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Strife within the ANC continues 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 February 2022 Resignation would force the municipality into by-elections. On Thursday, 27 January, ANC members opposing the alleged corruption, nepotism and fraud within the structures of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), as well as the regional branch of the ANC Gert Sibande, gathered at the gates of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM). These steely protestors are standing their ground against the alleged plot by the regional ANC and corrupt entities within the municipality. The group also stands on behalf of the present board of councillors at MLM, who have repeatedly highlighted the corruption that drills to the core of the municipality. The executive mayor, Cllr Mahlalela, have also made her stance against corrupt acitivities within the establishment quite clear, and has subsequently been accused of defying instructions from the ANC regional executive committee (REC). It had been stated in a memorandum that the REC has resolved to have her recalled, along with the chief whip, Cllr Buthelezi, and the speaker, Cllr Mandini, effectively dissolving the Troika, which consists of these members. The sudden recall and infighting within the ANC hierarchy is the result of an explosive list of corrupt activities that has been ongoing for years withing the municipality, laid bare by the current councillors and Troika. The Troika has refused to step down, claiming that they are being bullied into turning a blind eye to corruption. The councillors also claim that the REC has ordered a halt on the investigation lodged against a dodgy tender awarded to 303 Security to the tune of R103 million. According to the councillors, this is just one of many instances of where the chain of supply has been circumvented to benefit a select few individuals. It has been confirmed that the executive mayor has opened criminal cases against the said company, as well as he director of community and social services. The ANC REC claims that there is no vendetta, and that the recall comes after a “glitch in the ANC registration of the candidates”. However, councillors are having none of this, citing that the PR list has been altered by the REC, and that the IEC is in cahoots with those fiddling with official documentation. The councillors, along with a large mass of the community, has taken a firm stance, also verifying that the PR list was different to the original list. This list has been the topic of debate for an extended period of time. The councillors have threatened to resign in unison should the REC continue to, according to council, interfere with the daily operations of the municipality. Resignation would force the municipality into by-elections. < Previous Article Next Article >

COSATU nationwide protest against corruption 1/18 Share GK CRONJE 7 October 2020 COSATU has stated that the corruption and nepotism that consumes the ANC has caused it to betray the working class citizen. The march follows the rampant corruption and looting of COVID-19 funds, and the government’s failure to honor a 2018 wage agreement in the public sector. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has mobilized its members to join in a nation-wide socio-economic strike against corruption, retrenchment, gender-based violence, unemployment and attacks on collective bargaining. The protest in supported by NEDLAC, according to COSATU. The protest takes place on 7 October 2020, which also happens to be the Global Day For Decent Work. Although little heed has been paid, workers have been asked to stay at home rather than congregate in the streets amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. COSATU states that this will be a new form of striking whereby people stay at home, and not congregate in the streets for their own safety. COSATU has stated that the corruption and nepotism that consumes the ANC has caused it to betray the working class citizen. The march follows the rampant corruption and looting of COVID-19 funds, and the government’s failure to honor a 2018 wage agreement in the public sector. Read more in next week's publication of the Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

5G towers do not spread COVID-19 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 January 2021 The destruction of 5G, or any cellular towers, will be treated as an act of criminality. Various chain messages on social media, WhatsApp and Telegram, based mainly on the fact that the 5G network was rolled out in the Chinese city of Wuhan just a few weeks before the first COVID-19 reports, are fueling misinformation and destructive behavior by gullible citizens in South Africa. These chain messages are based on false information, stating that infected passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship had been using the technology, and that the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by wireless communications networks are to blame for the spread of the virus. This is not only wholly untrue, but also impossible by any standard. Various reports of citizens in South Africa destroying cellular towers have come to light, with the vandals seeing themselves as unsung heroes. However, Premier Sihle Zikalala has warned that the destruction of 5G, or any cellular towers, will be treated as an act of criminality. “We should all be united against COVID-19, and such things detract us from the main focus now, which is to deal with COVID-19. If you vandalize such networks, you are affecting the communication and therefore services of the community are undermined. It would be irresponsible of any leader to peddle misinformation, and it is uncalled for any leader to mislead the people.” the premier stated. The vandalism of towers belonging to major network companies has come in the wake of viral social media posts which have eluded to a link between 5G and the spread of COVID-19 .Zikalala added that community leaders who misinform the public regarding the 5G networks and COVID-19 will also face the law. Other articles containing false information are also doing the rounds, and are most distressing. Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses, therefore taking antibiotics to treat or prevent COVID-19 could prove harmful by reducing a person’s vigilance. Vaccines against pneumonia don’t provide protection against COVID-19 either. The potential efficacy of chloroquine is currently being studied but doesn’t look particularly promising. Hand dryers and UV lamps don’t effectively guard against the virus, and the WHO has also discredited the idea that cold weather and snow can kill COVID-19. In more unorthodox approaches, some wrongly maintain that people can protect themselves against COVID-19 by washing their hands with children’s urine, applying sesame oil all over their body or consuming cannabis. These are simply examples of false advertising or clickbait. Excessive digestion of garlic, beetroot and ginger also holds no scientific merit. Another great fallacy is that you can get infected by parcels arriving from China. Although the lifespan varies depending on the environment and temperature, pathogenic germs can only survive on objects such as parcels, coins and credit cards for a few hours. Products imported from China to Africa have been traveling for too long to transmit the virus. A huge misconception is that youthfulness offers immunity to the virus. The virus doesn’t just impact the elderly, although being in a fragile state influences the body’s ability to fight infection. Lastly, just as conspiracy theories proliferated about HIV, theories peddled by gullible individuals claim that COVID-19 is a bioweapon engineered by the Chinese government, the US government, and most laughably, the Bill Gates Foundation, and that it was either deliberately released. Fake rumors also claim that Bill Gates himself is waging a one-man war against humanity, and using humans as guinea pigs with a supposed immortality drug he is developing for himself. Residents are urged to refrain from spreading panic and false information regarding COVID-19, as such acts could land you in very, very hot water. < Previous Article Next Article >

Keep safe during municipal load shedding 1/0 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The increased occurrence of load shedding means also that there are more alarm activation signals received by armed response companies than usual. If the alarm is triggered because of a power surge, or because of load shedding, please contact your security company as soon as possible to cancel any false alarms. This helps ensure that armed response officers are allocated to legitimate emergencies. In light of the municipal load shedding, which has been ongoing since May 2020, residents have reported a spike in cases of burglaries, poisoning of animals and suspicious individuals skulking around under the shroud of darkness. With Msukaligwa Local Municipality dragging their feet and offering no reprieve or plan of action, the rotational load shedding can be expected to continue for the foreseeable future. This means that home owners, as well as business owners, need to make sure their alarm and security systems are tested regularly and in a working condition. These tests need to focus in particular on the battery backup systems, to ensure that it will still offer monitoring and protection when the power goes out. Many people are under the incorrect assumption that their alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted. However, if you have a stable and correctly programmed system, coupled with a battery that is in a good condition, it will continue to protect the premises during a power outage, regardless if the outage is because of load shedding or any other technical problem. The increased occurrence of load shedding means also that there are more alarm activations signals received by armed response companies than usual. If the alarm is triggered because of a power surge, or because of load shedding, please contact your security company as soon as possible to cancel any false alarms. This helps ensure that armed response officers are allocated to legitimate emergencies. This helps to free up call centre staff members to concentrate on legitimate incidents that they need to respond to. The only time any alarm system might not function correctly, is if there is a technical issue or the battery power is low. Most modern alarm systems have a back-up battery pack that activates automatically when there is a power failure. It is recommended to consider an additional battery backup pack, as load shedding puts additional strain on the battery. There are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during any power cuts, which includes always remaining vigilant, and reporting suspicious activity in your ward to the SAPS or security agency, and ensuring that all automated gates and doors are secured. With the added inconvenience of the lights going out at night due to power cuts, candles and touch-lights are handy alternatives. Test the battery backup system, and consider an additional battery pack for standby. Tests of alarm systems should ideally be conducted every six months. Power cuts can impact on fire systems and fire control systems, so these also need to be checked regularly. The best approach is to test your alarm system, for both your home and your business, and to make any fixes that are required as soon as you can. < Previous Article Next Article >

Morgan Nissan Ermelo open hul deure 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 21 Julie 2020 Hugh Morgan, die eienaar van die groep, is al sedert 1989 in die motor industrie, en het in 2006 sy eerste Nissan tak, Morgan Nissan Welkom se deure ge-open. Die groep het reeds agt takke, insluitend Ermelo, Welkom, Bethlehem, Harrismith, Northcliff, Vryburg en Kimberley. Die handelaarshoof in Ermelo is Willem Bosch, wat al vanaf 1992 in die motor insudtrie is, en ook ‘n welbekende is in die industrie. Morgan Nissan, ‘n baie bekende groep in die motor industrie, het dit goed gedink om nog ‘n tak by hul groep te voeg. Hugh Morgan, die eienaar van die groep, is al sedert 1989 in die motor industrie, en het in 2006 sy eerste Nissan tak, Morgan Nissan Welkom se deure ge-open. Die groep het reeds agt takke, insluitend Ermelo, Welkom, Bethlehem, Harrismith, Northcliff, Vryburg en Kimberley. Die handelaarshoof in Ermelo is Willem Bosch, wat al vanaf 1992 in die motor insudtrie is, en ook ‘n welbekende is in die industrie. Morgan Nissan streef na gehalte persoonlike diens, en sien elke tak as ‘n afsonderlike handelaar, met die handelaarshoof wat alle besluite plaaslik neem. Willem nooi al Morgan Nissan se bestaande kliënte, asook nuwe kliënte uit om hulle te kom besoek, en te kom kyk na hulle ongelooflike spesiale winskopies op hulle groot reeks voertuie by 6 De Emigratie Straat, Ermelo, of hulle te kontak by 017 819 2005. < Previous Article Next Article >

DOH worried by rising COVID-19 infections 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 23 October 2020 The country was also warned that putting South Africa into a hard lockdown is still on the cards as a precautionary measure in a state of ignorance, as residents disregards COVID-19 regulations. South Africa’s health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, has expressed his worry and dismay following a steadily inclining rise in COVID-19 cases. South Africa's latest epidemiological reports shows an increase of 9.1% in new cases of COVID-19 over the past seven days, with an increase of 10.7% over the past two weeks. An increase in new cases has also been noticed in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng, and a shocking 42% increase in new infections in the Western Cape. “ As we emphasize that the risk of a COVID-19 resurgence is still high, we do not do it to instill fear. We, as government, has a responsibility to keep people informed when we notice trends. It would be irresponsible to ignore 'small ups and downs' that we see in some parts of the country.” Mkhize stated. He further says that the rate of new cases and deaths affects the recommendations to the National Command Council for dealing with issues concerning COVID-19 and regulations. “As we continue to monitor the development of a vaccine, our social behavior and our continuous adherence to health protocols and social distancing are the only weapons we have as a country. All of us must accept this responsibility, and encourage others to do the same.” he concluded. The country was also warned that putting South Africa into a hard lockdown is still on the cards as a precautionary measure in a state of ignorance, as residents disregards COVID-19 regulations. < Previous Article Next Article >

Department of Education rewards excellent top achievers LB Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left) and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality (right). EHS Leandri Viviers from Hoërskool Ermelo with (f.l.t.r): Mr. PP Magagula - District Director, Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality. LB Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left) and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality (right). 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 8 February 2022 The following four schools receive the awards for 100% pass rate in 2021: George Hofmeyer, Chief CJ Nkosi Secondary School, Morgenzon Landbou Akademie and Highveld Muslim. The Mpumalanga Department of Education hosted the annual Gert Sibande District Grade 12 Award Ceremony at the District Municipality on Friday, 4 February. These awards are aimed at honoring the top achievers and schools in the Gert Sibande District for their hard work in 2021. The following four schools receive the awards for 100% pass rate in 2021: George Hofmeyer, Chief CJ Nkosi Secondary School, Morgenzon Landbou Akademie and Highveld Muslim. The best teachers in large enrollment content subjects are: Hoërskool Ermelo - Ms. E Fourie for Maths Literacy, 100% pass rate and 9 distinctions, Ligbron Academy for Technology - Ms SE van Zyl for Mathematics, 100% pass and rate 18 distinctions, as well as Ms. M. Bosman for Physical Science, 100% pass rate and 18 distinctions. The top ten learners in the Gert Sibande District are: Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with 1705 marks, Chenelle Roux from Hoërskool Hoogenhout with 1701 marks, Grace Thanjan form Hoërskool Secunda with 1693 marks, and Leandri Viviers from Hoërskool Ermelo with 1689 marks. Busisiwe Vemba, a learner from Ligbron Academy for Technology, was awarded for best overall learner in the District. Netherland Park Secondary School received an award for outstanding academic performance (90 - 100%) over 3 consecutive years, with an average of 93.5% for 2019, 94.6% for 2020 and 95.7% for 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

Claiming for damages suffered due to potholes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 30 November 2021 A report must be compiled by the department, authorizing reimbursement from insurance through the Asset Management Unit of the municipality. Widening, deep and hazardous potholes leave their mark on majority of the residential and central business district (CBD) streets in Ermelo, and the roads in the outer areas are also pitted with sink- and potholes. Several roads surfaces have been dug for water pipe repairs, and are thereafter not filled or repaired, some for several years. Enquiries and complaints from residents directed at Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) fail to receive satisfactory feedback. Although municipal departments state that they do the best they can with the few resources available to them die to financial constraints, these statements are nothing but salt in the wounds of motorists who suffer daily damage and unnecessary wear and tear on their vehicles due to the ghastly road conditions. Good news for frustrated motorists is that the maintenance of roads remains the responsibility of government, and that the government therefore is liable to cough up should a motorist suffer as a result of their failure to keep up with that responsibility. “There is a responsibility on the side of the authority to maintain roads and repair potholes. The question would be whether there was negligence on the part of the municipal authority in not repairing that pothole, thereby posing a clear and present danger to the road user,” Arrive Alive, road user watchdog, stated in a public informational post. “The road user would have to approach that specific municipal authority, and enquire from them which documentation to complete, and to whom to submit such a claim. This might unfortunately take more time and is also dependent on the efficiency of that municipal office. In the case of claims lodged, the motorist's ID document, driver's licence, car registration details, a signed declaration and three written quotes for repair are also required in order for the claim to be processed. The motorist should stop at the incident spot immediately, and may optionally report the matter to the local traffic police to get an incident report. Photos of the pothole that caused damage to your vehicle, as well as photos of the affected tyres or damaged areas should be taken immediately, including a photo or video of the street name. If anyone else witnessed you hitting the pothole or stopped to assist, take down their personal details. Claims should be lodged as soon as possible, as technical officers will be sent to the place of the incident to verify the cause of the incident, and the potholes or road conditions responsible for the damage suffered.” In order to get the swiftest response, the motorist must submit a description or report, photos of the pothole and tyres, and invoice or quotation to the relevant municipality, in this case Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s Public Works & Basic Service Department. Thereafter, a report must be compiled by this department, authorizing reimbursement from insurance through the Asset Management Unit of the municipality. Residents should take note that they can only claim for damages from either the municipality, responsible roads agency or your insurance company. You cannot submit a claim to both your personal insurance and the government organization. < 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 >

Brackenfell Boys maak hulle harte oop 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 February 2021 Die doel agter die pret was om alles wat hulle insamel vir die kinderhuis te skenk. Die Brackenfell Boys, naamlik Pieter Pretorius, John Whatley, Ruan Prinsloo en LC Macfarlene, het begin met eenvoudige en snaakse uitdagings op hulle sosiale bladyse, insluitend Instagram. Die vier manne het op Saterdag, 13 Januarie, by die Game verkeerslig gestaan en geld ingesamel. Elkeen van hulle moes hul eie inisiatief uitdink om geld in te samel. Hulle het vanaf 10:00 tot 11:00 die gemeenskap vermaak, en het ‘n volle R5200 ingesamel. Die doel agter die pret was om alles wat hulle insamel vir die kinderhuis te skenk. “Die Brackenfell Boys wil vir elke persoon wat ‘n bydrae gemaak het dankie sê, ons wardeer dit opreg uit ons harte uit.” Op die foto verskyn die trotse Brackenfell Boys wat die gemeenskap vermaak het om geld in te samel vir die kinderhuis. Op die foto staan (v.l.n.r) Ruan Prinsloo, Pieter Pretorius, LC Macfarlene en John Whatley. < Previous Article Next Article >

EHS Groentjieskonsert sorg vir groot opwinding 1/11 Share SM HATTINGH 23 March 2022 “Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat ‘n deel gehad het aan sy/haar huis se Groentjieskonsert." Hoërskool Ermelo se jaarlikse Groentjieskonsert is ‘n eeu-oue tradisie wat jaar-na-jaar sorg vir groot opwinding, strawwe kompetisie en komiese vermaak. Die jaar 2022 se konsert was geen uitsondering nie. Die dag het oudergewoonte begin met die Graad 11-dirigente se aankoms. Nelstehuis se “FBI”-tema het die oggend afgeskop, gevolg deur die manne van Huis Veltman met hul “Money Heist”-tema. Dit was egter die Dorpies wat monde laat oophang het en die verbeelding aangegryp het met hul “Steampunk”-tema. Die leerders het daarna die geleentheid gehad om vir die eerste keer in drie jaar ‘n optog te hou, en hul gees deur die strate van Ermelo ten toon te stel. The climax of any Groentjies Day is the concert. The Grade 12 learners of each one of the Houses (Dorpshuis, Huis Veltman & Nelsthuis) had eight days to write an original story, build decor, design costumes and direct their Grade 8's into a unique concert. Each year the houses receive different themes. This year’s characters were based on the animation, Toy Story (Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Slinky Dog). The Errie value themes for the year were hard work and Errie heart. Each concert should also include a news bulletin and an advertisement. The instructions given to learners included that this year’s advertisement should link with 2022’s Grade 8 theme - From Seed-to-Sapling. Elke huis het hul uitstekend van hul taak gekwyt, en ‘n konsert van hoogstaande gehalte op die planke gebring. Die uitslae was as volg: Beste Dirigente - Dorpshuis, Beste Hulpdirigente - Nelstehuis, Beste Huisdans - Nelstehuis, Beste Tema-uitbeelding - Nelstehuis, Beste Advertensie - Huis Veltman, Beste Kostuums - Nelstehuis, Beste Dekor - Huis Veltman, Beste Groentjiesdans - Nelstehuis, Beste Humor in Storie - Huis Veltman, Beste Nuusberig - Nelstehuis, Beste Storieverteller - Joshua du Toit (Huis Veltman), Beste Akteur - Ruan Ludwig (Huis Veltman), Beste Aktrise - An-Euné van Niekerk (Nelstehuis), Beste gebruik van Verrassings-element - Huis Veltman, Meriete Toekenning - Clarissa Nel & Elané Nel (Dorpshuis), Beste Konsert - Huis Veltman en die Algehele Wenners - Huis Veltman. “Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat ‘n deel gehad het aan sy/haar huis se Groentjieskonsert. Die Erries het hierdie jaar weereens getoon dat alles wat hul doen, eenvoudig wêreldklas is.” Sien meer foto’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

'n Dekade van stank vir dank 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 12 October 2021 Gesagsfigure van MLM laat veel te wense in terme van dienslewering, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede wat deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het. Met die munisipale verkiesing wat op 1 November 2021 plaasvind, staan munisipaliteite en politiese partye regoor die land paraat met goue beloftes en groot sprake van opgeknapte dienslewering en verandering in die land se chaotiese toestand. In Ermelo is dit egter ‘n heel ander storie. Terwyl die land se munisipaliteite benoude spronge gee, en soveel oënskynlike dienslewering as moontlik probeer lewer voor die verkiesing, gee Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) nie ‘n dooie duit om nie. Inwoners van President Fouché Straat is warm onder die kraag nadat verkiesingsplakkate opgerig was in die area, terwyl die mense wild en wakker uitswaai vir slaggate, en rou riool die velde vol vloei. “Dit is skandelik, hulle het geen skaamte, en geen trots nie;” het ‘n hoogs ontstoke inwoner aan die Tribune ePaper gesê. “Die manne wat die plakkate kom opsit het hier naby my huis, sal mos nou met hulle bakkie deur die riool ry, agter op die bakkie staan en die plakkate teen die boom vas sit, en dan nog lag oor hoe die rou riool spat terwyl hul deur dit ry. In wat se wêreld is dit ‘n grap? Hoe laag moet jy daal om te lag oor dienslewering wat gefaal word deur die bank, terwyl jy jouself weer in ‘n leierskap posisie probeer inwurm? Ek weet nie waar gaan ons dorp, en ons land opeindig nie. Skandelik, dit is al woord wat ek aan kan dink.” Ten spyte van die rioolprobleem wat al vir meer as ‘n dekade inwoners dwars in die krop steek, keur MLM steeds nuwe bouprojekte, bouplanne en uitbreidings links en regs goed, terwyl die omgewing, die fauna en flora, sowel as die inwoners aan die kortste end trek. Die vervalle rioolstelsel in President Fouchélaan en die omliggende wyke draai afwaarts op ‘n daaglikse basis, met munisipale bestuurders uit drie, en binnekort die vierde verkiesing, se beloftes wat steeds nie nagekom word nie. Die impak op die natuurlewe en vleilanddiere, veral die reiers wat Ermelo altyd verfraai het, is kommerwekkend. Die konstante riool besoedeling in hierdie area het die Pet Dam, wat altyd die tuiste van hierdie voêls was, so erg besoedel dat nie boom wat hulle nes gemaak het in, gevrek en verdor het. Die reiers het met die verdorring ook hulself skaars gemaak, en talle van die voêls is dood aangetref. Die impak van die besoedeling is ook bewys deur honderde visse in die Pet Dam wat gevrek het in 2016. Dié besoedeling, direk veroorsaak deur rou riool vanaf President Fouchélaan en die area tot bo Camdenlaan, is doodluiters onder die mat ingevee. Die kwansuise water toetse wat gedoen sou word deur die munisipalitiet en die Gert Sibande Distrik, se resultaat het nooit die lig van dag gesien nie. Alhoewel die Tribune ePaper telkens navrae gerig het aan MLM rakende die besoedeling en die water toetse, het die munisipale woordvoerder en relevante departemente absoluut geen reaksie, en geen terugvoer verskaf nie. Navrae word bloot geignoreer deur die munisipaliteit. Afgesien van die rioolstorting wat na die Pet Dam vloei en 'n spoor van besoedeling en dood in die natuur agterlaat, sluit die oorloop van dié dam aan by die Klein Drinkwater stroom, wat uiteindelik in die reeds hoogs besoedelde Vaalrivier beland. In 'n omgewingsstudie wat gepubliseer is, word MLM, sowel as drie ander Mpumalanga-munisipaliteite, uitdruklik as die grootste skuldige partye in die jare lange besoedeling van die Vaalrivier beskou. Helaas, tot op hede is geen opgraderings of aksie deur MLM onderneem nie. Die situasie het inteendeel vererger, met die gereelde verstoppings en oorloop van die rioollyn in President Fouchélaan wat duidelik die groter probleemfaktor met die rioolnetwerk in die kalklig stel. Ontevrede inwoners in die area, wat met die konstante reuk van rou riool moet opsnork, terwyl menslike ontlasting, sanitêre produkte, kondome, lappe en toiletpapier in die somer son lê en bak, se pleidooi val op dowe ore. Die velde in hierdie gebied word voortdurend deurdrenk en is ‘n moeras van rioolwater en vullis, en hou ernstige gesondheidsimplikasies in vir inwoners, asook die leerders van die nabygeleë skole. Gesagsfigure van MLM laat veel te wense in terme van dienslewering, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede wat deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het. Die Gert Sibande -distriksmunisipaliteit is ook by verskeie geleenthede oor die kwessie ingelig, maar beweer dat hul geen jurisdiksie in die aangeleentheid het nie, en dat die onus ten volle op MLM lê. Teen perstyd wag die Tribune ePaper steeds vir terugvoer rakende dié kwessie, wat al op 8 April 2021 aan Mandla Zwane, munisipale woordvoerder, gerig was. Hierdie navraag, sowel elke navraag vroeër, was bloot geignoreer. Meer foto's en video's kan op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo, gesien word. < Previous Article Next Article >