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 >

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

‘n Legende lê sy voorskoot neer Wyle André van Staden. Wyle André van Staden. 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 2 Junie 2020 André wat baie lief was vir kos maak, saam met sy vriende te kuier en ook nuwe mense te ontmoet, gaan baie gemis word in die gemeenskap. Hy het altyd ‘n glimlag op sy gesig gehad, en het gereed gestaan om vinnig ietsie te drink, en om ‘n geselsie aan te knoop. André van Staden, ‘n baie bekende in Ermelo, is onlangs skielik oorlede. André wat baie lief was vir kos maak, saam met sy vriende te kuier en ook nuwe mense te ontmoet, gaan baie gemis word in die gemeenskap. Hy het altyd ‘n glimlag op sy gesig gehad, en het gereed gestaan om vinnig ietsie te drink, en om ‘n geselsie aan te knoop. Hy het gelewe om vir mense kos te maak, en hy het seker gemaak dat hy altyd iets nuuts probeer. André gaan baie gemis word in die gemeenskap, en laat ‘n reuse leemte. Hy word oorleef deur sy moeder, Kyle, sy personeel by Makou, asook al sy vriende en vriendinne van die gemeenskap. “Rus sag André, ons mis jou reeds baie.” < Previous Article Next Article >

TLU SA Congress looks at new approach for agriculture Prof. Andrè Duvenhage, the Research Director of Social Transformation at the North-West University. Mr. Henry Geldenhuys (previous deputy-president) was elected as the new president of TLU SA. The exiting president, Mr. Louis Meintjes. Prof. Andrè Duvenhage, the Research Director of Social Transformation at the North-West University. 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 During the congress, Mr. Henry Geldenhuys (previous deputy-president) was elected as the new president of TLU SA. “It is an honour and highlight for me, but TLU SA is the priority,” he says. “Together, we will take TLU SA to new heights.” The congress elected Mr. Wannie Scribante (previous manager of the central region) as the new deputy president. Agriculture in South Africa, as well as the world, is on the verge of a new approach. That was the main message and theme of the annual congress of TLU SA, hosted recently. Due to lockdown regulations, the congress was hosted virtually for the first time this year, and regions and affiliations could attend via Zoom. The exiting president, Mr. Louis Meintjes, called on farmers to become more involved to ensure the existence of agriculture in the future. “I think the critical question is: Will you take part or will you stay behind? Are you changing or stagnating? Will you be more profitable or bankrupt?” Meintjes asked. Prof. Andrè Duvenhage, the Research Director of Social Transformation at the North-West University, confirmed this train of thought. “The situation will most probably only become worse going forward. The farming community is dependent on themself and self-help, and self-management looks like the best solution.” he stated. Prof. Duvenhage aslo warned that the amendment of Article 25, relating to land expropriation without compensation, would go ahead, and groups like the BLF and EFF will take matters into their own hands to cause widespread anarchy. “It is now the time to stand with each other and support each other. Build bridges to each other as agricultural organisations. Build bridges to each other as farmers. It is also the time to come up with alternative plans. It is the challenge of the new leadership of TLU SA to adjust to the changing circumstances to stay relevant in fundamental issues and to further the interests of farmers in all fields of life.” he concluded. During the congress, Mr. Henry Geldenhuys (previous deputy-president) was elected as the new president of TLU SA. “It is an honour and highlight for me, but TLU SA is the priority,” he says. “Together, we will take TLU SA to new heights.” The congress elected Mr. Wannie Scribante (previous manager of the central region) as the new deputy president. < Previous Article Next Article >

Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel skenk aan CMR 1/2 Share 13 April 2021 13 April 2021 Indien u belang stel om meer te weet van Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel, kan u Maryna kontak by 060 646 8389. U kan ook gerus ‘n WhatsApp stuur aan Maryna indien u meer inligting verlang. Om ‘n liggingpen te ontvang van die winkel se adres, stuur slegs u naam via WhatsApp. In die onsekere tye van COVID-19, staan Maryna Reyneke en haar liefdadigheidswinkel sterk, en maak elke dag ‘n verskil in talle se lewens. Maryna woon al 11 jaar in Ermelo, en is ‘n bekende gesig in die gemeenskap. Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel ondersteun tans minderbevoorregte inwoners in Ermelo, asook gekeurde leerders in Ligbron Hoërskool. Maryna en haar sagte hart wend haar besigheid se hulpbronne aan om sukkelende gesinne en inwoners van Ermelo te ondersteun, en alle donasies word terug geploeg in die gemeenskap in. Maryna het dit onlangs goed gedink om ‘n skenking aan die CMR Ermelo te maak, en sodoende ‘n verskil te maak in talle kindertjies se lewens. Maryna gaan uit haar pad uit om haar hulp te verleen aan alle behoeftiges. Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel bestaan al twee jaar in Ermelo, en doen hul bes om alle behoeftiges te assisteer. “Ek help waar ek kan, en met die hulp van die gemeenskap kan ek selfs nog meer hulp verleen aan behoeftiges. Ek vra nederig vir donasies vanaf inwoners. Ek aanvaar alle huishoudelike items, boeke, kledingstukke, gordyne en alle ander items wat inwoners nie meer gebruik nie, en ek kan julle verseker dit word gewend aan ‘n goeie doel. Ek wil graag almal bedank wat al donasies gebring het na Helpmekaar toe, ek waardeer dit opreg.” het Maryna aan die Tribune ePaper gesê. Indien u belang stel om meer te weet van Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel, kan u Maryna kontak by 060 646 8389. U kan ook gerus ‘n WhatsApp stuur aan Maryna indien u meer inligting verlang. Om ‘n liggingpen te ontvang van die winkel se adres, stuur slegs u naam via WhatsApp. < Previous Article Next Article >

Merino Mall baanbrekerseremonie ‘n reuse sukses 1/9 Share GK CRONJE 3 August 2021 Die ontwikkelaars is daartoe verbind om 'n winkelsentrum te bou met die vermoë om die kleinhandellandskap in Ermelo nog jare te oorheers en versterk. Volgens verteenwoordigers van die groepe is hierdie projek ‘n langtermyn belegging. Met groot opgewondenheid en styl ter ere aan Ermelo, was die baanbrekerseremonie van die grootskaalse konstrukieprojek deur die Moolman Groep en Abland aangebied op Dinsdag, 27 Julie 2021. Die Ermelo skouterrein is deur Moolman Group en Abland Ontwikkelaars geïdentifiseer as 'n uitstekende ligging vir die ontwikkeling van 'n plaaslike winkelsentrum. Die perseel, geleë op die hoeke van die snelweë N2 en N11, en naby die N17, is ook binne loopafstand van die Ermelo CBD. Volgens die Moolman Groep brei Ermelo se ekonomiese aktiwiteit uit na die noorde, verby Breyten, en dit maak hierdie perseel die ideale ligging vir 'n plaaslike winkelsentrum. Geen ander formele plaaslike winkelsentrum van hierdie skaal bestaan binne 'n radius van 100km van Ermelo af nie. Die ontwikkelaars is daartoe verbind om 'n winkelsentrum te bou met die vermoë om die kleinhandellandskap in Ermelo nog jare te oorheers en versterk. Volgens verteenwoordigers van die groepe is hierdie projek ‘n langtermyn belegging, waar die Moolman groep hand in hand sal stap met Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit. Die grond word op ‘n termyn van 60 jaar verhuur aan die groep, waar die lokale Sesman Kommitee sal baat uit die opbrengs. Gerugte dat die grond verkoop is aan die ontwikkelaars is dus ongegrond. Die ontwikkeling, wat na raming 60 weke sal vat om te voltooi, sal bestaan uit 'n volledig omheinde winkelsentrum van ongeveer 30 000 m², met die geleentheid vir toekomstige uitbreiding. Die anker huurders is bekendgestel as Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks, Crazy Plastics en Dischem. Ander attraksies sluit in Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki. The Cross Trainer, Queenspark, Refinery, Truworths, Identity, Mr. Price Clothing, Home- en Sport, Jet, Ackermans, Foschini, Sport Scene, Total Sports, PEP- en PEP Home, Studio 88, The Fix, Exact, Markham, Miladys, Tekkie Town, @Home, Sheet Street, Crazy Store, Nedbank, Capitec, FNB en vele meer. Die ontwikkeling sal 'n gekombineerde mark bedien wat bestaan uit die plaaslike inwoners, sowel as honderde pendelaars wat na- en deur Ermelo reis vanaf omliggende plattelandse en klein dorpies in die streek. Meer foto’s en video’s van die seremonie is beskikbaar op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

“You can’t donate blood if not vaccinated” 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 That is a lie... Nothing more than a social media tall tale and a clickbait hoax. That is a lie... Nothing more than a social media tall tale and a clickbait hoax. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on all blood donors, particularly group AB donors, to visit their nearest blood bank or mobile clinic. The SANBS would like to assure all potential donors that all COVID-19 regulations are enforced at every donation site. The safety of the donors and staff is paramount to the SANBS. Another myth that is circulating on social media involves the tall tale that you cannot donate blood if you have not been vaccinated. This is categorically incorrect, and untrue. The SANBS confirmed that it does not defer vaccinated people from donating, nor does it record whether a donor has been vaccinated or not. “We urge all healthy donors to come forward and continue to donate much needed, life-saving blood. We follow international blood collection best practice, and act quickly if there is any concern regarding blood product safety or possible harm to our patients.” Regular donors may even receive a gift as a thank you from the SANBS, as well as a complimentary juice or coffee, accompanied by delicious biscuits. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rus sag, Eckart 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 February 2021 Die Hoffmann gesin bedank graag die gemeenskap vir al hul gebede gedurende sy ongesteldheid. Die huldeblyk word gerig aan wyle Eckart Hoffmann, gebore op 4 Julie 1970, met afsterwe op 21 Februarie 2021. Die Hoffmann gesin bedank graag die gemeenskap vir al hul gebede gedurende sy ongesteldheid. This tribute is to the late Eckart Hoffmann, born on 4 July 1970, who passed away on 21 February 2021. The Hoffmann family would like to thank the community for all their prayers during his illness. < Previous Article Next Article >

Bethal jeweller, Francois Pretorius, who faces charges of the double murder of Dr Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application. Pretorius is accused of murdering the Beukes couple on 18 March 2020, and leaving their bodies in the trunk of a vehicle near Bethal Dam. He fled the scene, but was arrested on a farm outside Belfast. Pretorius was denied bail, and will appear in court Thursday, 2 July. He remains in custody, and has been since his arrest. Pretorius remains behind bars Pretorius remains behind bars The Beukes couple, found dead in the trunk of their vehicle. Double murder accused, Francois Pretorius. The Beukes couple, found dead in the trunk of their vehicle. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 June 2020 Pretorius is accused of murdering the Beukes couple on 18 March 2020, and leaving their bodies in the trunk of a vehicle near Bethal Dam. Bethal jeweller, Francois Pretorius, who faces charges of the double murder of Dr Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application. Pretorius is accused of murdering the Beukes couple on 18 March 2020, and leaving their bodies in the trunk of a vehicle near Bethal Dam. He fled the scene, but was arrested on a farm outside Belfast. Pretorius was denied bail, and will appear in court Thursday, 2 July. He remains in custody, and has been since his arrest. < Previous Article Next Article >

Based on the Green Drop report for 2022, seven (7) municipalities in the province scored less than 30%. MLM in hot seat over water pollution 1/4 Share Content Supplied 30 August 2022 Based on the Green Drop report for 2022, seven (7) municipalities in the province scored less than 30%. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has asked the Green Scorpions to intervene as Mpumalanga local municipalities are failing to provide proper wastewater and sewage disposal. This exposes residents to an environment that is harmful to their health. During the latest Green Drop assessment for Mpumalanga, it was noted that 43% of the province's wastewater systems were deemed to be in a critical state, and that only 6 out of the 76 systems in the province were operating well above capacity. The above is completely unacceptable, given the constant land and freshwater pollution in municipalities such as Lekwa, Thaba Chweu, Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme and Msukaligwa Local Municipalities. The DA finds it extremely concerning that of the 118 directives issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation, Mpumalanga was issued with the highest number in the country at 24. During the 2022 analysis of wastewater systems in the province, no wastewater system scored the minimum of 90% needed. On compliance, Mpumalanga scored 19% on microbiological compliance, 25% on chemical compliance and 34% on physical compliance. Based on the Green Drop report for 2022, seven (7) municipalities in the province scored less than 30%. Bushbuckridge is rated at 24%, as wastewater systems in Dwarsloop, Maviljan, Tintswalo, Mkhulu and Tulamahashe were reported to be in a critical state. Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme was rated at 22%, as all 5 waste water treatment systems are in a critical state. Lekwa was rated at 17%, as both water treatment systems are in a critical state. Msukaligwa was also rated at 17%, as all 7 waste water systems were reported to be in a critical state, Chief Albert Luthuli was rated at 11%, as all 5 waste water systems were in a critical state, Thaba Chweu was rated at 10%, and Dipaleseng scored a mere 4%. Given the above, the DA has written to the Green Scorpions, requesting that they investigate pollution of the land and fresh water reserves in the above mentioned municipalities, and to ensure that this stops. < Previous Article Next Article >

Uncertainly looms as Motshekga consistently fumbles 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 The unions said this is a time to show solidarity with the plight of other provinces, and sympathy with the plight of thousands of teachers and children across the country. The unions have called on Motshekga to meet teacher unions and governing body associations on 11 June for "genuine assessment and engagement" about the readiness of the system. “If we follow the protocols and maintain all precautions, we will effectively minimize the risk posed by the coronavirus.” There are the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has urged schools to not reopen until all the necessary precautions are in place. This comes after the return to school for Grades 7 and 12 has been delayed by another week. President Ramaphosa has assured parents that government and all stakeholders are doing all they can to ensure their children’s safety. Teacher unions have called on schools not to reopen amid the chaos caused by government's last-minute 7 day postponement. “We have heard them, we welcome their contributions and are taking steps to address their concerns as well as proposals.” the President stated. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga was expected to address the nation on Sunday evening, and has been heavily criticized for her apparent inability to maintain a sense of order in her department, and with the confusing myriad of conflicting statements made. The Council of Education Ministers (CEM) was concerned that, in some provinces, personal protective equipment (PPE) for pupils had not been received and some schools had not been made ready for their return. Despite Motshekga claiming otherwise, school governing bodies and unions believe it is not in the best interest of children and teachers to return to school while there is uncertainty about health and safety. “The response never came through until the statement which was released after two cancellations of the media briefing, and despite an undertaking in the meeting by the minister on behalf of the CEM. The teacher unions were vindicated by the independent monitoring consortium led by the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) that the system wasn't ready for the reopening of the schools for learners in Grade 7 and 12 on 1 June 2020. The minister asked for time to consult her colleagues, and committed to respond on 31 May, which she did not honour. This is a betrayal of trust, and does not bode well for the credibility of the education system. We want to put on record that the date of 8 June was never mentioned in the meeting, because the focus was readying the system and ensuring that all the provinces comply with the 12 non-negotiables,” unions NAPTOSA, PEU, NATU, SADTU and the SAOU collectively stated. The unions alleges that the Department of Basic Education is "obsessed with dates and ignoring the evidence of provincial readiness. The lack of appreciation for evidence can only be characterized as irresponsible and negligent,” they echoed. The unions said this is a time to show solidarity with the plight of other provinces, and sympathy with the plight of thousands of teachers and children across the country. The unions have called on Motshekga to meet teacher unions and governing body associations on 11 June for "genuine assessment and engagement" about the readiness of the system. The proposed date for re-opening is now 8 June 2020, but is subject to change at any time. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron groet oud-Liggie onderwyseres 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 29 September 2020 Verskeie boodskappe het net gewys in hoeveel mense se harte die Roodt egpaar werklik in geklim het, en watter lewenservaringe elke persoon van hulle geleer het. “Rus sag, Anita. Jy gaan baie gemis word.” Die afsterwe van Juf. Anita Roodt op Sondag, 27 September 2020, lê swaar op die Liggies se harte. Anita het ‘n groot rol in die gemeenskap gespeel, en voor haar aftrede saam haar man, Herman Roodt, het hulle baie diep spore in Ligbron getrap. Vele oud-Liggies maak steeds melding van die invloed wat dié egpaar in hulle lewens gehad het. Juffrou Anita was 'n legende in haar tyd, en was baie bekend vir die musiekblyspele wat sy saam met mnr. Herman by Ligbron so suksesvol aangepak het. Die Liggies dink met die grootste waardering aan haar terug, en bid vir haar geliefdes troos en sterkte toe. Hené Swanepoel ‘n oud-Liggie het so ‘n spesiale boodskap op Anita se Facebook blad gelos, en dit het presies vir Anita beskryf, en hoe baie mense haar gesien het: “Liewe Jesus het gekies om vandag hierdie legende te kom haal ❤ Liefste juffrou Roodt, juffrou was nog altyd my rolmodel in die onderwys, mag ek juffrou se fantastiese gees op kultuur vlak en met tieners voluit voort leef in my onderwys jare!!! So bly ons kon laasjaar vir oulaas lekker kuier!! Rus sag by Jesus!! Love you always❤ ”. Verskeie ander boodskappe het net gewys in hoeveel mense se harte die Roodt egpaar werklik in geklim het, en watter lewenservaringe elke persoon van hulle geleer het. “Rus sag, Anita. Jy gaan baie gemis word.” < Previous Article Next Article >