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MEC Mashilo cuts underperforming contractors 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 18 August 2022 MEC Mashilo lamented the poor performance as a continuous threat to budget cuts. Poor performing contractors doing business with the Department of Human Settlements in Mpumalanga came under severe hammering at a meeting by MEC Speedy Mashilo. He called an urgent meeting this week following the Department’s first quarter review session. Mashilo reminded contractors that their performance reflects on quality and efficacy of Department's service delivery. Accompanied by senior management, MEC Mashilo wanted to understand and make sense of their challenges owing to their apparent poor performance. The meeting also sought to craft solutions and necessary interventions to improving performance. Speaking at the session, MEC Mashilo lamented the poor performance as a continuous threat to budget cuts. “Your performance is below par, thus we must take action in order to get everyone up to speed. Your failure is our failure and it bears National Treasury ramifications of budget reduction, thus cannot be tolerated”, lamented Mashilo. He added that terminations and scope work reduction are not his obsessions. However, if needs be the Department will be forced to exercise its rights under the contracts. In airing their challenges, some contractors cited lack of services such as water from their sites, and thus increasing building costs. The issue of the subsidy quantum was also mentioned as a contributing factor owing to inflation and rising costs of building materials However, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi recently announced increased quantum of various programmes, including houses that now costs R139 000, to cater for this challenge. The delay in payments was also reflected as another huge impediment, and could be attributed to incorrectly completed invoices. As such, contractors were advised to exercise due diligence when completing and submitting their invoices. Notwithstanding these issues, MEC Mashilo urged them to be mindful of the Department's targets, and set their delivery within that period. In no uncertain terms, he stressed the need to adhere to contractual agreement. “We need to deliver on time, the people have been patient enough with us. This poor performance is hitting hard and adversely on the poor beneficiaries of our service. Thus, we need to be more sensitive to their plight as we go on with our work”, urged Mashilo. Taking cognisance of issues raised, MEC Mashilo called on officials to also assist contractors, and not appear as setting them up for failure in their delivery. It was further stressed that contractors ought to strengthen their social facilitation and stakeholder management functions to avoid any form of project disruptions. A clear undertaking was made that all outstanding invoices should be paid by Friday, 19 August 2022. Contractors that have failed to demonstrate capacity and sound schedule for completion of projects, will receive letters of reduction of scope. < Previous Article Next Article >

MSV Holdings gives back to community 1/30 Share GK CRONJE 6 July 2021 MSV Holdings, a road marking contractor from Piet Retief, made a substantial donation to the learners of the school. As part of giving back to the community, Mr. Vusi Nkosi of MSV Holdings (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with the main contractor, VEA Roads, maintaining R35-1 & R35-2, recently donated various items to Sizakhele Primary School. MSV Holdings, a road marking contractor from Piet Retief, made a substantial donation to the learners of the school, which included 28 pairs of school shoes, 25 pairs of school jerseys and a blistering 2 759 sanitary pads to make the lives of various learners much easier. < Previous Article Next Article >

AFPO threatens full shutdown 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 AFPO has warned that it will intensify its action should government fail to meet its demands. The Department of Health said that it tried at several meetings last month to resolve the dispute, and that the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa was the only organization that had informed them of the strike. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral parlor directors are demanding that the outsourcing of mortuary facilities be recognized and legalized, along with various other demands. The African Funeral Practitioners Organisation (AFPO) said that the organization and its affiliates plans to embark on a strike, and warned that no bodies will be picked up from private and government mortuaries and homes. AFPO has also warned that no funerals would be conducted due to the strike action by affiliated members, and more than 3000 employed staff. The organization also demands that the Department of Home Affairs must allow them to appoint a third party to conduct some duties on their behalf, which is now prohibited by law. The organization has warned that it will intensify its action should government fail to meet its demands. The Department of Health said that it tried at several meetings last month to resolve the dispute, and that the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa was the only organization that had informed them of the strike. “We've been trying to talk to the government, but they've never wanted to listen to us. We'll still help our members, we'll direct them to the police, and then we will direct them to forensics to do the pick-ups.” AFPO president, Raisibe Pole-Nkosi, stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

MPU Veiligheid verseker dat jy gerus jou geliefdes kan besoek 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 22 February 2022 Die eerste stap sal wees om die gras te sny, en kort te hou op die gronde. Op Sondag, 20 Februarie 2022, het lede van Mpumalanga Veiligheid, wat bestaan uit verskeie organisasies se plaaswagte, TLU, AfriForum en sektor buurtwagte, sowel as Spartan Training, hulp verleen aan besoekers van Ermelo begrafplaas. Dié diens, wat gratis deur die lede gebied word, verseker dat die gemeenskap van Ermelo met ‘n geruste hart hul geliefdes se grafte kan besoek. Die lede patroleer die gronde, en vergesel besoekers regoor die begrafplaas. Die lede verseker die veiligheid van besoekers, is op die uitkyk vir enige verdagte gedrag van individue wat kortpad sny oor die gronde. Die lede is ook besig om ‘n plan te beraam om die mure en hekke te herstel wat deur boosdoeners beskadig of verwyder is. Die span sal elke derde Sondag van die maand die gronde patroleer, by beide die ou en nuwe begrafplase, en nooi graag lede van die gemeenskap om oë te wys tussen 12:00 en 14:00. Almal is welkom om die begrafplase te besoek, en daar is geen koste verbonde aan die diens nie. Die lede wil graag ook ‘n versoek rig aan besigheidseienaars en lede van die gemeenskap wat betrokke wil raak by die instandhouding en opknapping van die begrafplase om besoeke te vergemaklik. Die eerste stap sal wees om die gras te sny, en kort te hou op die gronde. Enige persoon wat sou wil betrokke raak, of meer informasie verlang, kan Henry Geldenhuys by 083 560 1273, Frikkie du Plessis by 078 803 3102 of Jaco Kirk by 081 325 7259 kontak. Sien meer foto’s en video’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

TLU SA Jongboere moedig landbou aan om die bedryf te versterk 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 18 May 2021 Die konferensie is afgesluit deur die president van TLU SA, mnr. Henry Geldenhuys. Hy het jong boere aangemoedig om as ‘n kliphoeksteen sterk te staan in die gemeenskap. TLU SA het boere regoor die land tydens die onlangse Jongboerkonferensie sterk aangemoedig om by georganiseerde landboustrukture aan te sluit om die uitdagings wat die bedryf ervaar, saam aan te pak. Die Jongboerkonferensie word jaarliks aangebied, maar moes verlede jaar as gevolg van die inperking afgestel word. Vanjaar is die konferensie fisies by die hoofkantoor in Silverton, Pretoria aangebied en regoor die land gestroom via die Zoom-platform. Groot groepe jong boere het bymekaar gekom en die verrigtinge regstreeks oor hulle skerms gevolg. Die TLU SA Jongboerkonferensie 2021 is in samewerking met die borge Santam Landbou, Nedbank, NWK, die Solidariteit Beweging, Agri All Africa, Obaro en die LWO Werkgewersorganisasie aangebied. Die tema van vanjaar se konferensie, Die waarde van ‘n boer is deur al die sprekers beklemtoon. TLU SA se hoofbestuurder, mnr. Bennie van Zyl het die waarde van boere onderstreep deur te verwys na hoe landbou dwarsdeur die COVID-19 inperking voedsel aan die land verskaf het, onder baie moeilike omstandighede. Hy het gesê dat landbou die enigste bedryf was wat tydens hierdie tye gegroei het, maar dat dit ook die bedryf is wat verskeie uitdagings ervaar wat die voortbestaan van landbou en boere bedreig. Hy het boere bedank vir hulle bydrae tot die land maar ook gemaan dat hulle die Godgegewe grond verantwoordelik en winsgewend moet bestuur. “Ons mag ons koppe hoog hou en ons moet ons koppe hoog hou. Maar gemeenskappe moet hande vat en bou en konstruktief wees in die omgewing. Ons moet saam staan,” het hy gesê. Tydens die konferensie is ook ooreengekom dat die bestaande Jongboerkomitee met hulle taak sal voortgaan sonder om van bestuur te verander. Die voorstel is sonder teenkanting aanvaar. Die voorsitter van die TLU SA Jongboerkomitee, mnr. Henna du Plessis het jong boere op sy beurt ook aangemoedig om by georganiseerde landbou aan te sluit. Hy het die waarde van ‘n organisasie soos TLU SA beklemtoon deur na sy eie ervaring te verwys. TLU SA het hom ondersteun om finansiering te kry nadat hy op sy eie nie daarin kon slaag nie as gevolg van die Landbank se wanbestuur. Deur die TLU SA-netwerk het hy ook die ondersteuning van die LWO Werkgewersvereniging met arbeidskwessies waarmee hy nou te doen het. “Dit is nodig om 'n ondersteuningsnetwerk te hê as boere. Sluit aan by TLU SA,” het hy gesê. Die hoogtepunt van die konferensie was ‘n aanbieding van TLU SA se Jongboer van die Jaar 2020, mnr. Danie Bester oor die gebruik van presisie tegnologie in landbou. Hierdie tipe boerdery is daarop gemik om winsgewendheid te verhoog deur tegnologie in te span om sodoende hulpbronne optimaal te benut. Die volledige aanbieding sal binnekort op TLU SA se webwerf beskikbaar gemaak word sodat ander jong boere van die inligting gebruik kan maak. Die konferensie is afgesluit deur die president van TLU SA, mnr. Henry Geldenhuys. Hy het jong boere aangemoedig om as ‘n kliphoeksteen sterk te staan in die gemeenskap. “Jongboere, landbou het jou nodig,” het hy gesê. “Jy is die toekoms van landbou, maar jy het ook ‘n landbou organisasie nodig en dit is TLU SA. Raak betrokke, dit is jou spreekbuis. Jong boer, jy het waarde in die voedselwaardeketting.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Erries neem deel aan Wêreld-biddag 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 23 March 2021 Hoërskool Ermelo dank ons Hemelse Vader vir die voorreg om te kon deel in dié jaarlikse biddag. Mag die woorde van 1 Tess. 5:17 ons immer herinner: “Bid gedurig.” Op Maandag, 8 Maart het al die Errie-dogters en damespersoneel vergader by die skool se hoofpawiljoen ter deelname aan die Wêreld-biddag vir Vroue-program. Die amptelike biddag het reeds op Vrydag, 5 Maart plaasgevind, maar Maandag het die Erries hul stemme by dié van duisende vroue regoor die wêreld gevoeg om in te tree vir 2021 se gasheerland – Vanuatu. Vanuatu is in die Stille Oseaan tussen Fiji en Australië geleë en bestaan uit 14 eilande. Vanuatu se bevolking is slegs sowat 312 000 van wie die grootste meerderheid Christene is. Alhoewel Vanuatu spog met poskaart mooi strande, woude, fauna en flora, is armoede en werkloosheid wesenlike probleme waarmee inboorlinge daagliks te kampe het. Na afloop van ‘n bietjie agtergrondkennis oor die land, is die boodskap uit Lukas 6:46-49 gebring met die tema: ‘n Lewe gebou op ‘n vaste rots. Drie getuienisse van vroue wat in Vanuatu leef, is voorgelees waarna die Errie-dogters in kleingroepe verdeel het om te bid vir dié land en sy mense. Daar was ook ‘n pragtige uitbeelding van Vanuatu se kleurvolle vlag, smaaklike vrugte, krale en skulpe. Terwyl die dogters en damespersoneel op die pawiljoen aan die biddag deelgeneem het, het die seuns en manspersoneel bymekaar gekom op die netbalbane. Hier is die seuns bemagting met ‘n motiveringstoespraak deur meneer Pieter Grobler. Hoërskool Ermelo dank ons Hemelse Vader vir die voorreg om te kon deel in dié jaarlikse biddag. Mag die woorde van 1 Tess. 5:17 ons immer herinner: “Bid gedurig.” < Previous Article Next Article >

EHS rugby klop Rand Park High Tiaan Grobler, Kobus van Heerden, Herman Holtzhausen, Billy van der Walt en Walter van der Walt besig om reg te maak vir 'n skrum. Tiaan Grobler, Kobus van Heerden, Herman Holtzhausen, Billy van der Walt en Walter van der Walt besig om reg te maak vir 'n skrum. 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 7 September 2021 “EHS is dankbaar vir die geleentheid en blootstelling wat die rugby seuns kan kry ten spyte van ‘n besige program en uitdagende omstandighede. Baie sterkte met die volgende wedstryd.” Ter voorbereiding vir volgende jaar se rugby, neem die o/17-span van EHS deel aan ‘n rugby-reeks wat oor verskeie datums te Hoërskool Eldoraigne plaasvind. Op Maandag, 30 Augustus, het die seuns te staan gekom teen Rand Park High en as oorwinnaars van die veld gestap met ‘n eindtelling van 22-17. Tiaan Grobler is aangewys as man van die wedstryd. Die volgende wedstryd vind plaas op 16 September teen Hoërskool Eldoraigne. “EHS is dankbaar vir die geleentheid en blootstelling wat die rugby seuns kan kry ten spyte van ‘n besige program en uitdagende omstandighede. Baie sterkte met die volgende wedstryd.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Be part of the change for the Pet Dam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 23 November 2021 “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory." If you’ve ever driven past the Pet Dam and thought to yourself how the dam could have regressed to such a sad state, now is your time to shine and actively make a difference. Ford Ermelo, also known as 24 Motors, have taken it upon themselves to launch an initiative to rehabilitate the dam, to get it clean, and to keep it clean. However, the full cooperation of the community and all walks of life is needed to make the rehabilitation project a reality. Speaking to Hein van Niekerk, dealer principal at 24 Motors, the rehabilitation project will be launched as soon as necessary steps have been taken, and all roleplayers are on board, including Msukaligwa Local Municipality. “Working hand in hand with BlueGreen Water Technologies and other key players, our main aim will be to rehabilitate the Pet Dam, ensuring a better future for fauna and flora in and around the dam. Furthermore, the unpleasant smell that constantly lingers in the area of the Pet Dam will also be something of the past, he stated. “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory. Gone will be the days of pollution and unsightly refuse bobbing in the water. We are in the process of getting all stakeholders involved, and would like to work hand in hand with Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Their input and assistance will be invaluable to the project, as they have the machinery and the means to unblock stoppages from the sewerage network and storm drains. Unblocking the sewerage network is of paramount importance, as regular and efficient flow to waste away from the Pet Dam will be the main variable in keeping the pollution at bay. We humbly invite all stakeholders who would be interested, as well as community members and businesses who wish to make a difference, to get involved in the project. Only by working together in unity will we be able to move forward.” BlueGreen Water Technologies sport groundbreaking, approved algaecides, approved for use in bodies of water without damaging the environment or degrading the water quality. In fact, Jurgens van Loggerenberg, director of the Africa division of the company, has told the Tribune ePaper that all hope is not lost for the Pet Dam. Quite the opposite, as from the commencement of treatment, the Pet Dam will be sparkling and boasting significantly improved water quality in approximately four months. “We can make quick work of the polluted Pet Dam with our cutting-edge technology. However, cooperation and assistance from the community, municipality and all stakeholders will be of utmost importance. Ermelo holds a special place in my heart, and it pains me to see the Pet Dam degraded from a previous state of magnificence. We call on all who wish to get involved in the project to roll up their sleeves and actively take part in the betterment of the Pet Dam. We can easily accomplish the rehabilitation if we work in unison,” he said. BlueGreen has an outstanding track record when it comes to rehabilitation of water bodies. Most recently, BlueGreen’s cutting-edge technology was used to eradicate toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, in water bodies without leaving a trace in the water. In March this year, BlueGreen introduced its innovative Lake Guard solution to Setumo Dam, in collaboration with Sedibeng Water, with breathtaking results. Similar grand success has also been noted at Roodeplaat Dam, which is unrecognizable following the rehabilitation. If that’s not enough, the success at Setumo Dam follows directly on the heels of BlueGreen winning the ‘Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year’ award at the 2021 Global Water Awards. If you would like to know more about the project, and how to get involved in this landmark program, you may contact Janice de Jager on 072 401 1449. < 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 >

M.O.T.H hosts moving remembrance ceremony 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 10 November Visitors paid respects by laying down wreaths, and thus ensuring that no sacrifice is ever forgotten. You may view videos, as well as more photos, on our Facebook page, Tribune Newspaper. The Memorable Order of Tin Hats, or the M.O.T.H as it is more popularly known, is an ex-servicemen and woman organization founded in Durban, South Africa, on May 1927, by Charles Alfred Evenden. Members of M.O.T.H abide by three sound ideals, which are true comradeship, by practicing front line friendship in civilian life, mutual help, by acknowledging the personal and collective obligation to help each other as in front line service, and sound memory, by remembering the fallen as a living companionship and to serve their memory in practical actions. The ideals rise above race, politics and social status. M.O.T.H shell holes have been opened in Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Membership was extended to those who had participated in the South African Border War. The remembrance day at the Monte Sole shellhole in Ermelo saw a myriad of visitors who paid respects by laying down wreaths, and thus ensuring that no sacrifice is ever forgotten. You may view videos, as well as more photos, on our Facebook page, Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

Community stands together to rehab roadway 1/12 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 Pick n Pay Ermelo rustled up meals and cold drinks, and delivered it to the teams on site, and showing their support in the initiative. Chris de Villiers Street, a notorious sight for sore eyes, and a menace to motorists and heavy vehicle drivers alike, as been partially rehabilitated in order to make the surface traversable once again. As complaints regarding this roadway has fallen on deaf ears at Msukaligwa Local Municipality for more than 4 years, residents and business owners decided to band together and take action. In an unprecedented joint operation, members of SG Coal, Van Wettens Towing Services, Wozani Berg Gasoline (WBG), Mavuso Towing and various other stakeholders toiled in the scorching heat of the past weekend, making the road surface fit for traffic yet again. Pick n Pay Ermelo rustled up meals and cold drinks, and delivered it to the teams on site, and showing their support in the initiative. Ellwyn Thomas of WBG and Gerhard de Kock from SG Coal has been on site from dawn until disk, motivating the teams, and ensuring that the rehabilitation was done in record time. FJ Oosthuizen from SG Coal was also in site, and encouraged and thanked his drivers for sacrificing their weekend for the benefit of the community. Ronnie and his team pumped water from the sinkholes to ensure easier compacting of materials, while Msukaligwa Local Municipality also provided teams and a roller to assist in the work. Vida Water Ermelo also contributed in quenching the thirst, by donating water to site workers and assistants. A local resident also expressed gratitude by providing lunch to the workers on site. A mention of thanks is also extended to James Gregory, CEO of WBG for donating fuel for trucks on site. It goes to show that if the community works together, much can be achieved. Thanks to a group of sterling individuals and companies, the nightmare that was Chris de Villiers Street is relieved for a while, and motorists and heavy vehicle drivers can traverse the roadway with very few issues. You may view more videos and photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rondloper beeste steek inwoners dwars in die krop 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 25 May 2022 Op hierdie tydstip draai beide MLM en die SAPD in Ermelo ‘n blinde oog na die groeiende kwessie, wat al telkens ernstige beserings en lewensverlies tot gevolg gehad het. Die kwessie van verdwaalde en rondloper vee in Ermelo woongebiede, omliggende areas en die buitewyke is al jare ‘n doring in die vlees van motoriste, sonder enige optrede van die Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) en die relevante departemente. In hierdie geval word verordeninge heeltemal geïgnoreer, en die wette word nie deur die owerhede afgedwing nie, wat 'n bose kringloop van frustrasie, saakbeskadiging en gevaar vir motoriste veroorsaak. Verskeie inwoners het gerapporteer dat hul honde onbeheerbaar opgewerk word deur die rondloper vee wat ronddwaal in die woongebied, veral in die De Bruin Park omgewing. Klagtes vanaf inwoners beweer dat dié rondlopers so gewoond geraak het aan verkeer en gevloek van frustreerde motoriste en inwoners, dan die diere hul geensins steur aan die kwaad wat hul stook nie. Verskeie motoriste het nouliks vermy om met hierdie diere te bots, wat ‘n veer voel vir aankomende verkeer. Hierdie kwessie is egter nie net tot diewoongebiede beperk nie, aangesien inwoners verskeie klagtes ingedien het oor beeste wat in die begraafplase wei, en kosbare herinneringe vertrap, blomme opvreet en vase beskadig, en ander gedenkwaardighede verniel. Alhoewel dit 'n dringende kwessie in Ermelo is, wag almal in spanning dat MLM -amptenare nog beslissend optree. Op hierdie tydstip draai beide MLM en die SAPD in Ermelo ‘n blinde oog na die groeiende kwessie, wat al telkens ernstige beserings en lewensverlies tot gevolg gehad het. Verskeie navrae was al aan MLM gerig. Dié het egter die navrae doodluiters ignoreer, en het tot hede geen terugvoer gegee nie. < Previous Article Next Article >