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“EHS wens elke betrokke Graad 8 sterkte toe vir hul tennis-reis by Hoërskool Ermelo." EHS verwelkom Graad 8-tennis spelers 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 March 2021 “EHS wens elke betrokke Graad 8 sterkte toe vir hul tennis-reis by Hoërskool Ermelo." Op Dinsdag, 2 Maart, het die Erries ‘n groot groep Graad 8-tennis spelers beter leer ken op die tennisbane van EHS. Hulle is hier bekend gestel aan EHS se professionele tennis afrigters, mnr.Charl Basson en mnr. Hennie Dippenaar. Die nuwe Erries was, met rede, opgewonde om hul vermoëns ten toon testel. “EHS wens elke betrokke Graad 8 sterkte toe vir hul tennis-reis by Hoërskool Ermelo. Dankie byvoorbaat aan die afrigters wat reeds hierdie spelers ondersteun, en vir die tyd wat opgeoffer word om spelers te ontwikkel.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Phezukomkhono, the current administration took a decision to transform the programme to ‘Siyathuthuka ’, a Zulu word for “We are developing” or “we are putting development into action” Enterprise Development to align it to the new vision of GSDM. GSDM presents State Of The District Address 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 1 June 2021 Phezukomkhono, the current administration took a decision to transform the programme to ‘Siyathuthuka ’, a Zulu word for “We are developing” or “we are putting development into action” Enterprise Development to align it to the new vision of GSDM. On 27 May 2021, Gert Sibande District Municiaplity presented the State Of The District Address (SODA), which coincides with Africa Month, under the national theme “The year of Arts, Culture and Heritage: in the year of Charlotte Maxeke”, where democracy and freedom were forged on the shoulders of giants. This year marks the 150th anniversary of struggle icon and human rights campaigner, Charlotte Maxeke. The State of the Gert Sibande District address took place on the 427th day of the national lockdown in South Africa. “Gender Based Violence is still a thorn in our lives. Just this past Saturday, I attended a funeral of a young person, 27 years old who was stabbed to death by someone who was supposed to protect her. She left her small children behind. We strongly condemn such acts. Masibaphathe kahle esizwana nabo. Masingahlukumezi muntu. Masingabulalani. Masithole usizo uma sinenkinga yokuthukuthela ngokweqile. We urge those in abusive relationships, those who fear for their lives to seek help and open cases at the SAPS.” the speaker said. “The Deputy Minister for Defense and Military Veterans Honourable Thabang Makwetla was appointed as a DDM champion for our District. We wish to take this time and appreciate his unwavering support and involvement in the development of the Gert Sibande district. We also appreciate all stakeholders involved in growing the District such as the sector departments, Local House of Traditional Leaders and various other partners. The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) is set on growing the district by looking at alternative sources of income and approaches including the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). In this regard, the GSDM is establishing an Aerospace Industrial Hub to be located at the Ermelo Airfield (FAEO), a land the local municipality of Msukaligwa has transferred to the District in support of this vision. This industrial hub is developed to host Aerospace manufacturers, specifically Aeronautics and Space Original Equipment Manufacturers as well as subsystems and component suppliers. Furthermore, the industrial hub will host an Aerospace Institute as well as an Aerospace Technology and Small Medium and Macro Enterprise (SMME) Incubator. Formerly known as Phezukomkhono, the current administration took a decision to transform the programme to ‘Siyathuthuka ’, a Zulu word for “We are developing” or “we are putting development into action” Enterprise Development to align it to the new vision of GSDM . Siyathuthuka is the district flagship EPWP program established with the objective to reduce unemployment and contribute towards skills development through EPWP implementation and training there by promoting sustainable livelihoods, as well as to contribute to the creation of work opportunities and income, contribute to the creation of work opportunities, and income support to poor and unemployed people. support to poor and unemployed people. This, and many more achievements were highlighted during the SODA. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPS seizes R500 000 worth of contraband during bust 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 27 July 2021 Upon investigation, them, more than 580 Heroin sachets were discovered. Police further found an undisclosed amount of cash. The three suspects, Nigerian nationals aged between 28 and 38, were immediately arrested and charged accordingly. An Intelligence Driven Operation has led to police in Mpumalanga arresting five suspects in two separate incidents, at Ermelo and Lydenburg respectively. During these operations, which were conducted on Wednesday, 21 July 2021 and Friday, 23 July 2021, police confiscated drugs to a combined estimated value of approximately R500 000. According to reports, in the first incident; members received information about suspicious illegal drug activities carried out at a certain house in Ermelo. It was further alleged that the suspects trafficked the drugs using a silver Volkswagen Polo Vivo. Members from Ermelo K9 Unit, together with their counterparts from Standerton K9 Unit, then coordinated their resources to act collectively and operationalised the information gathered. On Friday, 23 July 2021, they followed the leads and spotted the identified house, which matched the description as given. Upon their arrival at the residence, the police formations found three people busy packaging something suspicious inside the house. Upon investigation, them, more than 580 Heroin sachets were discovered. Police further found an undisclosed amount of cash, which suggests that the suspects were involved in drug dealing. The three suspects, Nigerian nationals aged between 28 and 38, were immediately arrested and charged accordingly. The trio, of which one is female, appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate's Court on Monday, 26 July 2021. Meanwhile, members from the Lydenburg K9 Unit also conducted an Intelligence Driven Operation, where they intercepted suspects who were in a planned mission to traffic bags of dagga using a Ford Ranger bakkie. This operation was carried out on Wednesday, 21 July 2021, at which police noticed and swooped down upon the mentioned bakkie which had two occupants. The astute members ordered the driver of the vehicle to halt the bakkie. This was followed by a thorough search, where nine bags with dagga were found, culminating in the driver and his crew swiftly being arrested. They both appeared before the Mashishing Magistrate Court on Thursday, 22 July 2021 where they were remanded in custody. Pat Mngomezulu (36), and Michael Molala (33), are expected at the same court next week Thursday, 29 July 2021. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has appreciated the efforts by members for their resilience in ridding the communities of drugs. “It is high time we claim back the streets from the hands of drug dealers and criminal elements. The call made by our good citizens to decisively deal with drugs in the community has been heard. We are acting with speed to close all the nets for trading in illegal drugs within the society. The public should continue to entrust us with valuable information as they can witness the positive results thereof,” said General Manamela. < Previous Article Next Article >

The ballsiest, bravest run to date 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 28 October 2021 Most South Africans know someone affected by prostate or testicular cancer. The bottom line is that early detection saves lives. What started twelve years ago with one brave soul running through peak hour traffic in a speedo to raise awareness about cancer, has since become a nationwide phenomenon. Usually held as a mass participation event in Johannesburg, the first ever COVID-edition national Hollard Daredevil Run 2021 recently took place across the country. This event, which raises funds towards prostate and testicular cancer awareness and screening, saw runners taking part countrywide dressed only in a purple speedo, including men from Mpumalanga, bravely showing off their inner Daredevil. “This is a run with a difference that makes a difference. The Hollard Daredevil Run has been a highlight on the South African social calendar since 2009, attracting thousands of brave men from all walks of life to do their part to raise awareness about male cancers,” says Heidi Brauer, Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard. Far from being limited to the streets of Johannesburg, this year the event attracted participants from every corner of the country, with teams closer to home spotted running from early morning in Witbank. A 2021 Hollard Daredevil Run highlight is most certainly the purple wildlife warriors, a team of game rangers dressed in nothing but purple speedos taking a run on the wild side through Skukuza in the Kruger National Park. Social media was abuzz with images from other participants around the province, some in more rural areas, some as part of high school teams and soccer and sports club teams as well as the bravest of them all, those running alone in their neighbourhoods. “At Hollard, we like to do things differently, to be bold, brave and ballsy. The act of stripping down to nothing but a speedo is not only challenging for runners, but also challenges stereotypes about male cancers. It takes courage to strip down to a speedo and run in public, but that’s the whole idea. The Hollard Daredevil Run challenges South African men to confront male cancers head-on by showing that they’re not afraid to run in a speedo, not afraid to talk about cancer and not afraid to get checked,” Brauer concluded. All proceeds from the annual Hollard Daredevil Run go to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, towards awareness and screening of prostate and testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged between 15-39 and can affect men of all races. The survival rate of stage 1 testicular cancer can be as high as 100%, making early detection and prompt action vital. Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and is on the increase. According to global research, one in every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with the risk of prostate cancer increasing with age. Early diagnosis can mean a 95% chance of being cured. Most South Africans know someone affected by prostate or testicular cancer. The bottom line is that early detection saves lives. Any members of the public wanting to support these purple cancer warriors can go to www.daredevilrun.com to donate further funds towards cancer awareness and screening initiatives. For more information about prostate and testicular cancer, go to www.prostate-ca.co.za , or www.cansa.org.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

"Why do we even bother paying these people, if they don’t deliver the promised services. They never have enough money, and they always want more. The community only receives false promises from the municipal managers and staff. " Cassim Park residents have had it in chunks 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 20 July 2021 "Why do we even bother paying these people, if they don’t deliver the promised services. They never have enough money, and they always want more. The community only receives false promises from the municipal managers and staff. " The Tribune ePaper has received a barrage of complaints from residents of Cassim Park, who are, according to complaints, getting the short end of the stick. An alarming amount of unfinished worksites, dubious connections and crumbling infrastructure are but a few of the complaints. Another major complaint from a resident was that of the streetlights that are out of order, and have been for the longest time. Additionally, the road conditions in Cassim Park leaves much to be desired, with focus shifting to Littledale Street and Nelspan Road. The condition of these roads, and the roadway in general in Cassim Park is horrendous, with a mixture of rubble, chipped bricks, stone and other materials that have been used as makeshift patches in an attempt to make the roads traversable. Unwary motorists could easily suffer great damage to their vehicle if not alert. The majority of streetlights are either damaged and leaning dangerously towards the roadway, or completely out of order. This, in turn, contributes to a high crime rate and opportune conditions for criminals to lurk and sneak in the yards of residences. A large number of residents in Cassim Park have already suffered damages as criminals pounce, with any items of value not bolted down or locked up, being nabbed from yards. Uncollected refuse litter the sidewalks, grass on municipal grounds are long and unkempt, and council buildings, covered in graffiti and obscene spray painted images, rot away in glorious non-maintenance. Residents are also irked by the fact that they face electricity issues on a daily basis, often being left for hours without electricity, with a very slow response rate from municipal departments. According to complaints, the electricity are often not restored in a timely manner after the load reduction had been implemented by Msukaligwa Local Municipality. “We pay our bills and pay our taxes, but this municipality never fixes the issues we have in the area, or Ermelo as a whole. The street lights have been off for years, and all we get are weak excuses of the trees being a problem. Most of the lamps don’t even have bulbs in them. The roads are falling apart, water leaks are all over the place, and then every other week there is a stream of sewage running down the streets. Why do we even bother paying these people, if they don’t deliver the promised services. They never have enough money, and they always want more. The community only receives false promises from the municipal managers and staff. The upkeep is so neglected that even the tennis court is no more, and the sportsground is falling apart. All this is due to poor management. Enough is enough,” stated one angry resident. < Previous Article Next Article >

President Ramaphosa to visit Mpumalanga 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 The visit will conclude with a visit to Rob Ferreira Hospital, as this is a designated hospital for managing COVID-19 cases. The president will be accompanied by health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu, basic education minister Angie Motshekga, and Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. President Ramaphosa will district municipalities in Mpumalanga to assess the state of COVID-19 readiness. This follows the president’s oversight visits to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape to evaluate the fight against the pandemic. Mpumalanga currently accounts for 0,8 per cent of infections nationally. The president will commence his visit by receiving a presentation from the provincial command council on the province’s COVID-19 response strategy. He will also monitor progress made in managing the impact and spread of the virus in schools. The visit will conclude with a visit to Rob Ferreira Hospital, as this is a designated hospital for managing COVID-19 cases. The president will be accompanied by health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu, basic education minister Angie Motshekga, and Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. < Previous Article Next Article >

In 2014, the DA yet again wrote to the MEC, and focused on the Klipbou manhole near Wesselton. To date, the manhole is still overflowing. Looming SAHRC complaint ruffles no feathers 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 26 October 2021 In 2014, the DA yet again wrote to the MEC, and focused on the Klipbou manhole near Wesselton. To date, the manhole is still overflowing. During the course of last week, a local businessman alerted the Tribune ePaper to an extensive sewage overflow that is polluting the Pet Dam. The pollution is to such an extent that the overflow’s stench, which is close to the old Seapike building on the swimming pool’s side, can be smelt on the opposite side of the Pet Dam. This is but one of many instance of raw sewage that flow into the Pet Dam on a daily basis, with no response from Msukaligwa Local Municipality, Gert Sibande District Municipality, or any other role players, both on local and provincial levels. The impact on the wildlife and wetland animals, especially notable the Egrets that grace Ermelo, is a cause of great concern, as the spillage eventually flows down to the Pet Dam, leaving a trail of pollution and wildlife death in its wake. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has alerted the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC on several occasions, and has been shining the spotlight on the issue as far back as 2008. In 2014, the DA yet again wrote to the MEC, and focused on the Klipbou manhole near Wesselton. At the time, the SABC was present and recorded various of the overflow sites. Seven years later, in 2021, the Klipbou manhole, along with a myriad of other sites, still spew a constant flow of raw sewage. The Pet Dam, which is being expensively polluted by mismanagement from MLM, has an overflow which ties in with the Klein Drinkwater stream, ultimately ending up in the Vaal River. Msukaligwa Local Municipality is also subject to a complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) relating to the hundreds of sewage overflow site in Ermelo, Wesselton, Sun City and the surrounding areas. Scope of the complaint includes the fact that MLM and its officials fails to adhere to the constitutional precepts as contained in the bill of rights, which deals with promoting health and safety of both the environment and residents under its governance, the fact that MLM fails to adhere to the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), and also fails to adhere to section 151 (1) (i) of the National Water Act. Lastly, MLM fails to comply with the Municipal Systems Act, which recognizes the role of the municipal council in promoting a safe and healthy environment to the community. An enquiry regarding the overflow into the Pet Dam has been sent to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman. At the time of publication, the enquiry was simply ignored, and the overflow into the dam is still ongoing. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

“The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. MLM sheds light on municipal load shedding 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. The Tribune recently communicated with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, regarding the remedy to the load shedding situation, and posed a number of questions to the communication department. As municipal load shedding is not a long term solution to the issues faced by the municipality, it is not acceptable to appease the community with statements claiming that “they are working on a solution”, but no further indication as to the way forward. The reply received to the aforementioned is as follows: “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. Load reduction is due the power demand that has spiked, during winter months which is exacerbated by the illegal connections a fact that is denied by good-self. In averting possible power blackouts, the municipal implement the load reductions which is standard norm in situations like this, Eskom is doing it and individual households does it when there’s overload. The municipality on an ongoing program is implementing the cutting off of the illegal connections from grid. The municipal has engaged for an increase Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) for all strained substations, it must be noted that the process is a cumbersome and long process that will also have huge financial implications. The municipality has developed electricity infrastructure master in order to address capacity and infrastructure challenges within Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The projected funds needed to address the capacity and infrastructure is R81 416 785.21. The municipality has since submitted the plan to national and provincial government,” Mandla Zwane, MLM spokesperson, stated. The Tribune also enquired as to will be held responsible for damages suffered by residents who are left without electricity extended periods of time. Rotting meat, deep freezes running down, and food spoiling in fridges, as well as damage to electronics are included, amongst others. MLM dodged elaborating on the question, and simply stated “anyone who has a complaint with municipality, referred such to municipality.” Therefore it can be assumed that residents who suffer damages due to lack of service provision from MLM must approach the legal department to submit a claim against the municipality. Lastly, the Tribune enquired as to what MLM plans to improve communication during electrical outages, as a myriad of residents complain that either the call centre does not answer the phone, or the outage is not attended to in a timely manner. Updates on restoration times often do not reflect the actual restoration of electricity. “During the power outages, sometimes the Call Centre is also affected, the calls are get in as the telephone system at the Call Centre function only when there’s power. The municipality has proactively issued schedules for the load reductions. The municipality is in the procurement process of a new hybrid telephone system, and hosting of the contact Centre is at the advanced stage. The municipality urges the public to have patience, as this matter is been addressed/resolved. The incessant power outages put a strain on the Municipality as well.” Zwane concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum rig dak op by Laerskool JJ 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 Die tak het gehelp met die tweede fase van die projek, deur ’n dak op te rig bo-oor die plaveisel wat verlede maand vir die buiteklaskamer gelê is. Die AfriForum-tak in Ermelo het in Februarie voortgegaan met sy projek by die Pre-Primêre Skool JJ van der Merwe, waar ’n buiteklaskamer vir die kleuters gebou word. Die tak het gehelp met die tweede fase van die projek, deur ’n dak op te rig bo-oor die plaveisel wat verlede maand vir die buiteklaskamer gelê is. Die buiteklaskamer is vir die kleuters ’n groot aanwins omdat verjaarsdae en aktiwiteite daar gehou kan word. Die Ermelo-tak se betrokkenheid by projekte soos hierdie skep hoop in die gemeenskap. “Wat ’n groot voorreg is dit nie vir ons om die tweede fase van die projek af te handel met die wete dat die klaskamer nou gereed is vir die kinders om te gebruik nie. Dankie aan almal wat dit vir ons moontlik gemaak het,” sluit Renier van Heerden, voorsitter van die Ermelo-tak, af. Op die foto verskyk Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Bronwen Pretorius, Marius Nel, Renier van Heerden en Frikkie du Plessis. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Department minister, Thoko Didiza, on Sarturday held a meeting to appease farmers in the area amidst a massive scandal which involves eviction letters, threats of eviction from department officials via WhatsApp messages, bribery from department officials and various other issues. The meeting addressed issues related to state-owned land leased to farmers, which are now being cut short and unlawfully terminated by department officials. Several farmers in Mpumalanga received letters informing them that they would be evicted from state farms, and some have been lured into paying bribes to officials of up to R25 000 to have paperwork processed and the lease renewed. John Mabasa of Goedehoop farm said that his family had been farming on their family land for over two centuries. When he submitted a land claim in 1998 to formalize his family’s land holdings, the Department claimed that they had no records of the claim. In 2013, after a Public Protector finding instructed the Department to allocate him a farm, he was given caretakership on a portion of land. The award came with the condition that he should farm as part of a co-op. When he refused to pay R25 000 to ensure that a proposed business plan was approved by the Department, his land was advertised for occupation for interested new leases. Swazi Motha of Rietspruit farm is part of a group of three farmers who, in 2013, were granted a lease to a farm. In 2019, when asked to apply for financial assistance, they were told to “pay something” to facilitate the signing of the contract. They refused to pay the bribe, and received a letter of termination in 2019. To date, the department had been keeping mum on the issue. Although the enquiries from the Tribune ePaper have been acknowledged, no response had been received from the department despite several enquiries. However, in a turn of events that is laughable, to say the least, Didiza has assured the farmers that they will not be evicted from the farms, and claimed to have been in the dark amidst this saga, and did not authorize the eviction letters to be sent out. “There is not going to be any eviction and in any way of actions process in terms of state land, you’ll have to involve the Minister. And in this incident, those letters were not even given out with authorization of the Minister. So we agreed that there is not going to be any eviction of the farmers we are created in two weeks time the team from the property unit in the Department of Agriculture will come down and all those farmers who have got issues around their leases we’ll meet at the department so that those issues are resolved.” Didiza stated. This is of very little comfort to the affected farmers, as it is clear that there is a high level of confusion and collusion within the department. This is a developing story. Minister Didiza claims to be in the dark amidst scandal Minister Didiza claims to be in the dark amidst scandal 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 "And in this incident, those letters were not even given out with authorization of the Minister. So we agreed that there is not going to be any eviction of the farmers we are created in two weeks time the team from the property unit in the Department of Agriculture will come down and all those farmers who have got issues around their leases we’ll meet at the department so that those issues are resolved.” The Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Department minister, Thoko Didiza, on Sarturday held a meeting to appease farmers in the area amidst a massive scandal which involves eviction letters, threats of eviction from department officials via WhatsApp messages, bribery from department officials and various other issues. The meeting addressed issues related to state-owned land leased to farmers, which are now being cut short and unlawfully terminated by department officials. Several farmers in Mpumalanga received letters informing them that they would be evicted from state farms, and some have been lured into paying bribes to officials of up to R25 000 to have paperwork processed and the lease renewed. John Mabasa of Goedehoop farm said that his family had been farming on their family land for over two centuries. When he submitted a land claim in 1998 to formalize his family’s land holdings, the Department claimed that they had no records of the claim. In 2013, after a Public Protector finding instructed the Department to allocate him a farm, he was given caretakership on a portion of land. The award came with the condition that he should farm as part of a co-op. When he refused to pay R25 000 to ensure that a proposed business plan was approved by the Department, his land was advertised for occupation for interested new leases. Swazi Motha of Rietspruit farm is part of a group of three farmers who, in 2013, were granted a lease to a farm. In 2019, when asked to apply for financial assistance, they were told to “pay something” to facilitate the signing of the contract. They refused to pay the bribe, and received a letter of termination in 2019. To date, the department had been keeping mum on the issue. Although the enquiries from the Tribune ePaper have been acknowledged, no response had been received from the department despite several enquiries. However, in a turn of events that is laughable, to say the least, Didiza has assured the farmers that they will not be evicted from the farms, and claimed to have been in the dark amidst this saga, and did not authorize the eviction letters to be sent out. “There is not going to be any eviction and in any way of actions process in terms of state land, you’ll have to involve the Minister. And in this incident, those letters were not even given out with authorization of the Minister. So we agreed that there is not going to be any eviction of the farmers we are created in two weeks time the team from the property unit in the Department of Agriculture will come down and all those farmers who have got issues around their leases we’ll meet at the department so that those issues are resolved.” Didiza stated. This is of very little comfort to the affected farmers, as it is clear that there is a high level of confusion and collusion within the department. This is a developing story. < 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 >