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Students fed up with empty promises 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 NSFAS paid out an approximate R2 billion to “wrong students”, as well as individuals who are not even registered for the grant. Students and union bodies demonstrated outside Gert Sibande College recently, vehemently displaying their dissatisfaction with the slew of empty promises from authorities. According to the information at hand, students are irked, amongst other issues, by the fact that students have still not received their funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), despite several promises that payments would be made. One demonstrator also mentioned that students are gearing up to partake in the protests regarding the recent fatality at WITS. “It has been months, and we have not received a single cent from the promised grant. The department apparently made funds available, but we are yet to see it. We also have bills and expenses, and we are struggling,” an upset demonstrator stated. The NSFAS has repeatedly come under fire for mismanagement of the funds, and has even been slammed as a failure by political figure heads. Many institutions are struggling to put out fires regarding the grants, as the NSFAS comes under scrutiny time and time again, having paid out an approximate R2 billion to “wrong students”, as well as individuals who are not even registered for the grant, or as students at any institution. The Tribune ePaper contacted the GS College head office media liaison, and despite several attempts, no response had been received at the time of publication. GS College’s Ermelo campus also provided no response, instead referring enquiries to head office. < Previous Article Next Article >

Local scrapyard suffers extensive wind damage 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 16 September 2020 Several residents have also reported damage to their property and vehicles with the freak wind speeds today, which included corrugated iron roofing coming undone and temporary structures being damaged by the velocity. A local scrapyard in Wessels Road suffered immense damage from the high wind speed in Ermelo approximately an hour ago, with two sections of their perimeter wall collapsing. Management and damage control teams are scurrying to temporarily block off damaged sections. According to the information at hand, management will use large metal containers as barricades until rebuilding of the walls will commence. < Previous Article Next Article >

Spotlight on local illegal mining 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 Recently, an excavator has also been offloaded at Ding Dong, which proves the defiance of these operations that flies directly in the face of the law. Zama zama, a colloquial term which stems from Zulu, means “to try again” or “take a chance.” The term refers to artisanal (zama zama) miners that conduct illegal mining. Following the harrowing ordeal in Krugersdorp which involved illegal miners, both national and international scrutiny is on authorities, who are expected to pull up their socks and deal with the illegal mining scourge. Mpumalanga is especially rife with artisanal mining activity, with a surprising amount of these miners located in the immediate vicinity of Ermelo. Due to the entrance fee and security risks, artisanal mining is a dangerous method of making a living, with low-level miners often being misused and underpaid by ruthless kingpins and syndicates. It is estimated that more than six thousand of these illegal miners are underground nationwide, at any given time. In some areas, the illegal mining operations are dominated by immigrants who have entered illegally from neighboring countries, using violence and intimidation as a controlling force. Of the 400 abandoned coal mines across the country, Ermelo has been pointed as a troubling area, where abandoned mines lures crime, opportunity and many accidental deaths. Many if these deaths and injuries go unreported, due to undocumented immigrants, and the illegality of these mining operations. The long abandoned, and unrehabilitated Imbabala and Golfview mines, amongst others, have long been a topic of discussion. These sites still have open shafts, large bodies of water, extensive wash plant equipment and a number of deserted, multi-million Rand machines left behind. While the illegal mining is as clear as day, no official presence on the part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, the mine, the SAPS or the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) can be seen. The SAPS has, however, told the Tribune that organized sting operations with all roleplayers are required at sites such as these, with the involvement of provincial and national authorities, and that the SAPS can not act as lone gunmen in this regard. Certain protocol needs to be adhered to before action can be taken. Load after load of coal and other minerals are packed on to coal trucks, who in turn head off to their illicit destinations. Some of these illegal operations have unbranded mining vehicles in their employ. The incapacity or unwillingness of authorities to step in may be the cause, while it may be considered that wide scale payoffs take place in order to have authorities avert their eyes. Mpumalanga is, after all, known for its rampant and blatant corruption. Unfortunately, these illegal activities and unrehabilitated mines have serious implications for the environment, food production and proper management of water resources in these areas. The additional issue is the unregulated and illicit nature of the mining often brings about violence, corruption, and turf warfare. Rival miners have been known to fight over profitable territory, rob fellow miners and trap one another in the mines to deter competition. Complaints from the community have also been a matter of interest, where it is alleged that these artisanal miners lure violent behavior to neighborhoods. Case en point, on Sunday evening, 7 August 2022, at approximately 18:30, reports had been received of approximately five bakkies that had cordoned off the entrance to the illegal mining sites. These bakkies seemingly prevented the heavy vehicles from entering and exiting the sites. According to the source, visible tension between the parties could be seen, which indicates that the nationwide crackdown on illegal mining sites are already putting pressure on the artisanal miners in the Ermelo region. The tension is expected to increase as authorities are poised to move from Gauteng towards Mpumalanga in the bid to halt the spread of these artisanal miners. Mine collapses and rock falls have also killed hundreds of artisanal miners, due to the lack of support structures within these mines. The local SAPS is, understandably, unwilling to take the considerable risk required to go into the deep mines to confront these miners. The local illegal sites, named Ayoba, Ding Dong and Estepiseni, are crawling with literally hundreds of artisanal miners, coal trucks, bakkies, trucks and other vehicles, all vying for a slice of the illicit pie. Recently, an excavator has also been offloaded at Ding Dong, which proves the defiance of these operations that flies directly in the face of the law. One of the mines stretch underground for nearly 600 meters, with nary a support pillar in place. Surrounding areas are also being independently investigated for signs of illegal mining, where at least one suspicious site had been noted on the N11, approximately 5KM from Ermelo. A reliable source has told the Tribune that these illegal mines pose a major concern, especially for surrounding power plants. According to the source, the sub-standard product mined from these sites, known as duff coal, are mixed with other coal at yards in Middelburg and Witbank, and these loads are subsequently transported to local power plants. The sub-standard nature of the coal causes damage to Eskom generators and equipment. The Tribune has also received reliable information that drivers who transport these dubious loads, are paid up to R20 000 cash for delivering a single loads to a designated point. For the more daring drivers, an offer of more than R40 000 per load stands if they are willing to deliver the coal directly to Eskom power plant offload sites. These figures obviously draws a pretty clear picture of the extent of these operations, and the various levels of corruption, bribery and other means of illicit activities are involved. While the DMRE and authorities are well aware of what transpires, these sites are left to be. These artisanal miners are also at risk of contracting various pulmonary diseases from inhaling coal dust, including coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Coal miners are also exposed to crystalline silica dust, black lung, silicosis, bronchitis, and emphysema. Despite Msukaligwa Local Municipality vowing to erect fences and safeguard problematic areas after an investigation by Human Rights Watch circa 2017, to date, no action has been taken. The fact of the matter is that the situation has worsened considerably. The South African government has not taken adequate steps to ensure coal mining companies rehabilitate mine sites, despite the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) requiring companies to do so. Improper assessments of future cleanup costs by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and a systemic lack of enforcement have left residents all contribute to the illegal activities around Ermelo, of which the top criminal dogs get away with much too easily. Of all the mine closure certificates granted by the DMRE between 2011 and 2016, only six were in Mpumalanga. Disturbingly, none of these closure certificates were for coal mines, according to Human Rights Watch. This means that, to date, Imbabala and Golfview mines have been simply abandoned, with no responsibility taken by controlling companies. The Tribune has directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. Additional enquiries have been directed to the Ermelo SAPS, as well as both Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Gert Sibande District Municipality. The combined response from the above roleplayers, should a response be received, will be available in the next publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

All MPU libraries now back in business 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 September 2020 The Mpumalanga Department of Sports, Arts and Culture spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi, announced that all 116 public libraries in Mpumalanga have resumed operations. Category A libraries may admit a maximum of 50 users at a given time, with category B admitting 30 users, and category C allowing 10 users at a time. The Mpumalanga Department of Sports, Arts and Culture spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi, announced that all 116 public libraries in Mpumalanga have resumed operations. This comes as a boon for library users who rely on the institutions to source information for school and studies. “The minister of sports, arts and culture has granted Mpumalanga permission to reopen all its libraries. The reopening was done with strict adherence to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Protective counter screens have been installed at reception desks to protect both librarians and users against the spread of COVID-19. Drop boxes are available at entrances where returned books can be dropped off, disinfected and quarantined for 72 hours to kill the virus before they are returned to their shelves. The department put together a reopening plan that has been followed to a tee to ensure that there are no flare-ups of the virus.” Nkosi stated. Category A libraries may admit a maximum of 50 users at a given time, with category B admitting 30 users, and category C allowing 10 users at a time. < Previous Article Next Article >

SASSA to add more services to aid disabled 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 The aid can be used to assist with medical bills, nutritious food purchases, and compensating the person taking care of the frail. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has called on grant recipients who already receive an old-age, disability or war veterans grant, to apply for a grant-in-aid, which can be used to assist with medical bills, nutritious food purchases, and compensating the person taking care of the frail. SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni, stated that qualifying recipients must not be cared for at an institution that already receives a state subsidy. “Applicants who do not have an identity document, smart ID or birth certificate for the children involved in the application, can still apply for a grant, but must check with the nearest SASSA office on which alternative documents are accepted for grant applications. SASSA has noted with concern that most frail recipients of old-age grants, disability grants and war veterans grants do not come forward to SASSA offices to apply for a grant-in-aid. SASSA cares about the conditions of frail, elderly people not receiving proper tender care which can be ascribed to many social ill factors in some communities. One of SASSA’s primary objectives is to raise awareness to teach families with frail grant recipients to come to any nearby SASSA office to apply for this additional grant.” According to SASSA, successful applications could be paid within three months, snd the payments will be backdated to the day the application for the grant was completed. “The grant-in-aid will be cancelled if the beneficiary is no longer in the care of another person, if they pass on, or if they get admitted to a state institution, and if the income or assets improve so much that they no longer qualify in terms of the means test.” Ngubeni concluded. For more details, contact SASSA on 0800 60 1011, Mondays to Fridays, from 08:00 - 16:00. < Previous Article Next Article >

Help the SANBS avoid crisis 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 11 September 2020 “We are experiencing a high demand for blood from hospitals and are in dire need of blood donations across the country. Our Group O blood stocks have dropped significantly and we are appealing to all South Africans to donate a unit of blood in aid of those who need it most,” petitioned Silungile Mlambo, SANBS Chief Marketing Officer. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is currently experiencing critical blood shortages. At a time when people are understandably focused on staying safe and avoiding contracting the COVID-19 infection, little concern is available for much else. COVID-19 restrictions have severely limited our ability to collect adequate blood stocks, particularly because we are not able to access schools, tertiary institutions and corporates, to host blood drives. As a result, our blood stocks have dropped significantly. We are hoping, however, that donors who are due to donate are able to find the time to make a difference to the lives of others by donating blood. SANBS aims to collect an average of 3000 units of blood every day, nationally. It is through planned, sustainable blood drives at companies, institutions and communities that we are able to achieve this collection target. They are appealing to the public to make venues available to us for mobile blood drives. Suitable venues include accessible spaces which are open to the public and large enough to ensure social distancing can be practiced. Read more in the next publication of the Tribune Newspaper. < 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 >

TLU bied 2021 Jongboer-konferensie aan 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 Danie Bester, Jongboer van die Jaar 2020, het ‘n informatiewe toespraak gelewer aan ander jong boere, en sy kennis gedeel met die boere gemeenskap. Die TLU-SA het op Vrydag, 7 Mei 2021, hul 2021 Jongboer Konferensie aangebied, waar talle besprekings plaasgevind het oor die toestand van die landbousektor in die land. As gevolg van die pandemie, kon slegs ‘n beperkte aantal boere en besoekers die konferensie te Pretoria bywoon. Die TLU het egter ‘n Zoom-skakel beskikbaar gestel vir diegene wat virtueel wou deel wees van die konferensie. Die konferesnie, gelei deur Henna du Plessis, Jongboer Komitee Voorsitter, en Henry Geldenhuys, TLU SA President, was gestaaf as ‘n groot sukses. Danie Bester, Jongboer van die Jaar 2020, het ‘n informatiewe toespraak gelewer aan ander jong boere, en sy kennis gedeel met die boere gemeenskap. Hou die volgende publikasie dop vir ‘n volledige verklaring deur die TLU rakende die konferensie. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Local radiology service launched 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 13 October 2020 The partnership is aimed at providing Radiology Services to two Tertiary hospitals (Rob Ferreira Hospital and Witbank Hospital) and two Regional hospitals (Ermelo Hospital and Themba Hospital) in the province. In 2018, the Mpumalanga Department of Health and WITS Faculty of Health Sciences signed a Memorandum of Understanding, committing to a progressive partnership for improved health services. One of the clinical priorities within this MOU is the provision of Radiology Services in Mpumalanga. In addition, this partnership seeks to support health systems development, the recruitment and development of health professionals, capacity building programmes, creating opportunities for the sharing of resources, promoting innovation, excellence and exchange of knowledge in health service delivery and creating the opportunity to develop multi-disciplinary Clinical Centres of Excellence. The Mpumalanga Department of Health, through this partnership with WITS, has embarked on a partnership aimed at providing Radiology Services to two Tertiary hospitals (Rob Ferreira Hospital and Witbank Hospital) and two Regional hospitals (Ermelo Hospital and Themba Hospital) in the province. The announcement was graced with the presence of theExecutive Mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, various MMC’s and councillors, the Head of the Department of Health, Dr S. Mohangi, Prof. Daynia Ballot from WITS University (representing the Dean: Prof. Martin Veller), Prof. Simon Nemutandani, Chairperson of the Premier’s Advisory Committee, Prof. Wezile Chitha, Assistant Dean at WITS University, the WITS University Team, Gert Sibande District Management, Departmental senior managers and staff, CEO and hospital staff, stakeholders and organized labor unions, amongst others. The launch of this radiology services project marks another milestone in this partnership, along with the oncology services at Rob Ferreira Hospital. The main objective of this radiology initiative is to provide a 24-hour radiology service to the four hospitals, in line with the regional hospital services package, and tertiary hospital services package. To replace the historical arrangement of sending patient records for reporting by radiologists outside the hospitals, we have introduced internal capacity for radiological reporting within the four hospitals. The four hospitals are linked, and can access reports remotely. Working together in partnership with WITS University, the department will drive the change that people need in terms of specialized service through continual learning, creative thinking and a collective desire to positively impact the lives of every person accessing public health facilities. The specialized services in Mpumalanga will minimize the province’s dependency on Gauteng province, as this further retards the province’s ability to carry its mandate to provide comprehensive services to the people of Mpumalanga. The initiative will also reduce referrals to Steve Biko Hospital, and will offer relief to very sick patients who have to travel extensively to access specialized services. The department stated that solutions they are planning, working on and implementing, are those that must address health in its totality. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), the definition states that “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well- being, and not merely the absence of diseases or infirmity.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Save more with Shoprite MVNO 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2021 Airtime, data bundles and rewards only expire after 60 days, rather than the more common 30-day expiry. The Shoprite Group has announced its own mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) called K’nect mobile. The service will go online in April. Shoprite said that K’nect mobile’s key differentiator is its simplicity, with flat call and data rates, and no complicated tiers. The service piggybacks off the mobile network infrastructure of Cell C, whose roaming partnership with MTN provides coverage. The group said that airtime, data bundles and rewards only expire after 60 days, rather than the more common 30-day expiry. In addition, K’nect mobile will offer 100MB free data for three months. The group said that its call and data rates are among the most competitive in the country, with 50c per minute all day K’nect to K’nect calls, 99c per minute all day calls to other networks, and 15c per megabyte for any size data bundle, up to 1GB. K’nect mobile also offers 10% free on recharge, 10% Xtra for Xtra Savings cardholders, 5% Xtra when recharging via Money Market Account, and double airtime rewards on Xtra Savings airtime deals. Shoprite said that other rewards include early access to Computicket events and tickets, and 100MB free for three months, subject to in-store RICA and activation. “Importantly, customers using a K’nect mobile SIM card will also benefit from zero-rated data on selected Shoprite and Checkers websites and apps, including the Money Market Account, Computicket website and the Group’s jobs portal, all without incurring any data charges.” At the same time, the move will help the Shoprite Group streamline communication and drastically reduce its internal data costs, it said. Shoprite said its 141,000 employees are now able to receive communications directly on the group’s internal app, called SiyaRinga, without the need to reverse data costs. The network forms part of the group’s financial services offering, which enables customers to conveniently pay bills, buy cell phones, make money transfers, buy airtime and data, lotto tickets, electricity and even funeral insurance in partnership with OUTsurance. “K’nect mobile is part of our ever-growing suite of fintech products designed to better serve our customers,” said Jean Olivier, general manager of Financial Services. “We’ve spent a lot of time understanding how a mobile network can add value to our customers’ lives, and our solution is an easy to understand network that offers straightforward call and data rates as well as tangible rewards.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Air Liquide finalizes biggest oxygen production site in the world 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 29 June 2021 We are pleased to welcome the employees who are joining us from Sasol, and are looking forward to modernizing the site and implementing our decarbonization plan. Air Liquide has finalized the acquisition of Sasol’s 16 Air Separation Units (ASU) located in Secunda. Air Liquide will operate this site, which will be the biggest oxygen production site in the world, with a plan to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% to 40% within the next ten years. As part of this operation, Air Liquide welcomes the more than 220 employees who will continue to operate these ASUs, joining the Air Liquide team in Secunda, where it already operates a 17th ASU. The initial investment is approximately 8 billion South African Rand (circa 480 million euros). The 16 ASUs will be operated by Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa (ALLISA) with a total installed capacity of 42,000 tonnes per day. Since 2018, Air Liquide has been operating a 17th ASU for Sasol on the Secunda site, with a total production capacity of 5,000 tonnes per day. The 16 ASUs taken over from Sasol will be integrated in Air Liquide’s accounts starting immediately. Air Liquide will bring to the site its expertise in implementing highly mastered operational practices, state of the art technologies, modernization investments and digital capabilities to optimize the operation of the ASUs and the energy consumption. In addition, Air Liquide and Sasol have launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) to pursue supply of 600MW of renewable energy to the operations in Secunda by 2025. This RFP is part of the joint commitment to pursue procurement of a total of up to 900MW of renewables by 2030. The implementation of all these solutions will allow Air Liquide to reduce by 30% to 40% the CO2 emissions linked to oxygen production within the next 10 years, in line with the group’s climate commitments. “The finalization of this deal is a key milestone in our ambition to work together with Sasol, our partner for 40 years, to combine operational efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions while making a meaningful contribution to the economy of South Africa. We are pleased to welcome the employees who are joining us from Sasol, and are looking forward to modernizing the site and implementing our decarbonization plan. In line with our strategy, and with our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, this operation demonstrates our resolve to act now in favor of the climate and local ecosystems,” Benoît Potier, Chairman and CEO of Air Liquide, said. < Previous Article Next Article >