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"EHS is dankbaar vir die uitslae en vir die seën wat weereens oor die Erries uitgestort is.” EHS se 2020-matriekgroep vier hermerk-uitslae 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 4 May 2021 "EHS is dankbaar vir die uitslae en vir die seën wat weereens oor die Erries uitgestort is.” Op Donderdag, 22 April,was die hermerk-uitslae van 2020 se matriek eindeksamen bekend gemaak. Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op elke 2020-matriek wat met die hermerk beter uitslae verkry het. Vosjan Grey verbeter sy gemiddeld tot 86,1%, en spog nou met sewe onderskeidings. Hy het ‘n A-simbool vir Afrikaans Huistaal by gekry (80%). Hy behaal ook beter punte in Engels Eerste Addisionele Taal, Wiskunde en Lewenswetenskap. Anja Wege behaal ‘n A-simbool vir Besigheidstudies, wat haar ‘n totaal gee van drie onderskeidings. Sinethemba Shongwe en Amy Greyling kry elk een A-simbool by. Bianca Cronjé, Chad Coetzee en Gawie Diedericks het elk ‘n simbool verandering. Hoërskool Ermelo kry na die hermerk vier A-simbole by wat die totaal nou laat op 93-A’s, asook een B-simbool en een C-simbool. Die totale is nou onderskeidelik 144 en 173. “Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat na die hermerk met beter punte spog. EHS is dankbaar vir die uitslae en vir die seën wat weereens oor die Erries uitgestort is.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Annica Van Staden (46) is sought by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Mpumalanga for alleged fraud. It is alleged that between October 2014 and July 2015, the suspect had a registered business called Housing First Property in Mpumalanga. Her modus operandi was to sell Reconstruction and Development Programme( RDP) houses, repossessed houses as well as private property in the vicinity of Middelburg, Witbank, Secunda and Kriel. It was established that the houses she sold were not for sale. It is further alleged that the buyer had to pay the deposit on a house or the selling price into her business, Housing First Property trust account. She defrauded the buyers by not transferring the properties to their names and had to pay for home loans of the properties they never acquired. Van Staden allegedly transferred money to other agents she employed, although none of them including herself were registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board. Cases of fraud were registered in Middelburg, the suspect is no longer residing in Middelburg and her whereabouts are unknown. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hawks' investigating team, Lieutenant Colonel Hanlie Coetser, on 082 303 9881, Constable Masangane on 068 466 9873, or Sergeant Mosete on 072 329 9315. Real estate fraudster sought Real estate fraudster sought 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 She defrauded the buyers by not transferring the properties to their names and had to pay for home loans of the properties they never acquired. Annica Van Staden (46) is sought by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Mpumalanga for alleged fraud. It is alleged that between October 2014 and July 2015, the suspect had a registered business called Housing First Property in Mpumalanga. Her modus operandi was to sell Reconstruction and Development Programme( RDP) houses, repossessed houses as well as private property in the vicinity of Middelburg, Witbank, Secunda and Kriel. It was established that the houses she sold were not for sale. It is further alleged that the buyer had to pay the deposit on a house or the selling price into her business, Housing First Property trust account. She defrauded the buyers by not transferring the properties to their names and had to pay for home loans of the properties they never acquired. Van Staden allegedly transferred money to other agents she employed, although none of them including herself were registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board. Cases of fraud were registered in Middelburg, the suspect is no longer residing in Middelburg and her whereabouts are unknown. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hawks' investigating team, Lieutenant Colonel Hanlie Coetser, on 082 303 9881, Constable Masangane on 068 466 9873, or Sergeant Mosete on 072 329 9315. < Previous Article Next Article >

Travel in style at new Carolina Taxi Rank 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 Users of the facility were urged to properly handle this taxi rank, and guard it against vandalism. After the plight of taxi users in the area, construction has officially been completed, and the handover of the newly developed taxi rank in Carolina, coupled with a taxi office facility, took place on Saturday, 1 May 2021. The event was hosted in commemoration of Workers’ Day, and served as a word of thanks to all workers. Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr DP Nkosi, the Speaker of Council, Cllr MW Mngomezulu, the Municipal Manager Mr MS Dlamini, the Director of Community Safety Services, Mr. W Shabangu, executives of Taxi Associations and SANTACO were in attendance at the event, cutting the ribbon to officially open the establishment. Users of the facility were urged to properly handle this taxi rank, and guard it against vandalism. < Previous Article Next Article >

Dispuut tussen twee besighede lei tot onsekerheid in gemeenskap 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 22 March 2022 Daar is tans ‘n arbitrasie saak tussen die twee partye. Rietspruit Crushers, ‘n bekende besigheid in Ermelo, wat deur wyle Malcom Wishart geopen is en vanaf 2017 deur sy seun, Grant Wishart, bestuur word, is al vir die afgelope vyf jaar in ‘n dispuut met Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust. Op Dinsdag, 1 Maart 2022, het ‘n werknemer van Rietspruit Crushers gesien dat die pad wat vir die afgelope veertig jaar gebruik word, afgespêr was deur ‘n hek en slot, en dat daar ook bemanning by die hek is en gereguleer het wie die perseel mag ingaan, en wie nie. Dadelik is die bestuur van Rietspruit Crushers ingelig oor die situasie wat ontvou het, en daar was dadelik stappe geneem om te verseker dat Rietspruit Crushers steeds kon besigheid doen. Op Maandag, 7 Maart 2022, toe mnr. Wishart van die alternatiewe pad gebruik maak, was dié pad ook toe, waar hy ook sy personeel bussie sien wat nie deur die hek mag gaan nie. Tydens hierdie dag het daar ‘n dispuut tussen die huurder en die verhuurder ontstaan, waar daar gevra is om ‘n vergadering met mnr. Wishart te hê. Die vergadering is voorgelê by Rietspruit Crushers, waar beide partye teenwoordig was, asook ander besigheids forums. Tydens navrae en ondersoek aan bewyse oor die koop van die plaas, en die huurooreenkoms tussen Rietspruit Crusher en Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, is daar in die aankoop ooreenkoms saamgestem dat daar ‘n maandelikse inkomste vanaf Rietspruit Crushers aan die grondeienaar, Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, betaal moet word. Die ooreenkoms is vanaf 2014 tot 2017 nagekom, waarna daar vanaf 2017 tot hede nog geen verdere betaling gedoen is nie. Die huurooreenkoms, wat tesame met die koop transaksie van die plaas ooreenkoms geteken was, het reeds in Augustus 2021 verval, en is daar tot op hede nog nie ‘n nuwe ooreenkoms nie. Rietspruit Crushers het ‘n geldige myn lisensie wat binnekort verval, waar hul binne ‘n sekere tyd die lisensie moet hernu. In 2008, tydens die ooreenkoms, is daar binne die kontrak gestipuleer dat die verhuurder vergoeding moet ontvang vanaf die huurder, waar die vergoeding begin het met R1.45 per ton, en dat die bedrag jaarliks met 10% sal eskaleer. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust, oorweeg hul dit baie sterk om eerder die plaas te verkoop, waar daar myn materiaal beskikbaar is, ‘n boerdery, asook ‘n pragtige trou lokaal. Die Tribune het op Donderdag, 17 Maart 2022, ‘n onderhoud met mnr. Wishart gehad rondom die situasie by Rietspruit Crushers, en die dispuut tussen die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust. Mnr. Wishart het aan die Tribune gesê dat in Oktober 2012 het alle ou myn lisensies verander na die nuwe lisensies, dat alle tantieme aan die staat betaalbaar is, en nie meer aan die plaaseienaar nie. Hy het wel gesê dat die Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust steeds hul vergoeding ontvang het. Vanaf 2017, het Rietspruit Crushers nie meer enige vergoeding aan die Oubaas de Jager Trust betaal nie, maar wel aan die staat, soos die nuwe wet bepaal. Mnr. Wishart het ook tydens die onderhoud gesê dat daar tans geen grond gebruiksooreenkoms tussen Rietspruit Crushers en Oubaas de Jager Familie Trust is nie. Rietspruit Crushers het ook sekere kontrakte verloor, waar maatskappy net hul kontrakte beëindig het weens finansiële redes, waar Rietspruit begin het om swaar te kry want hul was afhanklik van al die groot kontrakte. In Februarie 2022 het mnr. Wishart dit goed gedink om Rietspruit Crushers weens die finansiële negatiewe impak onder sakeredding te bring. Daar is tans ‘n arbitrasie saak tussen die twee partye. Die grootste kommer wat besigheidseienaars in en om Ermelo in die oë staar, is dat die sluiting van Rietspruit Crushers ‘n groot ekonomiese impak op Ermelo sal hê. Daar word gehoop dat voor die situasie op daardie punt kom, dat daar eerder ‘n ooreenkoms kan onstaan waar beide partye geken word, en beide partye vergoeding kry. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mandatory tax increase to fund new grant scheme 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 The green paper also proposes creating a mandatory pension and insurance system called the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This will be funded with payroll contributions ranging between 8% and 12% of earnings. The Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, has published the Green Paper that proposes increasing income taxes to fund a Basic Income Grant (BIG) and mandatory contributions to a state-run pension scheme. According to Zulu, this is part of the Comprehensive Social Security and Retirement Reform plan. The Department of Social Development said a 10% increase on income taxes would be needed to raise R200 billion to fund the lowest level of its proposed universal basic income grant,. However, the 10% income tax hike would only fund the lowest level proposed for the Basic Income Grant, which is at the food poverty line. Depending on the government’s objectives, the green paper proposes the following options for the BIG: R585 per month, a grant value set near the food poverty line. R840 per month, a grant value set around the lower-bound poverty line. R1 268 per month, start the grant value at the upper-bound poverty line. The paper further states that basic income for all South Africans should be at least R7 500 per month, using a combination of the grant and labour. Ruffling even more feathers, in addition to the Basic Income Grant, the green paper also proposes creating a mandatory pension and insurance system called the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This will be funded with payroll contributions ranging between 8% and 12% of earnings. Trade union Solidarity announced that it would fight the green paper. It warned it would result in legal action if the proposals in the paper are implemented in formal legislation. Solidarity stated that South African workers are already overtaxed, and tired of paying more taxes for fewer and fewer services. “Workers in South Africa are tired of seeing their hard-earned money being wasted by the state. At best, the state is just inefficient and clumsy, but more often, funds like this and the NHI is simply an excuse for looting and corruption. On top of that, tax money is still looted at a large scale,” said Dirk Hermann, chief executive officer of Solidarity. Apart from the new tax proposals, Hermann said the country’s tax rate is already high, and ordinary people have to incur expenses for which they are already taxed. The green paper is out for public comment on the government’s website, and submissions close 10 December 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

A JoJo water tank was also donated to the KwaDela drop-in-centre. Mayor Mngomezulu, catalyst of service delivery hope 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 A JoJo water tank was also donated to the KwaDela drop-in-centre. Gert Sibande District Municipality’s (GSDM) Executive Mayor, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu, has committed to elevate all the service delivery concerns by KwaDela (formerly Davel) residents to the GSDM District Development Model Forum for a speedy intervention. Cllr Mngomezulu made the commitment during the GSDM Mayoral Imbizo at the KwaDela sports grounds on Friday, 5 August 2022. He was responding to a myriad of basic service delivery challenges that the community raised during the Imbizo, which Councillor Mngomezulu led with the Executive Mayor of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, Councillor Mapulane Nkosi, joined by Executive Mayors from Lekwa, Chief Albert Luthuli, and Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme municipalities. The challenges raised by the residents included raw sewer spillages, lack of proper roads, lack of provision of services residential stands and poor electrical infrastructure. “I want to assure all of you, the residents of KwaDela and surrounding areas, that this Imbizo is not just a ticking of the box exercise, but that all the challenges you have raised will be addressed through the District Development Model,” said Cllr Mngomezulu to a round of applause from the packed sports grounds. He also commended the residents of KwaDela for coming out in large numbers and raising their issues with their elected leaders during the Imbizo. The programme of the day started with the official hand over the refurbished KwaDela water treatment plant, which was funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation, with GSDM as the implementing agent. Cllr Mngomezulu and delegation also visited the KwaDela Combined School, where they attended the prize giving ceremony and donated dignity packs to the pupils. A JoJo water tank was also donated to the KwaDela drop-in-centre before conducting a service delivery assessment of the area, and a door-to-door campaign to listen to the residents’ challenges with regards to service delivery in the area. Councillor Mngomezulu also led a donation of food parcels to seventy (70) impoverished families during the Imbizo, which he said this was only a temporary intervention. “We are actually working on moving away from these acts of donating food parcels, but to donating gardening tools and seedlings so to encourage our communities to start communal fruit and vegetable gardens for personal or business benefit,” concluded Cllr Mngomezulu. < Previous Article Next Article >

Msukaligwa CHC project fizzles out 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 July 2022 Nearly five years later, and the construction site now has transformed into another white elephant. During the 2018 IDP meeting at the Ella de Bruin Hall, a state of the art 24-hour community health centre (CHC) was in the construction phase at Ward 16, Extension 32. Upon enquiry, little information had been provided by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and other involved authorities regarding the services that would be offered by this project. The project would have benefitted approximately many households, who have to travel extensively to reach medical facilities. Rajen Naidoo from the Department of Health, Corporate Services stated that phase one, which involved the construction of concrete palisade fencing, which had been completed. According to Naidoo, phase two would involve the construction of a new Community Health Centre and accommodation units, which would have cost a total of R35 million. According to information available at that time, the project would have been constructed by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT), on behalf of the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Health. Alas, the fiery enthusiasm shown by involved entities has fizzled in fantastic fashion. Nearly five years later, and the construction site now has transformed into another white elephant. Enquiries to the DPWRT have yielded no results, instead the Tribune was referred to the Department of Human Settlements (DOHS) for enquiries. However, the DOHS has responded, stating that in line with the Department’s broadened mandate, the construction of clinics do not form part of its competence. The Department further confirmed that there are currently no running human settlements projects in the area, except efforts to resolve sewer spillages. The Tribune directed an enquiry to MLM regarding the construction, which is supposed to see a completion date of March 2024, a span of 21 months. The municipality, in turn, could not provide any information regarding the project. According to the tender and leads portal B2B, the Msukaligwa Community Health Centre (CHC) is marked as awarded, but for an amount of R98 million. Furthermore, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) states that the procurement of a contractor for the CHC project entails an amount of R48 745 314. The tender, RFP042/2021, was last updated in February 2022. Another tender by DBSA, RFP244/2019, was for a social facilitator service provider. The bid for this tender closed in January 2020, and the outcome of the tender is unknown. With several awarded tenders amounting to millions of Rands, the site now lays dormant, with no government department seemingly knowing what the state of affairs are, nor who is responsible for the project. No department, nor MLM, could provide clarity if the project is currently ongoing, or if it has been scrapped or delayed. < Previous Article Next Article >

“I care for a disabled family member, which makes it difficult to travel within Wesselton. Everything is falling apart, an nobody is listening to us. We are without electricity a lot of the time. Innocent residents are suffering due to illegal connections. Not all of us are part of the “izinyoka”, yet some of us have no other choice. We will wait for municipality technicians until Jehova comes,” a picketer lamented. Irate residents pickets at MLM Unhappy residents from various wards in Wesseolton demands answers from MLM. Unhappy residents from various wards in Wesseolton demands answers from MLM. Unhappy residents from various wards in Wesseolton demands answers from MLM. Unhappy residents from various wards in Wesseolton demands answers from MLM. 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 9 September 2020 “I care for a disabled family member, which makes it difficult to travel within Wesselton. Everything is falling apart, an nobody is listening to us. We are without electricity a lot of the time. Innocent residents are suffering due to illegal connections. Not all of us are part of the “izinyoka”, yet some of us have no other choice. We will wait for municipality technicians until Jehova comes,” a picketer lamented. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has seen their fair share of irate residents and business owners lately, and today it no different. A group of residents from various areas of Wesselton are picketing in front of the MLM building, with SAPS keeping a close eye on proceedings. The residents in question expressed their dismay regarding a court order of removal issued recently. Amongst other concerns, service delivery, electrical supply and disconnections, employment issues and supply chain dissatisfaction issues were raised. “It’s terrible. We are treated like nothing, like we are not human beings. We are all suffering, we need to provide for our families, and we are being blocked by unlawful proceedings,” a picketer told the Tribune. Wesselton has come under the spotlight for the lack of maintenance, especially regarding the roads, electrical and water supply infrastructure. “I care for a disabled family member, which makes it difficult to navigate within Wesselton. Everything is falling apart, an nobody is listening to us. We are without electricity a lot of the time. Innocent residents are suffering due to illegal connections. Not all of us are part of the “izinyoka”, yet some of us have no other choice. We will wait for municipality technicians until Jehova comes,” another picketer lamented. Residents are advised to exercise caution when conducting business at MLM during the course of the picketing, as the group awaits feedback from MLM. This is a developing story. Read the full article in the next publication of the Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

Jansen Street drug den causes unease 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 12 January 2021 “I have phoned the SAPS on several occasions, as looters carry away stolen items from the property. On one specific day a looter brought his own wheelbarrow, and casually loaded the geyser looted from the property. I phoned the SAPS, but they took over an hour to arrive." What once was a beautifully maintained residence, has now regressed to a source of disconcertment to surrounding residents, most notably for its infamy as a known drug haven for addicts and all manner of vagrants. Reports of blatant prostitution within the husk of the residence has also surfaced, with no heed paid by authorities. The house, which is being systematically looted of all valuable items, which includes pipes, fittings, taps, window frames and doors, is now a source of concern, as well as a threat to the safety of surrounding residents. “We can not even leave our residence for more than a day, because the vagrants that squat in the abandoned house keeps and eye on our movements. I have resorted to adding extra security gates and burglar bars to our house, because the squatters steal items from our yard. I have caught several of them red-handed, where they carry items out of our yard during broad daylight. I don’t feel safe in my own home, and the constant stream of devious characters visiting this abandoned property gives me the shivers. They deal drugs in the open, and couldn’t care less about who sees them. Many of the vagrants who visit the property to get their fix, can barely walk straight when the exit the property. It is unacceptable, but nobody cares.” a nearby resident lamented. “I have phoned the SAPS on several occasions, as looters carry away stolen items from the property. On one specific day a looter brought his own wheelbarrow, and casually loaded the geyser looted from the property. I phoned the SAPS, but they took over an hour to arrive, and when they finally arrived, they just looked at the house and drove away without investigating. I am also very concerned about the long grass and shrubbery on this abandoned property, as it is an extreme fire hazard, especially during winter time. I just wish someone would take action, or the owner of the property would sell or demolish the house. I really stresses me out.” the resident concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Nigerian national, Okonkwo Kingsley Nwabuike (46), a was re-arrested at OR Tambo International Airport by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit on Thursday, 21 January 2021. His arrest followed information received from INTERPOL about the suspect, who was circulated as wanted in August 2017 for dealing in drugs, said to be arriving at the airport in Johannesburg from Nigeria. The Hawks pounced on him shortly after his arrival. He was initially arrested along with Cypriah Joshua Emeka (31) on the 31 August 2017, at Blouberg Street in Secunda during a search and seizure operation. They were found in possession of crystal meth, kat and uncut rock drugs valued at R300 000. They were both released on bail. Emeka continued with his court appearances, while Nwabuike failed to appear in court and skipped bail. He fled to his country, and a warrant of arrest was issued against him. Nwabuike appeared before the Secunda Magistrate's Court on Friday, 22 January 2021, and the case was postponed to the 26 January 2021 for a formal bail application. The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the team for the swift response, and a collaborative working relationship between the local police and INTERPOL, which led to this arrest. Fugitive drug dealer re-arrested at OR Tambo Fugitive drug dealer re-arrested at OR Tambo 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 26 January 2021 His arrest followed information received from INTERPOL about the suspect, who was circulated as wanted in August 2017 for dealing in drugs, said to be arriving at the airport in Johannesburg from Nigeria. Nigerian national, Okonkwo Kingsley Nwabuike (46), a was re-arrested at OR Tambo International Airport by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit on Thursday, 21 January 2021. His arrest followed information received from INTERPOL about the suspect, who was circulated as wanted in August 2017 for dealing in drugs, said to be arriving at the airport in Johannesburg from Nigeria. The Hawks pounced on him shortly after his arrival. He was initially arrested along with Cypriah Joshua Emeka (31) on the 31 August 2017, at Blouberg Street in Secunda during a search and seizure operation. They were found in possession of crystal meth, kat and uncut rock drugs valued at R300 000. They were both released on bail. Emeka continued with his court appearances, while Nwabuike failed to appear in court and skipped bail. He fled to his country, and a warrant of arrest was issued against him. Nwabuike appeared before the Secunda Magistrate's Court on Friday, 22 January 2021, and the case was postponed to the 26 January 2021 for a formal bail application. The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the team for the swift response, and a collaborative working relationship between the local police and INTERPOL, which led to this arrest. < Previous Article Next Article >

Shoddy roads batter already limping tourism sector 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane mentioned in the State of the Province Address that tourist destinations in Mpumalanga would be upgraded, however, what was not mentioned was how they planned to deal with issues of the severely dilapidated roads that feed the sites. Tourism is Mpumalanga’s major potential job creator and a large source of income for many. However, the absolute ghastly state of the roads are making it extremely difficult for tourism operators to run their businesses. The provincial MEC for public works, roads and transport, Mohita Latchminarain, was called upon to prioritize rehabilitation of all roads which lead to major tourist destination sites. According to Bosman Grobler, potholes are a major deterrent for tourists looking to visit the province. Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane mentioned in the State of the Province Address that tourist destinations in Mpumalanga would be upgraded, however, what was not mentioned was how they planned to deal with issues of the severely dilapidated roads that feed the sites. “Provincial government is advised to devise strategies aimed at growing the economy provincially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The roads are in need of attention, and local government has to do something, because these roads reflect what our society is like to visitors. Mpumalanga’s tourism sector has been affected badly by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state of roads is becoming a deterrent for visiting tourists. Roads leading to prominent tourist destination sites have been riddled with potholes for years now.” < 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 >