found that approximately 30 meters of cable had been stolen from pole in the yard. 03h20 - An attempted burglary was reported in Autumn Ridge. The suspect/s were scared off by the alarm, although the burglar bars were damaged. 4 September 2020, 02h35 - An attempted burglary was reported in Lelie Avenue. The gate was opened manually, a window pane was removed and burglar bars damaged. It was found that a television set was damaged, but not stolen. Suspect left behind a torch. 07h39 - A burglary was reported in Tienie Louw Street, with suspects making off with a television and two laptops. 6 September 2020, 03h26 - A burglary was reported in Autumn Ridge. Suspects made off with a laptop, television and cellular phone. 7 September 2020, 04h44 - A burglary was reported at a store selling sports equipment. One suspect was arrested, and one escaped. All the stolen items were recovered. < Previous Article Next Article >

TBCSA calls for opening up of borders 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 An opening date is critical if tourism is to reignite South Africa’s economy, not only to ensure that international trade can plan ahead, but also so that airlines can retain South Africa on their schedules. If airlines take the decision to redeploy their aircrafts or reduce their schedules, this will have a direct impact not only on tourism, but also trade. One industry in particular, tourism, has the power and potential to reignite South Africa’s ailing economy, but to do so it’s going to need more than support from South Africans, and Government giving the green light for reopening borders. Therefore, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) suggested that, as a top export earner and high employment creator for low to semi-skilled workers, tourism has the best potential to reignite South Africa’s economy quickly. The TBCSA is the umbrella organization that represents the unified voice of business in the travel and tourism sector. The TBCSA was established in February 1996 by leading tourism businesses and associations, to form a unified platform to engage with the South African government around the development of the sector. International tourism can reopen safely, but it requires an enabling environment, which includes the reopening of international borders, an improved visa regime, air access and better safety for tourists. The indicated 51% decline in South Africa’s GDP during quarter 2, puts a spotlight on swift measures that will need to be put in place to aid South Africa’s ailing economy, which prior to COVID-19, was already in the doldrums. Tourism is known to have the ability to sustainably breathe new air into the sails of any economy, as touted by analysts and economists and this has been stated by the South African Government itself. According to PWC’s Public and Private Growth Initiative (PPGI) Report in 2019, tourism is the number one industry in South Africa, with the greatest potential to stimulate inclusive economic growth and employment, creating the greatest multiplier effect in terms of employemnt, growth and export potential. For this to happen, tourism requires targeted economic stimulation and favourable policy decisions for it to flourish and become the jobs multiplier and economic powerhouse it has the potential to become. Tourism’s contribution to employment is already estimated to be larger than the individual contribution of agriculture, automotive manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, and mining, with an approximate 1.5 million individuals employed directly and indirectly through the sector. Tourism had also generated R120 billion in foreign exchange from visitor receipts in 2018, adding up to approximately 8.7% of South Africa’s exports, second only to mining. Further, as an apex sector, it has a long and deep supply chain into industries such as vehicle manufacturing, agriculture, fuel, and other manufacturing. For every R1 of direct GDP impact, R1,50 is spent on supply chain and capital, offering many SMME opportunities. “Tourism can be South Africa’s economic lifeline, but only if international borders are opened up soon,” says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA). “We are appealing to the Government to safely open our borders. Our industry is ready, our source markets are waiting to travel, so let's save jobs and the economy.” Tourism needs to reopen as quickly as possible, as safely as possible. The TBCSA’s Travel Safe-Eat Safe protocols and programme, endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), has been rolled out widely across the tourism sector to ensure the safe reopening of the industry. And while tourism stakeholders agree that the reprieve granted by domestic travel will provide a lifeline, it cannot be the industry’s lifeblood. An opening date is critical if tourism is to reignite South Africa’s economy, not only to ensure that international trade can plan ahead, but also so that airlines can retain South Africa on their schedules. If airlines take the decision to redeploy their aircrafts or reduce their schedules, this will have a direct impact not only on tourism, but also trade. “The safe reopening of South Africa’s borders is an essential step for tourism to contribute meaningfully to government’s tax revenues. Every day we remain closed to international travel, we lose R336 million of spend, and the government loses vital tax revenue. Opening up our tourism sector will have a direct and immediate positive impact on Government’s coffers at a time when it most needs it.” Tshivhengwa concludes. < Previous Article Next Article >

Amendment - IAE of continuous ashing at Tutuka Power Station 1/2 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 10 September 2020 Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd obtained an Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) for the proposed extension of Ash Disposal Facility for Tutuka Power Station, Mpumalanga Province, dated 19 October 2015. An application to amend the validity of the IEA was submitted to DEFF on 22 July 2020. NOTICE: AMENDMENT DECISION OF THE INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR CONTINUOUS ASHING AT TUTUKA POWER STATION DEFF REF NUMBER: 14/12/16/3/3/3/52/AM3 Notice is hereby given in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, that the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has granted a positive decision to amend the validity of the IEA for the proposed Continuous Ashing at the Tutuka Power Station Ash Disposal Facility in the Mpumalanga Province, dated 26 August 2020, and was received on 27 August 2020. Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd obtained an Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) for the proposed extension of Ash Disposal Facility for Tutuka Power Station, Mpumalanga Province, dated 19 October 2015. An application to amend the validity of the IEA was submitted to DEFF on 22 July 2020. NOTICE OF APPEAL PROCESS Should anyone wish to lodge an appeal against this decision, he/she must submit an appeal to the Appeals Administrator, and a copy of the appeal to the Applicant, any Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) and any Organ of State with interest in the matter within 20 days (27 September 2020) from the date that this notification of decision was sent to the registered I&APs by the Applicant; or the date that the notification of the decision was sent to the Applicant by the Department, whichever is applicable. A copy of the National Appeal Regulations, 2014 is attached as Appendix 2 for further information. Appeals must be submitted in writing in the prescribed form to: The Director: Appeals and Legal Review of DEFF at the below mentioned addresses. • By email: appeals@environment.gov.za • By hand: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083 • By post: Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001 To obtain the prescribed appeal form and for guidance on the submission of appeals, please visit the Department’s website https://environment.gov.za/documents/forms#legal_authorisations or request a copy of the documents at appeals@environment.gov.za AVAILABILITY OF AMENDED INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION A copy of the amended Integrated Environmental Authorisation is available on Eskom’s website (https://www.eskom.co.za/OurCompany/SustainableDevelopment/EnvironmentalImpactAssessments/TutulaContAsh/Pages/Authorisation_1541.aspx) – it is saved as “Amendment to extend validity”). Alternatively, an electronic copy of the amended IEA can be requested from: Tobile Bokwe Tel: 011 800 2303/082 828 1777 Email: bokwett@eskom.co.za < Previous Article Next Article >

LJV skuts presteer in bloedige hitte 1/9 Share GK CRONJE 20 October 2020 Die LJV sien uit om alle skuts, beginner of veterane, te sien by die volgende 3 Gun Shoot, wat op 14 November 2020 sal plaasvind, op die Klipfontein Skietbaan, 15km uit Ermelo op Amersfoort pad, met die afdraai by Familie Hoek. Die Laeveld Jagters Vereniging (LJV) Ermelo het onlangs hul staal gewys tydens ‘n prettige skietdag. Alhoewel die hitte drukkend was, het die skuts geskitter met hul prestasies. Die senior skuts het gewys hoe word dit gedoen, met Dawie Nieuwenhuis wat wegstap met eerste plek, Lourens Holtzhausen neem tweede plek in, Ernste Fourie derde plek, Johan Theron neem vierde plek in, en Marius Grobbelaar stap weg met vyfde plek. Die dames afdeling het goed presteer, met Izande Erasmus in eerste plek, en Laetitia van Rooyen in tweede plek. Die veterane het hul spiere gebult, met Pieter Ackermann in eerste plek, Dirk Snyman in tweede plek, en Da Costa Klonaris wat derde plek inneem. Die junior afdeling het nie op hul laat wag nie, en Loutjie Holtzhausen stap weg met eerste plek, en Loutjie Theron wat tweede plek inneem. Op die dag was ook ‘n gelukkige trekking aangebied, met ‘n glimlaggende Laetitia van Rooyen wat die prys ontvang. Die LJV bied voortaan met elke skietdag ‘n gelukkige trekking aan, en nooi alle belangstellendes uit om die skietdae saam te kom geniet. Skuts wat belang stel hoef noe noodwendig lede van die LJV te wees nie, en kan met ‘n skamele bedrag van slegs R50 deelneem aan die skietkompetisies. Op die dae word eet- en drinkgoed ook te koop beskikbaar gestel, en alle ouderdomsgroepe word hartlik uitgenooi. As u belangstelling toon om die dae te geniet saam met die LJV, kan u gerus vir Santie Rautenbach, LJV Ermelo sekretaresse, kontak by 071 674 8178. Die LJV sien uit om alle skuts, beginner of veterane, te sien by die volgende 3 Gun Shoot, wat op 14 November 2020 sal plaasvind, op die Klipfontein Skietbaan, 15km uit Ermelo op Amersfoort pad, met die afdraai by Familie Hoek. < Previous Article Next Article >

Bethal is nou lank genoeg as die ongewenste stiefkind behandel. Die VF Plus gaan hierdie kwessie na die provinsiale departement van samewerkende regering verwys vir ondersoek en om sodoende aanspreeklikheid by die munisipaliteit af te dwing. Bethal lank genoeg as GMM stiefkind behandel The embattled GMM. The embattled GMM. 1/1 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 25 Augustus 2020 Bethal is nou lank genoeg as die ongewenste stiefkind behandel. Die VF Plus gaan hierdie kwessie na die provinsiale departement van samewerkende regering verwys vir ondersoek en om sodoende aanspreeklikheid by die munisipaliteit af te dwing. Mediaverklaring - Bethal het die afgelope week soms tot so lank as 24 uur geen kragvoorsiening gehad nie. Sake-ondernemings, ouetehuise en inwoners het groot ongerief en skade gely in die proses. Volgens bronne in die Govan Mbeki-plaaslike munisipaliteit het munisipale elektrisiëns moontlik doelbewus die krag na die dorp vir hierdie lang periodes afgesny aangesien hulle glo nie besoldig is vir oortyd-werk nie. Munisipale amptenare het later bevestig dat hierdie werknemers die vereiste werktyd van 40-uur per week oorskry het en dat betaling vir oortyd nie gemagtig is nie. Die VF Plus sal ondersoek instel na hierdie beweringe en indien dit waar is, sal die skuldige persone verantwoording moet doen. Dit is onaanvaarbaar dat dienslewering in Bethal gestriem word deur onbevoegdheid, munisipale wanadministrasie en binnegevegte. Die gebeure versterk die mening van die VF Plus dat Bethal en Emzinoni van die groter Govan Mbeki-munisipaliteit geskei moet word. Bethal is nou lank genoeg as die ongewenste stiefkind behandel. Die VF Plus gaan hierdie kwessie na die provinsiale departement van samewerkende regering verwys vir ondersoek en om sodoende aanspreeklikheid by die munisipaliteit af te dwing. < Previous Article Next Article >

"On 16 August 2021, the municipality received a letter of appreciation and congratulation from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government: Head of Cooperative Governance And Traditional Affairs for its good performance in respect of the Eskom debt." MLM whittling down Eskom bill, no reprieve from NMD 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 21 September 2021 "On 16 August 2021, the municipality received a letter of appreciation and congratulation from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government: Head of Cooperative Governance And Traditional Affairs for its good performance in respect of the Eskom debt." Residents of Ermelo and the surroundings are, after years, still up in arms due to the constant struggles with electrical outages and fluctuating electrical supply from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). The myriad of exposed innards from coverless electrical kiosks, as well as unlocked substations adds to the rolling power outages. The thinly-spread municipal teams scramble to attend all issues reported by residents by means of limited resources, as stated by MLM. Complaints are also rife with regards to the call centre, which had been recently revamped and apparently operating at optimal capacity, yet phones are left unanswered, and complainants receive unsatisfactory feedback from the operators. Most frustratingly, many residents are left without electricity for days on end, and the sporadic outages add to the fury. Many residents have vented their frustration with the fact that MLM issues load reduction schedules on a weekly basis, yet rarely keep to the stated times on the timetable. Wards are often switched on and off at leisure, with no regard to the schedule. More often than not, load reduction is implemented earlier than scheduled by MLM itself, and electricity is subsequently to restored at the times stated. Call centre operators rarely provide accurate feedback in this regard, and revert to the standard response of “a cable fault” to appease public wrath. John Vorster Park struggles with fluctuating electricity supply on a daily basis, and both Netherland Park and De Bruin Park’s residents suffer extensively, shrouded in darkness. Fuming complaints on social media lamented the fact that the constant fluctuation of electricity had damaged electrical components, including DB boards, televisions, fridges and deep freezes. Residents are irked by the fact that MLM washes their hands of the damages suffered due to the outages. Residents in Cassim Park are also left with hands in the hair, as wards were left without electricity for hours, and even days, as technical teams struggle to keep up with reports and complaints. Residents in Wesselton and Sun City also lamented the fact that outages have been rolling and ongoing over the course of several days, much to the frustration of irrate complainants. It is known that Eskom has, out of necessity, reduced the Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) due to poor service of the Eskom account from MLM. MLM has, however, managed to whittle down the debt owed to Eskom, slowly but surely. While it is admirable to a certain degree, the issue of the reduced NMD still remains. While the MBCF and AfriForum champions for the reinstatement of adequate NMD, Eskom is having none of it, being once bitten, twice shy. Enquiries directed at MLM regarding the Eskom debt and the NMD, Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, shed light on the current situation. “As at 2 July 2020, the municipality was lawfully indebted to Eskom an amount R180 634 882.73. The municipality and Eskom entered into repayment plan agreement, which was signed on 2 July 2020. As of 17 September 2021, the balance is R135 000 000. The current account, as of August 2021, is R44 734 318.45. On 16 August 2021, the municipality received a letter of appreciation and congratulation from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government: Head of Cooperative Governance And Traditional Affairs for its good performance in respect of the Eskom debt. On 7 September 2020, the municipality applied/request for the Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) to be increased overa period of 10 years, from 14MVA to 30MVA, and 27MVA to 30MVA on the Ermelo 88Kv and 11Kv MD29 respectively. To date, Eskom has not responded on the above application. Also, on 7 September 2020, the municipality applied for the NMD to be increased over period of 10 years from 1.1 MVA to 7MVA on the Breyten – KwaZanele 11Kv MD29. Eskom has responded to the latter with a quotation to the municipality of R43 million.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Francois Pretorius, a jeweller in Bethal whofaces charges for the double murder of Dr. Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, will appear in court again on 15 July 2020. The case was postponed after Pretorius appointed a new advocate, was referred for psychiatric evaluation. The court heard that he had a family history of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy, with Sub-cortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). This disease is an inherited disease of the blood vessels that occurs when the thickening of blood vessel walls blocks the flow of blood to the brain. The disease primarily affects the small blood vessels in the white matter of the brain, and is characterized by migraines and multiple strokes which can progress to dementia. The disease can also cause severe depression and changes in behavior and personality. Pretorius will be evaluated by three different medical professionals to determine the validity of the claims. As Pretorius has been classified as a flight risk, he has been, and will remain in custody. Alleged killer referred for psych evaluation Alleged killer referred for psych evaluation Double murder accused, Franscois Pretorius. Double murder accused, Franscois Pretorius. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The court heard that he had a family history of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy, with Sub-cortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). This disease is an inherited disease of the blood vessels that occurs when the thickening of blood vessel walls blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Francois Pretorius, a jeweller in Bethal whofaces charges for the double murder of Dr. Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, will appear in court again on 15 July 2020. The case was postponed after Pretorius appointed a new advocate, was referred for psychiatric evaluation. The court heard that he had a family history of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy, with Sub-cortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). This disease is an inherited disease of the blood vessels that occurs when the thickening of blood vessel walls blocks the flow of blood to the brain. The disease primarily affects the small blood vessels in the white matter of the brain, and is characterized by migraines and multiple strokes which can progress to dementia. The disease can also cause severe depression and changes in behavior and personality. Pretorius will be evaluated by three different medical professionals to determine the validity of the claims. As Pretorius has been classified as a flight risk, he has been, and will remain in custody. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Digitalization of the system will produce better, efficient and quicker results and lessen the time spent by individuals at these centers. That will also ease our headaches, that there won’t be any contamination of COVID-19 at all our premises. Fortunately, licensing departments, including examiner now fall directly under my department. We will fix all the underlying problems.” Expect long queues at the licensing office 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 “Digitalization of the system will produce better, efficient and quicker results and lessen the time spent by individuals at these centers. That will also ease our headaches, that there won’t be any contamination of COVID-19 at all our premises. Fortunately, licensing departments, including examiner now fall directly under my department. We will fix all the underlying problems.” Municipalities that still utilize old model machinery are urged to convert to digital equipment in order to handle the massive turnout if applications in Alert Level 3. Applicants will be granted a 90-day period to renew their licenses, provided it expired during Alert Level 4 or 5. “Digitalization of the system will produce better, efficient and quicker results and lessen the time spent by individuals at these centers. That will also ease our headaches, that there won’t be any contamination of COVID-19 at all our premises. Fortunately, licensing departments, including examiner now fall directly under my department. We will fix all the underlying problems.” This was announced by the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Gabisile Shabalala, during routine inspections. Shabalala’s inspections will entail ensuring that traffic departments comply with COVID-19 regulations, ensuring that their premises are fumigated, sanitized and comply to the highest hygienic standards, including demarcation for social distancing during the long queues. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron groet oud-Liggie onderwyseres 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 29 September 2020 Verskeie boodskappe het net gewys in hoeveel mense se harte die Roodt egpaar werklik in geklim het, en watter lewenservaringe elke persoon van hulle geleer het. “Rus sag, Anita. Jy gaan baie gemis word.” Die afsterwe van Juf. Anita Roodt op Sondag, 27 September 2020, lê swaar op die Liggies se harte. Anita het ‘n groot rol in die gemeenskap gespeel, en voor haar aftrede saam haar man, Herman Roodt, het hulle baie diep spore in Ligbron getrap. Vele oud-Liggies maak steeds melding van die invloed wat dié egpaar in hulle lewens gehad het. Juffrou Anita was 'n legende in haar tyd, en was baie bekend vir die musiekblyspele wat sy saam met mnr. Herman by Ligbron so suksesvol aangepak het. Die Liggies dink met die grootste waardering aan haar terug, en bid vir haar geliefdes troos en sterkte toe. Hené Swanepoel ‘n oud-Liggie het so ‘n spesiale boodskap op Anita se Facebook blad gelos, en dit het presies vir Anita beskryf, en hoe baie mense haar gesien het: “Liewe Jesus het gekies om vandag hierdie legende te kom haal ❤ Liefste juffrou Roodt, juffrou was nog altyd my rolmodel in die onderwys, mag ek juffrou se fantastiese gees op kultuur vlak en met tieners voluit voort leef in my onderwys jare!!! So bly ons kon laasjaar vir oulaas lekker kuier!! Rus sag by Jesus!! Love you always❤ ”. Verskeie ander boodskappe het net gewys in hoeveel mense se harte die Roodt egpaar werklik in geklim het, en watter lewenservaringe elke persoon van hulle geleer het. “Rus sag, Anita. Jy gaan baie gemis word.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo morsjorse se dae is getel 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 1 December 2020 Inwoners kan dan die foto's stuur, gepaard met die tyd, datum en area waar die morsjors betrap is, via WhatsApp na 071 885 2505. Onwettige rommel storting is 'n vinnig groeiende probleem in Ermelo en die omliggende gebiede, met inwoners wat doodluiters te lui is om hul rommel uit te neem vir kolleksie vanaf die munisipaliteit, of om uit te ry na die stortingsterrein. As gevolg van hierdie morsjorse, is Ermelo en die omliggende areas gesaai met allerlei rommel, tuinvullis en boumateriale wat onwettig gestort word. Ontwikkelaars en kontrakteurs word ook onder die loep geneem, met allerlei bourommel wat in die nabye areas van nuwe ontwikkellings doodeenvoudig net in die veld gestort word. Alhoewel Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) se spanne konstant rommel verwyder en optel, verloor hul die stryd, siende dat inwoners hul nie traak aan die munisipale wette nie. ‘n Groot seer oog is die berugde Chris de Villiers Straat, wat skynbaar ‘n gunsteling area onder rommelstrooiers is. Honderde plastieksakke met huishoudelike rommel word weekliks gestort in hierdie area, en kontrakteurs is ook lief daarvoor om hul mourommel daar te stort. Die nuwe inisiatief deur die Hoëveld Toerisme Streeksorganisasie mik egter om hierdie onwettige dade hok te slaan, en het die hulp van inwoners nodig om die projek ‘n sukses te maak. Die organisasie versoek dat inwoners wat morsjorse gewaar wat rommel stort op enige area buite die stortingsterrein, ‘n foto neem van die morsjors, en indien moontlik, die registrasie nommer van hul voertuig. Inwoners kan dan die foto'ss stuur, gepaard met die tyd, datum en area waar die morsjors betrap is, via WhatsApp na 071 885 2505. Dié organisasie, in samewerking met die nodige owerhede, sal dan die skuldige persoon opspoor, en forseer om die rommel te verwyder, asook om ‘n area van 50 meter om die stortingsarea skoon te maak en op te ruim. Indien die skuldige persoon versuim om die area skoon te maak, sal verdere stappe geneem word, wat kan lei tot moontlike kriminele aanklagte, siende dat dit teen die wet is om onwettig rommel te stort. Die tyd het aangebreek dat die inwoners van Ermelo moet hande vat en saamstaan, om te verhoed dat die dorp verder verbrokkel en agteruit gaan. < Previous Article Next Article >

Proposed Upgrade to PG Bison's Mkhondo Plant 1/1 Share PAID CONTENT 1 December 2020 Basic Environmental Impact Assessment Process and Variation of Existing Air Emissions Licence (AEL) NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES (NEMA & NEM:AQA) Proposed Upgrade to PG Bison's Mkhondo Plant Basic Environmental Impact Assessment Process and Variation of Existing Air Emissions Licence (AEL) PRE-APPLICATION PHASE Notice is hereby given of a Public Participation Process (PPP) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (No. 107 of 1998, as amended) as well as the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEM: AQA) (No. 39 of 2004) and the National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998). Activity Description: PG Bison is proposing to extend their current particle board manufacturing facility in Mkhondo via installation of an additional 35000m²/day MFB press line; and a new MDF processing plant with associated 75MW thermal energy plant. This would trigger the activities listed in terms of the EIA regulations (2014, as amended), including GN R.983 (Listing Notice 1), 9, 12, 19, 27, 28, 32, 34, 51; GN R.985 (Listing Notice 3) Activity 14.NEM:AQA activities for “wood burning, drying and production of manufactured wood products” (Category 9, sub-cat 9.5) and “solid biomass combustion installations” (Cat 1, sub-cat 1.3) are also triggered, requiring variation of the existing AEL. Competent Authorities: Application in terms of NEMA will be made to the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (MDARDLEA): Gert Sibande Region. Application in terms of NEM:AQA will be made via SAAELIP to Gert Sibande District Municipality. Copies obtainable via the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP). Notice is also given in terms of NEM:AQA of the intention to vary the AEL (Mkhondo/PGB/0003/2015/F02) for current operations (Cat 9, sub-cat 9.5) to cater for a manufacturer change for the new dryer and to exclude the previously proposed sawmill facility. Opportunity to participate: You are herewith invited to submit your written (fax, letter or email) request to be registered as an Interested and/or Affected Party (including your full name, contact details and interest in the matter) to Zutari by 25 January 2021. Additional information can be requested from Zutari. EAP Contact Details: Kelly Levendal (Zutari), Tel: 041 503 3900, E-mail: EnviroEC@zutari.com Date of Notification: 01 December 2020 < Previous Article Next Article >

For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. Smouldering refuse leaves residents disgusted 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 20 September 2022 For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. The lack of effective law enforcement in Ermelo has long been a thorn in the sides of residents and businesses, especially with regards to council properties. The issue of effective refuse removal and management had also come under the spotlight recently, with the Pet Dam, residential wards and the CBD being a veritable pigsty, flooded in refuse. For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. The resulting smog is of great frustration, not to mention the health hazards. Ignored complaints of vagrants that have settled in a dilapidated public restroom at a popular shopping complex in the CBD also takes its toll, and these individuals, as well as the ghastly state of the area, are slowly creeping under the skin of surrounding residents and businesses. “I can't open the windows to my flat anymore, because the soot and smoke from the perpetually smouldering skip bins, along with the piles of refuse set alight on a near-daily basis, engulf my residence. The smell chokes us, and the smell from the building makes you nauseated,” a resident complained. Businesses in the area also suffer, with the parking area being littered with all manner of refuse, and shady characters lurking about, wringing their idle hands. “The vagrants are a big issue. One feels unsafe if you are constantly watched by drug-addled individuals every second of every day. You worry about your vehicle's wellbeing, you worry about being mugged. It's extremely stressful. Some days there are individuals openly abusing substances at this building, and no action is taken,” lamented another. On scene, the stench of urine and feaces, coupled with the piles of refuse lining the interior of the vandalized building is overwhelming, with the Tribune noting at least six different individuals entering and exiting the building, while clearly acting nervous and erratic. An enquiry had been sent to Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding this issue, as well as the removal of refuse, which is being neglected. The municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, failed to provide feedback to enquiries lodged. Yopu may view more photos and a video on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >