Hoërskool Ermelo is uiters trots op die ses Errie-dogters wat gekies is vir die onderskeie Mpumalanga Mamba-spanne van “Indoor”-hokkie. Die spanne se toere vind vanaf 20 tot 22 Desember 2020 plaas. Errie-dogters spog met Mamba-spanne 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 10 November 2020 Hoërskool Ermelo is uiters trots op die ses Errie-dogters wat gekies is vir die onderskeie Mpumalanga Mamba-spanne van “Indoor”-hokkie. Die spanne se toere vind vanaf 20 tot 22 Desember 2020 plaas. Hoërskool Ermelo is uiters trots op die ses Errie-dogters wat gekies is vir die onderskeie Mpumalanga Mamba-spanne van “Indoor”-hokkie. Die spanne se toere vind vanaf 20 tot 22 Desember 2020 plaas. Die o/14’s se toer vindplaas te Witbank Hockey Farm, die o/16’s te Pretoria Hartveld en die o/18’s se toer vind in Johannesburg te Dainfern College plaas. Hier is die name van elkeen in hul onderskeie spanne: o/14: Helené Lotz – Green Mamabas (B-span), Mia Davel - Green Mambas (B-span), Ziné Jacob – Yellow Mambas (C-span), o/16: Deidre van der Meyden – Green Mambas (B-span), Kayla van der Meyden – Green Mambas (B-span) en o/18: Carla Ferreira – Black Mambas (A-span). “Baie sterkte aan elkeen van die dogters. Hoërskool Ermelo wens vir julle alle seën toe.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Gedurende die afloop van verlede week het besigheidseienaars in Ermelo gekners op hul tande en gehoop dat hul nie geteiken word nie, na ‘n vlaag gewapende rooftogte. Op Woensdag, 5 Mei, het Markham in die Oak Shopping Centre weereens die kort end gekry toe vier gewapende mans die winkel binnegestorm het, en klante en werknemers na die agterkant van die winkel gedwing. Daarna het hul die bestuurder gedwing om die kluis oop te sluit, en ‘n onbekende bedrag kontant, asook verskeie selfone gebuit. Die rowers het gevlug in ‘n wit Honda. Geen beserings was aangemeld nie. Enige persone wat informasie het wat kan help met die ondersoek, kan die ondersoekbeampte, Inspekteur Konstabel BM Mbatha kontak by 017 819 2321 of 082 373 8389. - On Wednesday, 5 May, two businesses in Ermelo suffered damages due to armed robberies that took place on the same day. After an earlier armed robbery at Markham at the Oak Shopping Centre, brazen criminals targeted Six Pack Cash & Carry just before 17:00. Five masked, armed men stormed the store, and forced clients and managers to the ground. They forced the management to hand over cash, as well as the cellphones of the staff and clients in the store at the time. The robbers made off with the cellphones, and an approximate cash amount of R20 000. The suspects fled in a charcoal color BMW, and remain unidentified at this time. If you have information that can assist the SAPS in their investigation, please contact Detective Constable BM Mbatha on 017 819 2321 or 082 373 8389. Ermelo besighede loop deur onder gewapende rowers Ermelo besighede loop deur onder gewapende rowers 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 The suspects fled in a charcoal color BMW, and remain unidentified at this time. Gedurende die afloop van verlede week het besigheidseienaars in Ermelo gekners op hul tande en gehoop dat hul nie geteiken word nie, na ‘n vlaag gewapende rooftogte. Op Woensdag, 5 Mei, het Markham in die Oak Shopping Centre weereens die kort end gekry toe vier gewapende mans die winkel binnegestorm het, en klante en werknemers na die agterkant van die winkel gedwing. Daarna het hul die bestuurder gedwing om die kluis oop te sluit, en ‘n onbekende bedrag kontant, asook verskeie selfone gebuit. Die rowers het gevlug in ‘n wit Honda. Geen beserings was aangemeld nie. Enige persone wat informasie het wat kan help met die ondersoek, kan die ondersoekbeampte, Inspekteur Konstabel BM Mbatha kontak by 017 819 2321 of 082 373 8389. - On Wednesday, 5 May, two businesses in Ermelo suffered damages due to armed robberies that took place on the same day. After an earlier armed robbery at Markham at the Oak Shopping Centre, brazen criminals targeted Six Pack Cash & Carry just before 17:00. Five masked, armed men stormed the store, and forced clients and managers to the ground. They forced the management to hand over cash, as well as the cellphones of the staff and clients in the store at the time. The robbers made off with the cellphones, and an approximate cash amount of R20 000. The suspects fled in a charcoal color BMW, and remain unidentified at this time. If you have information that can assist the SAPS in their investigation, please contact Detective Constable BM Mbatha on 017 819 2321 or 082 373 8389. < Previous Article Next Article >

Nkomazi grensposte amptelik heropen 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 October 2020 Alhoewel daar onlangs geen padongelukke gerapporteer is nie, het die LUR vir padveiligheid, Gabisile Tshabalala, motoriste aangemoedig om die paaie versigtig te gebruik. “Na die heropening van toegangspoorte, verwag ons 'n groot toename in die transportvolume op ons paaie. Ons wil almal versoek om versigtig te wees." Die Nkomazi-substreek huisves drie internasionale grensposte, naamlik Lebombo, wat die land en Mosambiek van mekaar skei, en Matsamo en Mananga, wat albei toegangspunte tot die Koninkryk eSwatini is. Vragmotors wat goedere vervoer het na Mosambiek, moes ure in die ry wag om die grens oor te steek, terwyl die verkeer na die land vlot geloop het. Matsamo en Mananga het egter minder mense ontvang wat tussen die twee lande gereis het. Dit volg nadat grensposte amptelik hul hekke vir internasionale reise onlangs heropen het. Die besigste was Lebombo, wat 'n groot aantal Suid-Afrikaanse toeriste na Mosambiek sien reis het. Voordat die grense op 27 Maart 2020 gesluit is, het plaaslike ondernemings aan die kant van die grensposte floreer, maar het vinnig 'n neusduik ervaar nadat die grendeltyd in werking getree het. Alhoewel daar onlangs geen padongelukke gerapporteer is nie, het die LUR vir padveiligheid, Gabisile Tshabalala, motoriste aangemoedig om die paaie versigtig te gebruik. “Na die heropening van toegangspoorte, verwag ons 'n groot toename in die transportvolume op ons paaie. Ons wil almal versoek om versigtig te wees. Ons werk saam met alle belanghebbendes, en is gereed om die verhoogde verkeersvolumes wat deur die provinsie vanuit die buurlande in en uit die land kom, te hanteer. Daar is geen verdraagsaamheid teenoor roekelose en nalatige bestuur nie.” het Tshabalala afgesluit. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Baie geluk met jou uitslae, Yozani. EHS is besonder trots op jou.” Errie tref kolskoot in boogskiet 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 6 April 2021 “Baie geluk met jou uitslae, Yozani. EHS is besonder trots op jou.” Op Saterdag, 27 Maart, het Yozani Postma, ‘n Graad 8-leerder van Hoërskool Ermelo, deegeneem aan die Inter-provinsiale kompetisie van NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program). Sy skiet ‘n uitstekende telling van 232 uit 300. Die kompetisies wat voorlê vir 2021,gaan virtuele kompetisies wees. “Baie geluk met jou uitslae, Yozani. EHS is besonder trots op jou.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Inwoner ly reuse skade nadat woonhuis vlamvat 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 Nooddienste het ook gespartel, want die brand het ontstaan tydens 'n watertekort in Ermelo as gevolg van herstelwerk aan die toevoer. 'n Inwoner van Bothma Straat het op Donderdag reuse skade gely nadat ‘n brand onstaan het in haar woonhuis. Bure, bystaanders en inwoners het almal gehelp waar hul kon, en reddingsdienste was spoedig op die toneel. Die brandende woonhuis het ‘n groot skare gelok, wat in skok gekyk het hoe nooddienste spook om die vlamme onder beheer te kry. Nooddienste het ook gespartel, want die brand het ontstaan tydens 'n watertekort in Ermelo as gevolg van herstelwerk aan die toevoer. Op die stadium is daar geen ernstige beserings aangemeld nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

Jabu Ndlovu obtains MPRE certification 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 Jabu achieved the status of Master Practitioner in 2021 after completing his PDE 5 exams. Jabu Ndlovu, principal and owner of Candid Properties, a well-known and respected estate agency in Ermelo, has risen to new heights after obtaining Master Practitioner in Real Estate status. A Master Practitioner in Real Estate (MPRE) is a full-status professional estate agent, practicing as a Principal estate agent who has been issued with a valid fidelity fund certificate, as well as a certificate of professional recognition by the Estate Agency Affairs Board. The holder of such designation is accredited as being a knowledgeable, competent, and skillful principal estate agency practitioner, who is able to perform all estate agency activities, as defined in the Estate Agency Affairs Act, 112 of 1976, with the necessary degree of care and skill in the interest of protecting consumers of estate agency services. Jabu Ndlovu, a resident of Ermelo for more than 20 years, was born in Davel, grew up enjoying the farm life, attending high school at Lindile Secondary School. After completing his school career, Jabu started his upwards trajectory as estate agent at Remax Properties, and then moved to Vleissentraal, where he worked for five years. Candid Properties was established in 2010, with a branch in Ermelo. At first with association with RI Scholtz Estate Agency, but later spread his wings to find its feet in Ermelo. Jabu completed his NQF Levels 4-5 at UNISA, with the PDE 4 board exam following after that. Jabu achieved the status of Master Practitioner in 2021 after completing his PDE 5 exams. “My plans for the future is to create employment for as many aspiring practitioners as I can, and to build bridges to the future. My ultimate goal is to establish Candid Properties as a franchise, and become a household name in South Africa.” Candid Properties currently has branches in Ermelo, Secunda and Emalahleni, creating it’s footprint of real estate excellence.” Jabu would like to thank all his loyal clients for their support, and would like to invite all existing and new clients to contact him regarding their real estate needs on 079 134 2733, or info@candidproperties.net . < Previous Article Next Article >

Hulle is by die skool Welkom terug aan die 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 9 June 2020 Hulle is by die skool Al die plaaslike skole het op Maandag, 8 Junie, hul Graad 7 en Graad 12 leerders terug verwelkom. Al die skole het die nodige maatreëls toegepas om te verseker dat die skool, asook die klaskamers, veilig en skoon is vir die leerders. Die Tribune wil graag al die leerders verwelkom, en sterkte toewens met die rowwe tyd wat voorlê. < Previous Article Next Article >

Jansen Street drug den causes unease 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 12 January 2021 “I have phoned the SAPS on several occasions, as looters carry away stolen items from the property. On one specific day a looter brought his own wheelbarrow, and casually loaded the geyser looted from the property. I phoned the SAPS, but they took over an hour to arrive." What once was a beautifully maintained residence, has now regressed to a source of disconcertment to surrounding residents, most notably for its infamy as a known drug haven for addicts and all manner of vagrants. Reports of blatant prostitution within the husk of the residence has also surfaced, with no heed paid by authorities. The house, which is being systematically looted of all valuable items, which includes pipes, fittings, taps, window frames and doors, is now a source of concern, as well as a threat to the safety of surrounding residents. “We can not even leave our residence for more than a day, because the vagrants that squat in the abandoned house keeps and eye on our movements. I have resorted to adding extra security gates and burglar bars to our house, because the squatters steal items from our yard. I have caught several of them red-handed, where they carry items out of our yard during broad daylight. I don’t feel safe in my own home, and the constant stream of devious characters visiting this abandoned property gives me the shivers. They deal drugs in the open, and couldn’t care less about who sees them. Many of the vagrants who visit the property to get their fix, can barely walk straight when the exit the property. It is unacceptable, but nobody cares.” a nearby resident lamented. “I have phoned the SAPS on several occasions, as looters carry away stolen items from the property. On one specific day a looter brought his own wheelbarrow, and casually loaded the geyser looted from the property. I phoned the SAPS, but they took over an hour to arrive, and when they finally arrived, they just looked at the house and drove away without investigating. I am also very concerned about the long grass and shrubbery on this abandoned property, as it is an extreme fire hazard, especially during winter time. I just wish someone would take action, or the owner of the property would sell or demolish the house. I really stresses me out.” the resident concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Francois Pretorius, a jeweller in Bethal who faces double murder charges of Dr. Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, appeared in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court last week. Pretorius is accused of murdering the couple on 18 March 2020, and was arrested on 26 March after an extensive manhunt. W/O Veldman testified that the crime took place in the kitchen of the house, and the scene was clearly cleane dup in attempt to conceal the act. According to W/O Veldman, he could could see where the deceased were seated in the kitchen. SAPS investigators found blood on the porch, where samples were collected. The SAPS also recovered the clothes that Pretorius used to clean up the kitchen, which he burned afterwards, along with part of a flashlight. According to W/O Veldman, Pretorius left a letter to his wife where he admitted to have killed the couple by hitting them with a durable, metal flashlight. “It was definitely not a once-off shot, they were hit severely with the flashlight,” the W/O said. After the fact, Pretorius phoned his wife and told her the kitchen was dirty and asked her why there was nothing with which to clean the kitchen. His wife brought cleaning agents to the jewellery store. Pretorius asked his wife and children to help him clean the kitchen until 23:30. According to W/O Veldman, Pretorius owes a combined amount of R148 000 in arrear rental fees and electricity charges at both his house and store. In the letter to his wife, Pretorius apologized, and stated that he took all the money and gold from the shop before he left. There was no indication that he was planning to return. It has been stated that the deceased couple had business to cinduct with Pretorius. “Mr Pretorius and the Beukes couple had a quarrel about Jesus, and he lost his temper and killed them,” W/O Veldman stated. Pretorius has been slated as a flight risk, and according to information at hand, remains in custody. Couple murdered after quarrel about Jesus Couple murdered after quarrel about Jesus The Beukes couple, allegedly murdered after a quarrel about Jesus. Double murder accused, Francois Pretorius. The Beukes couple, allegedly murdered after a quarrel about Jesus. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 According to W/O Veldman, he could could see where the deceased were seated in the kitchen. SAPS investigators found blood on the porch, where samples were collected. The SAPS also recovered the clothes that Pretorius used to clean up the kitchen, which he burned afterwards, along with part of a flashlight. Francois Pretorius, a jeweller in Bethal who faces double murder charges of Dr. Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, appeared in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court last week. Pretorius is accused of murdering the couple on 18 March 2020, and was arrested on 26 March after an extensive manhunt. W/O Veldman testified that the crime took place in the kitchen of the house, and the scene was clearly cleane dup in attempt to conceal the act. According to W/O Veldman, he could could see where the deceased were seated in the kitchen. SAPS investigators found blood on the porch, where samples were collected. The SAPS also recovered the clothes that Pretorius used to clean up the kitchen, which he burned afterwards, along with part of a flashlight. According to W/O Veldman, Pretorius left a letter to his wife where he admitted to have killed the couple by hitting them with a durable, metal flashlight. “It was definitely not a once-off shot, they were hit severely with the flashlight,” the W/O said. After the fact, Pretorius phoned his wife and told her the kitchen was dirty and asked her why there was nothing with which to clean the kitchen. His wife brought cleaning agents to the jewellery store. Pretorius asked his wife and children to help him clean the kitchen until 23:30. According to W/O Veldman, Pretorius owes a combined amount of R148 000 in arrear rental fees and electricity charges at both his house and store. In the letter to his wife, Pretorius apologized, and stated that he took all the money and gold from the shop before he left. There was no indication that he was planning to return. It has been stated that the deceased couple had business to cinduct with Pretorius. “Mr Pretorius and the Beukes couple had a quarrel about Jesus, and he lost his temper and killed them,” W/O Veldman stated. Pretorius has been slated as a flight risk, and according to information at hand, remains in custody. < Previous Article Next Article >

Albert is ‘n passievolle 29-jarige filantroop, wat saam met sy span al bykans 26 000 studente en 235 skole bereik het met sy “millionaire”- projek. Erries word gemotiveer deur entrepreneur 1/2 Share Content Supplied 18 October 2022 Albert is ‘n passievolle 29-jarige filantroop, wat saam met sy span al bykans 26 000 studente en 235 skole bereik het met sy “millionaire”- projek. Albert van Wyk is ‘n entrepreneur, eiendomsbelegger en skrywer van die topverkoper “How to Become a Millionaire at 22”. Hy is tans besig om duisende Suid -Afrikaners se lewens te verander deur hulle in staat te stel om finansieël onafhanklik te word. Hy bemagtig studente en entrepreneurs regoor SA om ook miljoenêrs te word. Albert is ‘n passievolle 29-jarige filantroop, wat saam met sy span al bykans 26 000 studente en 235 skole bereik het met sy “millionaire”- projek. Van kleins af het hy besef dat harde werk sukses voortbring, en het sy eie sakgeld verdien. Hy verwerf sy Bedryfs-Ingenieurswese-graad . Op 19 jaar oud het hy sy eerste eiendomme gekoop, en op die ouderdom van 22 sy eerste boek, “How to Become a Millionaire at 22”, gepubliseer. Vandag is Albert se hoofprojekte eiendomsbelegging, 'n ingenieurs-firma, ‘n aanlynmedia-besigheid (Gazzaroo) en sy “Millionaire at 22” landswye projek. Albert lewe volgens die mantra “MAAK dit werk”, en glo dat as jy ‘n miljoenêr wil word, moet jy by ‘n miljoenêr leer. Hy het sy storie met die Erries gedeel, en EHS se leerders begeesterd gelaat. - Inhoud en foto verskaf deur EHS < Previous Article Next Article >

“Baie geluk aan die twee dogters met die prestasies. EHS is trots op julle.” Erries presteer weer op atletiekbaan 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 16 March 2021 “Baie geluk aan die twee dogters met die prestasies. EHS is trots op julle.” Op Saterdag, 6 Maart, het twee Erries aan die Athletics Vaal Triangle liga-byeenkoms deelgeneem. Carla Ferreira (o/17) behaal vierde plek in spiesgooi, met ‘n afstand van 38 meter. Michaela Hand (o/14) wen die gewigstoot met ‘n afstand van 10,62 meter. Sy behaal ook derde plek in skyfwerp, met ‘n afstand van 28,58 meter. “Baie geluk aan die twee dogters met die prestasies. EHS is trots op julle.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. MLM keeps mum on plan to improve service delivery 1/42 Share GK CRONJE 22 June 2021 Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. Amidst all-time high dissatisfaction from residents, and a new low in service delivery, the IDP budget has been announced by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), and has been slated as a multi-year budget. The MLM executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, delivered the budget announcement, and subsequently outlined the state of the municipality. He admitted that the municipality is currently in a mixed state, and that several backlogs have been ameliorated due to the purchase of new equipment. According to the budget speech, MLM’s success will rely on it ability to adhere to the national and provincial planning frameworks. This framework includes, amongst others, that the municipality should ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with the community. Most notably, the framework stipulates that the municipality should deliver basic services, which includes basic electricity, basic water, sanitation, waste removal and more. The framework also explicitly states that the municipality should ensure that services such as grass cutting, patching of potholes, working traffic lights and street lights and consistent refuse removal are implemented. It further states that focus must be placed on the operations and maintenance of existing infrastructure to ensure continuity of service provision. In total, the IDP lists 243 separate community issues and needs across all wards within its governance. Unfortunately, the majority of the listed issues have been longstanding for several years, with MLM failing to address the issues. Notably, the majority of complaints are of a service delivery nature, which includes the ghastly state of all roads, traffic lights and street lights that are in non-working condition, water provision, electrical infrastructure and provision complaints, refuse removal and general neatness of the wards and CBD. The rampant and unchecked drug use in Ermelo and informal townships have also been noted in several complaints. Ironically, no mention of the infamous 88kV substation can be found in the IDP. Electrical issues are simply referred to as “electrical infrastructure” issues. Other issues include the lack of healthcare and clinics, the lack of maintenance of council sportsgrounds, the lack of dumping sites and the issue of illegal dumping, illegal electricity connections and ageing infrastructure. A major point of concern is the Thusong Service Centre in Lothair, which, according to available information, started construction circa 2013/2014, but remains incomplete. According to the IDP, the main issues of focus from MLM should be housing, road upgrades, storm water drainage upgrades, access to sanitation, electricity supply, provision of water, waste management and public lighting. However, the prioritizes pie chart in the IDP makes no sense, as electricity shows a 12% priority scale, public lighting and waste management both at 9%, with roads and stormwater drains taking up 20%, and housing taking 21%. Sanitation takes up a mere 13%. In light of the current electricity situation that the community finds itself in, 12% priority is a slap in the face of residents. By-Laws: According to MLM, the by-laws are not enforced due to “high costs associated” with the enforcement. According to MLM, nuisance, traffic, street trading and electricity by-laws will be enforced with the assistance of the SAPS and NPA. If these by-laws will be enforced, remains a topic of conversation. No mention of stray cattle and stray animal by-laws is made, except in the issues raised by the community. A direct enquiry to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, dated 2 June 2021, yielded no response regarding the plan to step up the enforcement of all by-laws. Water Quality & Sanitation: MLM has stated that it has appointed a technician to control the quality of the water supply, and claims to work towards SANS 241 compliance. MLM claims that the Blue Drop status was at 18.1% in 2014, but makes no further mention as to the current quality of the water supply. Water maintenance budget for 2021/2022 from municipal coffers stand at R3 933 000, with a total of R17 298 735 being allocated from municipal infrastructure grants (MIG). The MIG is a conditional grant from the national government, with the aim of improving service delivery. MLM claims that an actual amount of R12 000 000 is needed for operations and maintenance of water supply. The backlog is 4.97%. Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has assisted in initiating the upgrade of the bulk water supply pipeline and infrastructure for Ermelo, Wesselton, Breyten, Chrissiesmeer, Nganga and Warburton at a cost of R264 594 000. Free basic water to indigent households enjoys a staggering R6 835 987. Strangely, the budget for indigent water supply exceeds the water maintenance budget. Sanitation budget stands at a mere R897 000, with R9 187 380 from MIG and a blistering R50 000 000 from water services infrastructure grant (WSIG) funds. The green drop status of MLM is stated as a shockingly poor 98.5% in 2014. Again, no recent Green Drop status is mentioned. A equitable finance share from national government assists in the mammoth R14 922 000 bill racked up by supplying free basic wastewater management to indigent households. No mention of the dilapidated sewerage network is noted. Enquiries lodged, explicitly naming Cassim Park, President Fouché Avenue, Autumn Ridge, Wesselton, Sun City and surrounding areas as areas of focus where the sewerage infrastructure is virtually collapsed, saw no joy. The municipal spokesman simply ignored the enquires. Electricity supply: Amidst the electrical infrastructure of Ermelo teetering on the brink of collapse, with rolling blackouts and load reduction on a daily basis, MLM has allocated a measly R3 000 000 for maintenance of electricity in 2021/2022. R10 000 000 has been allocated from the integrated national electrification programme (INEP) grant, for bulk electricity infrastructure and the electrification of households. MLM stated that it needs to apply for bulk capacity upgrade of the notified maximum demand (NMD) from Eskom. Mandla Zwane has stated that there has been no reduction in the NMD from Eskom. However, residents aren’t biting this carrot, with the load reduction and power outages from MLM that have dramatically increased withing a very short space of time. The municipality claims that ageing infrastructure and insufficient cable sizes are to blame for the electrical outages. These need to be replaced. With the paying residents getting the short end of the stick, indigent support sees a budget allocation of R11 136 000, where MLM supplies free basic electricity of 50kWh to more than 11 500 registrants. A direct enquiry to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, dated 2 June 2021, explicitly enquired as to how MLM plans to resolve the issues faced by the inadequate supply from the 88kV line, as claimed by the municipality. Additional enquiries regarding the budget for the upgrade of the substation, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of the line were also lodged. To date, the enquiries yielded no response. It is clear from the allocated funds above did not make provision for neither upgrade nor maintenance of the 88kV substation. No provision has been made for the upkeep and servicing of the electrical infrastructure. Enquiries lodged on numerous occasions regarding the damages suffered by residents due to neglect of the infrastructure and erratic electricity supply, and how they can claim reparations from the municipality, has simply been ignored by the spokesman. MLM also failed to elaborate on how they plan to engage with illegal connections, and the fact that entire towns, such as Breyten and Chrissiesmeer, have, for all intents and purposes, a zero percent payment rate from residents. According to the latest know figures, MLM has an arrangement of R180 634 883 with Eskom, with R35 000 000 already paid, and R145 634 883 being outstanding. It is unclear how these figures were calculated, or if these amounts are the interest or the capital amount owed. According to the last known report, MLM owed Eskom R172 million in August 2020. According to the MLM spokesman, the municipality is on schedule with the arrangement between MLM and Eskom. Roads and infrastructure - Of the total length of 446km of roads within the municipality’s jurisdiction, a mere 234km is either paved or tarred. A total of 212km of roadway lies in the backlog, or are farm and backroads. According to MLM, there is no funds in the municipal coffer for new roads. A measly amount of R2 579 800 has been allocated for infrastructure and maintenance. An additional allocation of R23 969 985 has been funded by the MIG for upgrading existing roads. According to MLM, a total of R86 500 000 is required annually to maintain road infrastructure within the municipal jurisdiction. Therefore, MLM essentially states that there are no funds in the municipal coffer to maintain the roads and infrastructure. Enquiries explicitly outlining the dilemma faced of the collapsing roads in Ermelo, and the virtually non-existent roads in Wesselton, Sun City and other areas have been ignored by MLM. Enquiries regarding the plan of action to rehabilitate and maintain the roadways in high traffic areas, most notably school routes, roadways surround new developments and housing complexes in Camden Avenue and Wes Street and, as well as high density routes in the CBD, have also been ignored. Stormwater management - Puzzlingly, the funds allocated for the maintenance and management of the stormwater infrastructure falls under the measly amount allocated to roads and infrastructure. According to MLM, Human Resources shortages remain a challenge, as no personnel are available due to financial constraints. Refuse removal - MLM will fork out R9 233 000 for free basic refuse removal for indigent registrants. Ultimately, it would be logical to view the budget and financial state of Msukaligwa Local Municipality as likely to collapse, as the municipality is, for all practical, technically bankrupt. Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor. < Previous Article Next Article >