World Alzheimer’s Month: Understand the warning signs and symptoms of dementia 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 September 2020 Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are warning signs and symptoms, but every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and this September, for World Alzheimer’s Month, Livewell aims to encourage understanding, reduce stigma, and raise awareness around this common, yet devastating disease. Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are warning signs and symptoms, but every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. People with dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. People with dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining colour or contrast, which may cause problems with driving. People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand clock.”) A person with dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. People with dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. A person with dementia may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. If you, or someone you care about is experiencing any of these warning signs, please consult with a medical professional. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for your future. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die sprokiesmooi funksie het by Kralinbergh plaasgevind. Die matrikulante het die aand terdeë geniet, en bedank elke onderwyser, ouer en mede-leerling wat bygedra het tot die onvergeetlike aand. Ligbron matrikulante geniet sprokiesmooi matriekafskeid Lungelo en Sandile. Carla Barnard en WJ Vorster. Lungelo en Sandile. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 27 October 2020 Die sprokiesmooi funksie het by Kralinbergh plaasgevind. Die matrikulante het die aand terdeë geniet, en bedank elke onderwyser, ouer en mede-leerling wat bygedra het tot die onvergeetlike aand. Donderdagaand, 22 Oktober, was ‘n sprokiesmooi, glans-geleentheid vir Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie se matrikulante toe hulle hul matriekjaar op ‘n stylvolle wyse afgesluit het, met hulle asemrowende matriekafskeid. Die Liggie-matrikulante het elkeen pragtig gelyk en behoorlik geskitter soos net die Liggies kan. Die sprokiesmooi funksie het by Kralinbergh plaasgevind. Die matrikulante het die aand terdeë geniet, en bedank elke onderwyser, ouer en mede-leerling wat bygedra het tot die onvergeetlike aand. < Previous Article Next Article >

The SAPS has stated that three incidents of rape have been registered the past week. The first incident happened on 2021-07-04 at 00:30 in Nyibe. The complainant (16), was asleep at home. She woke up and went outside to use the bathroom. While walking down the path, she was grabbed from behind by a suspect. He covered her mouth, so that she could not call for help, and threatened her with a knife. He forced her to an open veld where he raped her. After the rape, the suspect told the complainant to keep quiet about the incident and left. She reported the rape three days later to the Ermelo Police. The second incident happened on 2021-07-08 at 16:25, in the vicinity of Kwamabuza next to the N11. The complainant (48) was on her way home, when confronted by the suspect, armed with a knife. He threatened her with the knife and then raped her. After the incident he fled the scene. The third incident happened on 2021-07-09 at 11:00. The complainant (18) was walking from Kwamabuza. Next to Ermelo Airfield, a suspect came from the bushes, holding a knife. He grabbed the complainant and said that if she screamed he will stab her. He raped her and fled from the scene. The South African Police Service request any person who might have information or help the SAPS with the investigation in any of the mentioned incidents to contact the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) on any of the following numbers: 017-801 0517 or 072 638 1652. Rapists pounce on unsuspecting individuals Rapists pounce on unsuspecting individuals 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 13 July 2021 The complainant (16), was asleep at home. She woke up and went outside to use the bathroom. While walking down the path, she was grabbed from behind by a suspect. He covered her mouth, so that she could not call for help, and threatened her with a knife. The SAPS has stated that three incidents of rape have been registered the past week. The first incident happened on 2021-07-04 at 00:30 in Nyibe. The complainant (16), was asleep at home. She woke up and went outside to use the bathroom. While walking down the path, she was grabbed from behind by a suspect. He covered her mouth, so that she could not call for help, and threatened her with a knife. He forced her to an open veld where he raped her. After the rape, the suspect told the complainant to keep quiet about the incident and left. She reported the rape three days later to the Ermelo Police. The second incident happened on 2021-07-08 at 16:25, in the vicinity of Kwamabuza next to the N11. The complainant (48) was on her way home, when confronted by the suspect, armed with a knife. He threatened her with the knife and then raped her. After the incident he fled the scene. The third incident happened on 2021-07-09 at 11:00. The complainant (18) was walking from Kwamabuza. Next to Ermelo Airfield, a suspect came from the bushes, holding a knife. He grabbed the complainant and said that if she screamed he will stab her. He raped her and fled from the scene. The South African Police Service request any person who might have information or help the SAPS with the investigation in any of the mentioned incidents to contact the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) on any of the following numbers: 017-801 0517 or 072 638 1652. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of  R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. Fraudster nabbed by Hawks Fraudster nabbed by Hawks 1/1 Share Supplied Content 26 August 2022 The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

WOF contingent deployed to Canada 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The request for assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), which has, in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and South Africa, asked for firefighting assistance from the Working on Fire Programme (WOF) to assist with their fire management in Canada. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Working on Fire Programme deployed 109 firefighters and management to the province of Manitoba, in Canada, to assist with firefighting efforts on Tuesday evening, 10 August 2021. This is the Programme’s fourth deployment of firefighters to Canada. Working on Fire Mpumalanga proudly boasts with seven representatives in the WOF contingent. Led by Walter Khoza, Ground Operations Manager, Highveld region, the firefighting delegation consists of Sibusiso Ngobeni, Type 1 Crewleader of the Mlambongwane team, Sphilile Khumalo, a female firefighter from the Piet Retief team, Bongani Sifunda from the Barberton team, Siphesihle Makhubu from the Wakkerstroom team, and Sipho Mlotshwa from the Badplaas team. Prior to their departure, the firefighters and management underwent refresher training in Stone Ridge, Hekpoort, in Gauteng to ensure that they are fit and ready for the conditions expected in Canada. Canada has been experiencing record-breaking heat that is associated with dry weather. Large wildland fires are currently burning in the province of Manitoba, and extreme fire danger exists across the western provinces. The request for assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), which has, in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and South Africa, asked for firefighting assistance from the Working on Fire Programme (WOF) to assist with their fire management in Canada. The MOU provides for the exchange of Wildland Fire Management Resources between the two countries. The Working on Fire Programme is an Expanded Public Works Programme funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. It recruits young men and women from disadvantaged communities, and equips them with specialized veld and forestry firefighting skills. < Previous Article Next Article >

According to Ntekele, the electrical demand far exceeds the supply that the municipality is capable of providing. Mountain of Eskom debt blamed on consumers 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 3 May 2022 According to Ntekele, the electrical demand far exceeds the supply that the municipality is capable of providing. Amidst intermittent national load shedding, electrical outages and municipal load reduction, the community of Msukaligwa are gnawing on hard bones. According to Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s (MLM) director Ntekele, the load reduction is implemented as a last resort to avoid being completely switched off by Eskom for exceeding the notified maximum demand (NMD) set forth by the power utility. According to Ntekele, the electrical demand far exceeds the supply that the municipality is capable of providing. Ntekele claimed that Eskom has set forth an ultimatum that the municipality must manage the load to avoid exceeding the NMD, which, according to Eskom, will cause damage to transformers, cables and infrastructure. Ntekele has stated during a meeting that the current infrastructure isn’t rated to handle a higher electricity demand without suffering damage. According to the director, requesting a higher NMD from Eskom requires infrastructure upgrades, which the municipality simply does not have the fiscal capacity to provide. He also claims that Eskom charges an exorbitant amount to increase the NMD, and claims that Eskom does not have the appetite to supply a higher rating. Furthermore, the director claims that the agreement between Eskom and the municipality, which dates back to circa 1985, has not been sufficiently amended to provide adequate electrical supply to meet the demand of the rapidly expanding Ermelo and surroundings. The situation is of such a nature that even the Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken note, and wrote a letter to the COGTA MEC. “The DA finds it extremely concerning that during the recent load shedding, the residents and business owners of Ermelo have been forced to face 12 hours or more without electricity - as areas in Msukaligwa Local Municipality faced a combination of load shedding together with load reduction because the municipality goes over the Notified Maximum Demand from Eskom. In a number of municipalities across the province, situations like these not only place a strain on businesses in the area but it also can destroy household appliances due to fluctuating voltages and the potential surge when turning the power back on. It is shocking to note that if Msukaligwa Local Municipality was able to capitalize on reducing the exceptionally high electricity distribution loss of 45% as reported on in the 2019/ 2020 Auditor General’s report, the residents and businesses could have been saved from this prolonged darkness,” the DA’s Trudie Grové-Morgan said. To add insult to injury, Eskom has released a list of the top ten defaulting municipalities in Mpumalanga, which includes MLM. According to Eskom, the top ten owes a combined amount over R13 billion. eMalahleni is the biggest debt culprit, and owes Eskom nearly R6 billion in arrear payment. MLM is, as of 31 March 2022, R153 719 572 in arrears on their repayment agreement to Eskom. This, in turn also has an adverse effect on Eskom’s willingness to increase the NMD to MLM, seen as repayment is a clear hurdle. However, shortly after Eskom’s announcement, MLM was quick on the draw, releasing a statement claiming that consumers owe the municipality an amount of R909 557 309 for service delivery. However, residents have scoffed at the statement in derision. “If you skip one month of payments to the municipality, even if you pay late, you are swiftly disconnected by the municipality. How is it possible to have so many non-paying residents. That is a clear indication that the municipality’s finance department is not doing its work in collection of funds,” one resident stated. In addition to this, questions are also raised if this is an actual owed amount by residents. MLM has garnered a notorious reputation for wholly incorrect and exorbitant estimates of water and utlitly accounts, which are rarely corrected and updated on the crippled billing system. According to MLM, Ermelo owes nearly R220 million in service delivery fees, with Wesselton owing R191 million, Breyten owes R150 million, Lothair owes R93 million, Davel owes R56 million, Chrissiesmeer owes R44 million, Sheepmoor owes nearly R9 million, Warburton owes a mere R213 000. MLM further states that state departments owe nearly R22 million, the business sector owes R170 million, and farms owe nearly R47 million. It is unclear at this stage how farms were calculated, as the majority of farms are Eskom supplied. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo SAPD ondersoek 1 klag van moord, 2 klagte van poging tot moord, en 1 klag van poging tot gewapende roof na aanleiding van 'n skietvoorval wat ongeveer 19:30 op Vrydag, 3 September, te Oosthuise Straat plaasgevind het. Na bewering het 'n groep verdagtes gepoog om twee vriende, wat oppad was na Wesselton, te beroof. Die groep het die twee mans omsingel, en een verdagte van die groep was gewapen met 'n mes. Een van die vriende het vier skote op die groep verdagtes, wat hul omsingel het, afgevuur. Een van die verdagtes is dood aan getref by naby geleë woonstelle, met ‘n noodlottige skietwond in die buik. Verdere ondersoek het die SAPS gelei na Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal, waar een verdagte met 'n skietwond in die buik, en nog 'n verdagte met 'n skietwond in die regter bobeen aangetref is. Die verdagte met die buikwond is ernstig beseer, en die persoon met die wond in die been is behandel en ontslaan. Die man wie die skote afgevuur het, het die voorval by Ermelo SAPD gaan aanmeld. Tydens latere navrae by die SAPD, het die verdagte wat in die hospitaal behandel was vir sy buikwond, ook beswyk. Moord en geweerskote skok inwoners Moord en geweerskote skok inwoners 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 7 September 2021 Verdere ondersoek het die SAPS gelei na Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal, waar een verdagte met 'n skietwond in die buik, en nog 'n verdagte met 'n skietwond in die regter bobeen aangetref is. Ermelo SAPD ondersoek 1 klag van moord, 2 klagte van poging tot moord, en 1 klag van poging tot gewapende roof na aanleiding van 'n skietvoorval wat ongeveer 19:30 op Vrydag, 3 September, te Oosthuise Straat plaasgevind het. Na bewering het 'n groep verdagtes gepoog om twee vriende, wat oppad was na Wesselton, te beroof. Die groep het die twee mans omsingel, en een verdagte van die groep was gewapen met 'n mes. Een van die vriende het vier skote op die groep verdagtes, wat hul omsingel het, afgevuur. Een van die verdagtes is dood aan getref by naby geleë woonstelle, met ‘n noodlottige skietwond in die buik. Verdere ondersoek het die SAPS gelei na Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal, waar een verdagte met 'n skietwond in die buik, en nog 'n verdagte met 'n skietwond in die regter bobeen aangetref is. Die verdagte met die buikwond is ernstig beseer, en die persoon met die wond in die been is behandel en ontslaan. Die man wie die skote afgevuur het, het die voorval by Ermelo SAPD gaan aanmeld. Tydens latere navrae by die SAPD, het die verdagte wat in die hospitaal behandel was vir sy buikwond, ook beswyk. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rietspruit Farm was also the star of a dodgy deal saga, that involved the DOHS state security minister, one Bongani Bongo. At the time, Bongo was the head of legal at Mpumalanga DOHS, where Rietspruit Farm was purchased by the department for a whopping R36 million. It came to light that the farm was actually valued at a mere R12 million. Rietspruit Farm finally allocated for housing The residents who invaded the farm in 2018, amidst corruption allegations within the DOHS. Rietspruit Farm was also the star of a dodgy deal saga, that involved the DOHS state security minister, one Bongani Bongo. Cllr. Mkhaliphi during the sod-turning ceremony. The residents who invaded the farm in 2018, amidst corruption allegations within the DOHS. 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 Rietspruit Farm was also the star of a dodgy deal saga, that involved the DOHS state security minister, one Bongani Bongo. At the time, Bongo was the head of legal at Mpumalanga DOHS, where Rietspruit Farm was purchased by the department for a whopping R36 million. It came to light that the farm was actually valued at a mere R12 million. In a surprising turn of events, Rietspruit Farm near Ermelo (also known as Extension 44), has been allocated by the Department of Human Settlements (DOHS) to house nearly 5 000 housing units. This flagship project was recently officiated by Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, during a sod-turning ceremony. Gert Sibande District Municipality GSDM) regional planning unveiled that a reported 5 760 stands will be made available, with an estimated 4 000 mixed housing opportunities. Plans for more than 600 rental units were also mentioned. The project will be constructed on portion 6 of the site. Residential, retail and parks were touted as the main attraction, and water, sewage and roads infrastructure will be made available by DOHS. According to available information, DOHS purchased the land, and it was handed to MLM for the purpose of this development. DOHS will also appoint town planners to spearhead the development. This development did not come to pass without its fair share of woes and unrest from the community, who invaded the land in 2018. Thousands of residents flocked to the site to mark and measure out their stands, as word was passed around that development was planned at the site. Rietspruit Farm was also the star of a dodgy deal saga, that involved the DOHS state security minister, one Bongani Bongo. At the time, Bongo was the head of legal at Mpumalanga DOHS, where Rietspruit Farm was purchased by the department for a whopping R36 million. It came to light that the farm was actually valued at a mere R12 million, and the Hawks pounced with an extensive investigation. Bongo was later axed due to several reasons, which included failure to deliver on RDP housing and allegations of politicking. He has, however, been reintegrated into parliament, where he now faces charges of corruption and bribery involving Eskom and state capture. The Rietspruit Farm allocation has been a sleeper since 2011, and is seemingly finally been brought to potential by the DOHS. < Previous Article Next Article >

Kreatiewe dames geniet verfklas 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 14 July 2020 Al was die weer nie van die beste nie en die yskoue wind het om die hoeke gehuil buite, het die dames die dag terdeë geniet. Daar was heerlike koffie en tee bedien, asook smaaklike groentesop om die koue te trotseer. Op Saterdag,11 Julie, het Chalk Paint and Coffee Joint ‘n wonderlike kunsklas aangebied. Tydens die uiters interessante klas het die dames ‘n wasgoedmandjie geverf, en self versier met’n “waterslide” prent van hul eie keuse. Al was die weer nie van die beste nie en die yskoue wind het om die hoeke gehuil buite, het die dames die dag terdeë geniet. Daar was heerlike koffie en tee bedien, asook smaaklike groentesop om die koue te trotseer. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Rotary gives the love 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 "What an awesome feeling to be able to make a difference in her & her families daily life.” On Wednesday, 17 March2021, Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club visited Emmerentia Grové to gift her a wheelchair. At 94 years young, Emmerentia was in desperate need for a wheel chair after a tough year in 2020 medically. Club Secretary Lawrence Wood said “It is a pleasure & privilege to be able to assist with Emmerentia’s first wheel chair. What an awesome feeling to be able to make a difference in her & her families daily life.” He also thanks those who supports Phoenix Rotary to make this possible. While Emmerentia said she is “very, very thankful. Since November last year, it has been harder to see and move around, so will always treasure this gesture from Ermelo Phoenix Rotary.” - Information published as received from Ermelo Rotary . < Previous Article Next Article >

“Ligbron is so trots op hierdie jong ingenieurs, en hoop dat die ervaring julle motiveer om met julle talente te woeker vir die toekoms!” SAICE Nasionale Brugboukompetisie 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 31 August 2021 “Ligbron is so trots op hierdie jong ingenieurs, en hoop dat die ervaring julle motiveer om met julle talente te woeker vir die toekoms!” Ligbron se Graad 10 span, Beverly Kirsten, Luhlelo Motha en Thando Motsoane, het deurgedring na dié kompetisie nadat hulle die Hoëveld kompetisie loshande gewen het. Beverly Kirsten het die 155 gram bruggie ontwerp, wat ‘n ongelooflike vrag van 133.6 kg kon dra voordat dit meegegee het. With this achievement they qualified for the national bridge building competition held at the St George Hotel in Doornkloof. Unfortunately their bridge gave way with the scale on 68.9kg, and the finished 6th in this national competition. “Ligbron is so trots op hierdie jong ingenieurs, en hoop dat die ervaring julle motiveer om met julle talente te woeker vir die toekoms!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Another flat fence for the SAVF 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 The load bed was filled with sand, which exacerbated the incident. On Wednesday, 3 August 2022, the staff and residents of the SAVF Home in Fourie Street once again watched with shock and awe as yet another heavy vehicle plowed through the palisade fencing near the intersection. According to available information, the vehicle’s brakes failed, whereafter the driver was unable to bring the vehicle to a stop. The load bed was filled with sand, which exacerbated the incident. The vehicle flattened a section of the palisade fencing, and luckily came to a halt as it collided with one of the oak trees in the parking area. Sections of the tree splintered off and crashed to the ground in the parking area. Miraculously, the driver escaped with minor injuries, despite the heavy vehicle’s cab being extensively crushed. No other injuries have been reported during the incident. Provincial EMS, Van Wettens Towing Services, Msukaligwa Traffic, Msukaligwa Fire & Rescue and other roleplayers were on scene in a matter of minutes to assess the scene, which took several hours to clean up. According to the SAPS, no case had been opened. < Previous Article Next Article >