Gesegdes soos “kriel haantjie”, wat beteken dis ‘n manlike aggresiewe persoon wat gewoonlik klein van postuur is, “bakkie brakkie”, wat ‘n hond is wat oral saam ry, en “kattemaai”, om altyd plesierig te wees. Die leerders het dit vreeslik geniet. JJ se Graad 7's geniet Taalweek 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 25 Augustus 2020 Gesegdes soos “kriel haantjie”, wat beteken dis ‘n manlike aggresiewe persoon wat gewoonlik klein van postuur is, “bakkie brakkie”, wat ‘n hond is wat oral saam ry, en “kattemaai”, om altyd plesierig te wees. Die leerders het dit vreeslik geniet. Die afgelope week het Laerskool JJ van der Merwe se Graad 7 leerders ‘n Taalweek aangebied. Die leerders is geleer van woorde wat nie alledaags bekend is nie, asook die betekenis rondom die woord. Gesegdes soos “kriel haantjie”, wat beteken dis ‘n manlike aggresiewe persoon wat gewoonlik klein van postuur is, “bakkie brakkie”, wat ‘n hond is wat oral saam ry, en “kattemaai”, om altyd plesierig te wees. Die leerders het dit vreeslik geniet. Die leerders kon ook op Vrydag, 21 Augustus, soos ‘n karakter uit ‘n storie boek aantrek. < Previous Article Next Article >

Nooddienste het die afgelope week harde bene gekou met verskeie botsings wat plaasgevind het. Telkens het botsings plaasgevind waar die bestuurders doodluiters nie die verkeersreëls gehoorsaam nie, en kanse gevat het. Die SAPD, asook die verkeersdepartement, wil ‘n versoek rig aan die gemeenskap om altyd die verkeersreëls te gehoorsaam. Geen gesag aan verskeersreëls Geen gesag aan verskeersreëls 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 1 September 2020 Verskeie bestuurders het doodluiters nie die verkeersreëls gehoorsaam nie, en kanse gevat het. Nooddienste het geskarrel van een toneel na die ander. Nooddienste het die afgelope week harde bene gekou met verskeie botsings wat plaasgevind het. Telkens het botsings plaasgevind waar die bestuurders doodluiters nie die verkeersreëls gehoorsaam nie, en kanse gevat het. Die SAPD, asook die verkeersdepartement, wil ‘n versoek rig aan die gemeenskap om altyd die verkeersreëls te gehoorsaam. < Previous Article Next Article >

It was noticed in Friday that individuals helped themselves at a fire hydrant in Church Street, and several large containers were repeatedly filled with water from the hydrant. The culprit had a makeshift tool handy to open the fire hydrant. According to the available by-laws, it is illegal to use a fire hydrant to obtain water for purposes other than fire fighting, unless authorised by the water authority or person to whom the hydrant belongs. A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. The community is urged to refrain from tampering with fire hydrants, as those in question often waste precious water, and also repeatedly leave fire hydrants partially open, aggravating the wasteful behavior. Hefty fine for tampering with fire hydrants Hefty fine for tampering with fire hydrants 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 3 November 2020 A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. It was noticed in Friday that individuals helped themselves at a fire hydrant in Church Street, and several large containers were repeatedly filled with water from the hydrant. The culprit had a makeshift tool handy to open the fire hydrant. According to the available by-laws, it is illegal to use a fire hydrant to obtain water for purposes other than fire fighting, unless authorised by the water authority or person to whom the hydrant belongs. A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. The community is urged to refrain from tampering with fire hydrants, as those in question often waste precious water, and also repeatedly leave fire hydrants partially open, aggravating the wasteful behavior. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron groet ‘n legendendariese onderwyseres 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 6 April 2021 "Miss Aucamp will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the Liggie community." “Juffrou Ilze Aucamp het nie net reuse spore getrap in die Afrikaanse klas nie, maar ook op die atletiek- en hokkievelde van Ligbron. Hier het sy die ekstra myl met haar leerders en spelers geloop, en hulle baie meer geleer as net vakinhoud of vaardighede. Getrou aan haar aard wou sy, tot op die laaste, ‘nog net ‘n week’ in haar klas staan en met kinders werk. Die Liggies was bevoorreg om haar as ‘n kollega, vriendin, mentor, onderwyser en afrigter te kon ken. It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and colleague, Miss. Ilze Aucamp, passed away due to cancer. Miss Aucamp will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the Liggie community. Our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Many fuming residents in Breyten sit without potable water for the 10th consecutive week. There has been no tangible action forthcoming from authorities. Breyten water woes at an end... In 2024 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 Many fuming residents in Breyten sit without potable water for the 10th consecutive week. There has been no tangible action forthcoming from authorities. Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has performed a sod-turning to mark the beginning of work on the Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme project in Warburton, Mpumalanga. he Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme project is part of the Msukaligwa Regional Bulk Supply Scheme, which aims to ensure that all water infrastructure has sufficient capacity to cater for the future water demands over a 30-year design horizon. The estimated cost of the project is reported to be approximately R330 million. he project, which is planned for 36 months and anticipated to be completed by 13 May 2024, will cover four magisterial areas in Msukaligwa Local Municipality, including Breyten, Chrissiesmeer, Lothair and Warburton. At the sod-turning ceremony, Mahlobo acknowledged that the community is not well served, especially when it comes to water provision. “Today marks a major milestone towards achieving the infrastructure goals, as articulated in our Water Master and National Development Plan of Infrastructure Development and Provision of Access to Water for our people. We are very confident that after the completion of these water projects, our people will have access to water and decent sanitation, which will restore dignity to our people.” Mahlobo said. This statement is hollow and frail, as many fuming residents in Breyten sit without potable water for the 10th consecutive week. There has been no tangible action forthcoming from authorities. Work is underway to draw water from Torbanite Dam and bring it to Breyten, Chrissiesmeer, Warburton and Lothair. “Today, together with the District Mayor and the Local Mayor, we are handing over to the contractor to start working under the implementing agent, which is the Gert Sibande District.” the Deputy Minister said. He condemned the vandalism and theft of water infrastructure, as this leaves people without water, and called on the community to work with the government to prevent theft and vandalism of water infrastructure. The project scope includes the refurbishment of the Torbanite Dam pump station, installation of new raw water rising main from Torbanite Dam to Breyten Water Treatment Works (WTW), refurbishment of the Breyten WTW, installation of a new rising main from Breyten WTW to Breyten WTW reservoirs, replacement of secondary bulk mains supplying Breyten town, and installation of a new rising main from Breyten WTW to Chrissiesmeer bulk reservoirs. It also includes the construction of a new pump station at Chrissiesmeer reservoir site to provide bulk water supply to Warburton, installation of a new secondary bulk main from new Warburton reservoir to Warburton reticulation, installation of new gravity main from Chrissiemeer bulk reservoirs to Lothair reservoirs, installation of reservoirs in Lothair, as well as the installation of new rising main from the inline booster pump station to the elevated tanks in Lothair. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rietspruit housing development taking shape 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Residential, retail and parks were touted as the main attraction, and water, sewage and roads infrastructure will be made available by DOHS. After years of allegations of corruption, arrests of officials, and land invasions from irate residents, Rietspruit Farm, also known as Extension 44, had finally been allocated by the Department of Human Settlements (DOHS) to house nearly 5 000 housing units. This flagship project was recently officiated last year by Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, is showing progress and much promise. Gert Sibande District Municipality regional planning unveiled that a reported 5 760 stands had been made available, with an estimated 4 000 mixed housing opportunities. Plans for more than 600 rental units were also mentioned. Residential, retail and parks were touted as the main attraction, and water, sewage and roads infrastructure will be made available by DOHS. - Photos sourced. < Previous Article Next Article >

“The municipality expects that before residents go to work, they switch off unused appliances. Why should they switch on appliances like geysers, televisions, etc. when they are not at home?” MLM stated. No clarity on rotational load shedding 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 “The municipality expects that before residents go to work, they switch off unused appliances. Why should they switch on appliances like geysers, televisions, etc. when they are not at home?” MLM stated. Since March 2020, residents of Ermelo and surroundings have had to bite the bullet with daily rotational load shedding implemented by Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The load shedding occurs mainly during peak times, much to the frustration of residents who arrive home, to find that there is no electricity supply. Mundane chores such as cooking, bathing and laundry have become a struggle, and many students who make use of online education portals are left with no means to progress. The supply is more often than not interrupted for extended periods, with Mlm blaming the infamous 88kVA line for the majority of supply woes. Other reasons are alleged illegal connections, cable theft and a myriad of other, more feeble excuses. The Tribune directed an several enquiries at MLM regarding the ongoing municipal load shedding. In light of submissions by various political parties regarding the poor performance of municipalities in Mpumalanga, especially regarding the servicing of the Eskom accounts, it was enquired if the Eskom account is actually serviced per agreement, and if any arrears in payment are present. The outstanding amount owed my MLM is high, but relatively low in comparison with other municipalities in the province. The Tribune also enquired if, and how the amount owed to Eskom has impacted the notified maximum demand (NMD). The NMD is the contracted notified maximum demand, expressed in kVA, and the NMD should, and can not be exceeded unless agreed to by Eskom. An excess network access charge will be levied for exceeding the NMD. MLM has previously stated that the infrastructure is allegedly overloaded during times of municipal load shedding, and that the demand indeed exceeds the supply. The NMD comes into play noticeably of late, seen as Ermelo has been experiencing a disproportionate amount of electrical issues compared to previous years. Upon enquiry, MLM responded as follows: “The current account with Eskom is up to date. MLM is required to adhere to the agreed NMD and should not exceed it unless Eskom has agreed to the exceedance in writing and in advance. An exceedance of the NMD is a breach of Eskom’s electricity supply agreement and/or connection and use of system agreement. Eskom request the municipality to remain within the contractual NMD. If the municipality fails to heed the request above, remedies may be implemented by Eskom to correct such breach, including the right to limit the capacity. The municipality, in order to comply with the request, implemented load reduction in order to be within the NMD. Renegotiation with Eskom are ongoing in order to come up with mutual beneficial agreement of the NMD. Before an upgrade is implemented, Eskom conducts a feasibility study, among others, to check whether the capacity of the Eskom network is adequate to make supply available at a higher level on a continuous basis, etc.” MLM wholly ignored the enquiries as to when the load reduction will end, and what actionable plan MLM is employing to service the community. Residents and businesses in Ermelo are slowly but surely getting fed up with MLM’s tomfoolery and silence on the matter, as there are no honest, direct and palpable feedback from municipal authorities. If enquiries are responded to, elaborate statements which employ evasion tactics are submitted, often leaving more questions than answers. A Facebook group, which contains a substantial following of disgruntled residents, is evidence of the dismay regarding MLM’s ineptitude. Talks of a march against the municipality has surfaced, and another group of dismayed residents and businesses are considering legal action against MLM, much like the steps taken against Lekwa Local Municipality (LMM). LMM residents will feel some relief, as the high court has recently placed an interdict against the municipality, preventing them from implementing rotational load shedding permitted on a limitation linked to the shockingly reduced NMD. AfriForum has also locked horns with Eskom and LMM, as the extended periods of rotational load shedding, caused by the municipality, is considered and stated as unconstitutional. If MLM doesn’t shape up, the same fate awaits them, as many residents and businesses are negatively impacted by the rotational load shedding. The majority of residents and businesses in Ermelo are up to date with their utility bills. MLM has, themselves, stated that Ermelo has the highest utility payment rate from residents, with Chrissiesmeer and Breyten having amongst the poorest paying residents, with a shockingly high non-payment rate. Damage to appliances and equipment is also a cause of great concern, with MLM failing to elaborate on who will be held liable for damages caused by the fluctuation of electricity supply from the municipality. They have, however, added to their weekly load shedding schedule the wording “please switch off appliances to avoid damage from surges”. This statement is of nonsensical value, as many residents are at work during the constant fluctuations, and more often than not at home during these times. “The municipality expects that before residents go to work, they switch off unused appliances. Why should they switch on appliances like geysers, televisions, etc. when they are not at home?” MLM stated. Ultimately, MLM cannot expect to place the onus of damage to appliances on the residents, when the fluctuation of the feed is, to be frank, the doing of the municipality. At this time, residents and businesses can do little but to grin and bear the outages, which were stated as “temporary” when implemented by MLM seven months ago, along with the damages it brings. < Previous Article Next Article >

Stylvolle sportsterre. En stylvol was die Liggies beslis! Mnr & Me Liggie 2022 met trots aangewys Foto deur Wayne Thomas Photography. Foto deur Wayne Thomas Photography. 1/1 Share Supplied Content 16 August 2022 Stylvolle sportsterre. En stylvol was die Liggies beslis! Tema: Stylvolle sportsterre. En stylvol was die Liggies beslis! Die beoordelaars moes behoorlik kopkrap om tussen die glinsterende Liggies te kies. Die aanbieder, die pragtige Bianca Le Grange, het ook luister aan die aand verleen. Die volgende toekennings is gemaak: Mej Lggie: Cecilia Venter, 1ste Prinses: Lindokuhle Mahlangu, 2de Prinses: Janneke de Villiers, Mej Fotogenies: Mianke Kwakernaak en Mej Persoonlikheid: Siyanda Maduna. Mnr Liggie: Kyle Alves, 1ste Prins: Diean Swart, 2de Prins: Praise Ngubeni, Mnr Fotogenies: Ndumiso Motha en Mnr Persoonlikheid: Ulrich Kleynhans. The Liggies sparkled on the stage and made it quite difficult for the judges to decide who should walk away with the prizes. Congratulations to: Miss Liggie: Cecilia Venter, 1st Princess: Lindokuhle Mahlangu, 2nd Princess: Janneke de Villiers, Miss Photogenic: Mianke Kwakernaak and Miss Personality: Siyanda Maduna. Mr Liggie: Kyle Alves, 1st Prince: Diean Swart, 2nd Prince: Praise Ngubeni, Mr Photogenic: Ndumiso Motha and Mr Personality: Ulrich Kleynhans. (LB) < Previous Article Next Article >

Tomahawks trap Marble Hall Leopards vas met harde rugby 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 “Die manne het implimenteer wat ons gedoen het tydens oefening, en die spelers het uitgeblink op hierdie reënerige dag. Baie dankie vir elkeen se puik spel!” Op Saterdag, 2 Oktober, het die Ermelo Tomahawks te staan gekom teen die Marble Hall Leopards in ‘n vriendskaplike wedstryd. Ten spyte van goor weer, het toeskouers hul gate uit geniet en die spanne ondersteun met lof. Die wedstryd was hard, met spelers aan beide kante wat hul beste spel gelewer het. Groot manne is van beide spanne is spoedig platgetrek deur opponente, en die ratse spelers het die ketels oopgemaak en laat wiel sodra hul ‘n opening gesien het. Na afloop van die wedstryd, klop die Ermelo Tomahawks die Marble Hall Leopards 54-24. Bennette Burger het laat hoor dat hy heel tevrede is met sy span se kwaliteit spel en taktiek. “Die manne het implimenteer wat ons gedoen het tydens oefening, en die spelers het uitgeblink op hierdie reënerige dag. Baie dankie vir elkeen se puik spel!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Die Pet Dam, wat veronderstel is om toegang gekontroleer te wees nadat MLM miljoene Rande bestee het aan omheining, is ‘n klap in die gesig van Ermelo inwoners. Sien meer foto's en 'n video op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. Inwoners ruk hand uit by Pet Dam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 30 August 2022 Die Pet Dam, wat veronderstel is om toegang gekontroleer te wees nadat MLM miljoene Rande bestee het aan omheining, is ‘n klap in die gesig van Ermelo inwoners. Sien meer foto's en 'n video op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. Die Pet Dam. Die partytjie plek. Die stortingsterrein. Die musiek verhoog. Die buitelug ablusie. Die een area in Ermelo waar mens kan drink tot jy omval, terug na jou voete sukkel, in jou voertuig in slinger, jou enjin aanskakel, en in die donkerte van die nag wegjaag met bande wat skreeu. Die Pet Dam bly maar eens ‘n doring in die vlees van Ermelo inwoners, klaarblyklil versteek onder 'n sluier van ondeelbaarheid, waar allerlei onwettige aktiwiteite heeltemal geïgnoreer word deur beide wetstoepassers en Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM). Die voortdurende rommelstrooiery van besope inwoners, geraasbesoedeling van vroegoggend tot ver na 02:00 soggens, openbare ontlasting en urinering in die dam en op die perseel, roekelose en nalatige bestuur onder die invloed van alkohol, afvuur van vuurwapens, die aanhoudende stroom voertuie wat die verkeerswette verontagsaam, prostitute oplaai en aflaai, en dubbelparkeer in die pad terwyl karig geklede dames op en af marsjeer, laat veel te wense oor. Boonop het 'n ondernemende individu dit oënskynlik op homself geneem om 'n karwas in die Pet Dam se parkeerterrein te open. Die Mpumalanga Drankwet maak dit tog duidelik dat enige persoon wat gewelddadig, dronk of wanordelik is op enige perseel of plek waartoe die publiek toegang het of gegun word, of wat enige drank in enige pad, straat, baan of deurgang verbruik, opgelê kan word met 'n boete of gevangenisstraf. Enige persoon wat enige bepaling van hierdie Wet oortree, is skuldig aan 'n misdryf, en strafbaar met 'n boete soos van tyd tot tyd bepaal kan word, of gevangenisstraf vir 'n tydperk van hoogstens twee jaar, of met beide sodanige boete en gevangenisstraf. Behalwe dit, stel die MLM-verordeninge dit duidelik dat geen persoon ‘n gevaar mag wees of 'n oorlas, aanstootlik of 'n ergernis vir die inwoners of publiek mag wees nie. Dié wette word egter op ‘n daaglikse basis oortree, met absoluut geen reaksie vanaf MLM of ander owerhede nie. Die munisipale verordeninge bepaal verder dat geen persoon dronk mag wees, 'n oorlas van homself maak deur die gebruik van alkohol of ander bedwelmende middels, of enige oorlas in 'n openbare park mag pleeg nie. Ongelukkig skaterlag dié inwoners in die gesig van die gereg, want geen wetstoepassing kan waargeneem word nie. Ten tyde van publikasie, was die vermelde boete R2 000, oftewel 6 maande gevangenisstraf. In die lig van bogenoemde, sal dit aanvaarbaar wees om te verklaar dat MLM in werklikheid nie hul eie verordeninge op enige manier of vorm afdwing nie, en dat wetteloosheid die oorhand kry. Die SAPD kan nie alleenlik ten volle aanspreeklik gehou word om teen oortreders op te tree nie, aangesien dit die direkte verantwoordelikheid van MLM en die raad is om genoemde verordeninge toe te pas. Die Pet Dam is besaai met allerlei rommel, alkoholbottels, plastiek en houers, menslike ontlasting, gebruikte toiletpapier, gebruikte kondome en meer. Gemors dobber op die dam se water, en alge as gevolg van die besoedeling versmoor die ou paar oorlewende visse. Ten spyte van talle klagtes van inwoners in die omgewing, leë beloftes van raadslede in Ermelo, en flou waarskuwings van plaaslike wetstoepassers, gaan die partytjie voort, met geen einde in sig nie. Inwoners rondom die Pet Dam lê herhaaldelik klagtes by owerhede oor die geraasbesoedeling, geskreeu, drankbottels wat stukkend gegooi word, en die algemene onbedagsame, sorgvrye houding deur besope individue. Die dronkbestuur van partytjiegangers hou 'n risiko in vir alle inwoners en motoriste van Ermelo maar, helaas, klagtes val op dowe ore. Die Pet Dam-gebied, sowel as die oorloopgebiede is as vleilande geklassifiseer, maar owerhede toon 'n verbasende gebrek aan kommer oor die besoedelingskwessie wat hierdie terrein teister. Prominente besoedeling van die Pet Dam kan reeds vanaf 2009 opgemerk word, met die Departement van Water en Sanitasie (DWS) wat terreininspeksies op 14 Julie 2010, 11 November 2011 en 14 Junie 2012 gedoen het. Volgens die inspeksies het MLM rioolbesoedeling, rioolvuil geïgnoreer, en die impak op die omgewing is drasties. Volgens DWS-dokument 2193, het MLM óf versuim om op uitgereikte kommunikasie te antwoord, óf 'n onvoldoende aksieplan ingedien. Tot vandag toe word die Pet Dam steeds op 'n daaglikse basis besoedel, vanaf rou riool tot menslike ontlasting, plastiek, glas en ander rommel, met geen optrede deur die gesag nie. Tydens November 2018 se verwoestende visdood het beide Gert Sibande Distriksmunisipaliteit (GSDM) en MLM na bewering watergehaltetoetse uitgevoer, en die resultate is belowe om aan die publiek en media bekend gemaak te word sodra dit beskikbaar word. Tot vandag toe wag die inwoners in spanning vir die resultate. Die Pet Dam, wat veronderstel is om toegang gekontroleer te wees nadat MLM miljoene Rande bestee het aan ‘n omheining, is ‘n klap in die gesig van Ermelo inwoners. Die omheining val letterlik uitmekaar uit van die roes, gedeeltes is verwoes edur voertuie en vandalisme, en is nooit herstel nie. Die hekke, wat versonderstel is om gesluit te wees, se slotte is afgebreek en die hekke is opsy geskuif. Die kwansuise sekuriteit wat deur die munisipaliteit aangestel sou word om wet te handhaaf by die dam, het nooit die lig van dag gesien nie. Op hierdie stadium van die geveg is die Pet Dam niks meer as ‘n besoedelde, ononderbroke partytjie terrein nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

MMM displays the power of prayer 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 13 September 2022 The CPF, SAPS & MMM have pledged to continue visiting schools. Mpumalanga Men's Movement (MMM) and the Road Traffic Infringement Agency home of AARTO, along with both provincial and Msukaligwa traffic departments gathered at the N2 Acacia Crossing recently, to pray against accidents on N2 during this season. This initiative will continue as the local Community Police Forum (CPF), SAPS & MMM have announced a mass prayer day for Ermelo, that will take place on 16 September 2022, at Thuthukani Hall, next to Cebisa Secondary School. This comes as incidents of murder have risen at an alarming rate since 1 September 2022, with at least 5 murder cases that have been opened. “Special focus is directed to the murder case of Gogo and the young girl at eMadamini, that were brutally killed recently, as well as the stabbing of young man over chips at New Ermelo, Nyibe. This calls for action, and something must be done against these acts. We have invited pastors from all churches, all organizations, and the community at large to join this prayer walk, from Extension 1 hostel, via the municipal chamber intersection, and then off to Thuthukani Hall, where prayer service will continue” MMM said. The CPF, SAPS & MMM have pledged to continue visiting schools, and have already visited Cebisa Secondary School, Ermelo Combined School, Ithafa and Lindile to search for weapons, drugs and prohibited items on school premises. “This is to motivate them to stay away from gangs and drugs, and to stop bullying, to ensure that learners focus on their studies, free from influence of drugs, or fear of life from fellow learners. Schools should remain a weapon and drug free area, where students should remain sober and safe, by any means necessary,” MMM concluded. See more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

WOF Mpumalanga assists in 63 fires during July 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The Winter Fire Season officially began on 1 June 2021, and WOF Mpumalanga has recorded a total of 128 fires thus far. “We urge the community at large to practice caution and not start unnecessary fires as we are expecting windy and dry weather conditions, which fuel a runaway veld or forest fire,” Mthembu added. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Working on Fire Mpumalanga teams and the Forest Support Programme (FSP) teams assisted partners in combating numerous fires during July, while navigating the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Injaka FSP team was the busiest team in July, and was dispatched numerous times to the fireline to assist the Lowveld Escarpment Fire Protection Association (LEFPA). The Ermelo team, who are partnered with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, were deployed several times and in one call out, the team lived up to WOF objectives of Saving Lives when they managed to prevent housing structures from catching flames at an informal settlement in their region. The month of July saw an increase in fires due to extreme weather conditions, which contributed to the high Fire Danger Index (FDI). A total of 63 fires were recorded, and no injuries were reported. According to Working on Fire Mpumalanga Provincial Coordinator, Gert van der Westhuizen, this is an increase from June, where teams assisted in 43 fires. “WOF Mpumalanga and FSP teams remain on high alert, because we are approaching the halfway mark of the fire season. We are expecting a lot of teams to be dispatched to assist partners in August because it is a windy month,” said WOF Mpumalanga Communication Officer, Amanda Mthembu. Besides fire suppression operations, WOF Mpumalanga and FSP teams are also hard at work conducting various Integrated Fire Management Services (IFMS), which include Prescribed Burns and raising awareness in their communities with Fire Awareness educational workshops and door-to-door campaigns. The Winter Fire Season officially began on 1 June 2021, and WOF Mpumalanga has recorded a total of 128 fires thus far. “We urge the community at large to practice caution and not start unnecessary fires as we are expecting windy and dry weather conditions, which fuel a runaway veld or forest fire,” Mthembu added. < Previous Article Next Article >