Blog

Human Settlements MEC, Ms. Norah Mahlangu has welcomed the arrest of an official from the Steve Tswete Local Municipality in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. Ms. Sylvia Nyandeni (43) was arrested by the Hawks recently on 40 counts of fraud. It is alleged that she presented herself to the complainants having authority to receive monies for RDP houses. The supposed houses were to be built at Rockdale. “We would like to warn those who are involved in such unscrupulous activities that the net is slowly closing in on them”, charged MEC Mahlangu. Nyandeni and her accomplice will appear again in court on 20 August 2020.

SASSA presents clients of the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, with an opportunity to receive their grants at their chosen and convenient outlets. Clients can: Change from one payment method to another; Opt from receiving their grant at the Post Office to a bank account of their choice or vice versa; Move their payments from one bank to another; Even choose a cash send option; and Clients who opt for cash send must also use the cellphone registered in their name only. Approved applicants or clients of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant can change their payment preference by visiting https://srd.sassa.gov.za. Responses to frequently asked questions about this relief grant can be found on the WhatsApp platform on 082 046 8553, or the SASSA website.

The Apostle Sibusiso Simelane is the ATM’s mayoral candidate for Steve Tshwete local municipality. This municipality is predominantly an ANC stronghold and has been so for decades. It will be a hard campaign for Simelane and the faith based political party as the community will vote for promises kept. The Herald followed his first step in proving himself worthy for the office of mayor as Simelane took to the settlement of Doornkop to face the community issues there head on.  On Sunday the ATM’s candidate elect visited the community in Doornkop who’s members felt they are not only ignored by their councillor who is also alleged to have played a role in having several of the local residents arrested during the marsh riots on the N11.  According to the ATM some of the problems caused by the community elected representative to STLM and the district government in the area are human rights violations and the department of justice should be called upon to intervene. “We will use the proper channels to deal with these issues as a party and we would like to also emphasize the fact that we do not condone the use of violence. A great injustice has been dealt to the people of Doornkop, so as a faith based political party we will do everything in our power to make sure that justice for the people is done. We are also praying that diplomacy will prevail in uniting this community,” exclaimed Simelane. The mayoral candidate also took to the authorities to establish the root cause of the arrests made during the Marsh riots and went as far as confronting Eskom officials regarding the electrification issues in the area which seemed to be at the centre of the commotion as with all political campaigns the people have the final say which they will voice via their ballot papers on election day. Optimistic with the intent to make a difference in his hometown Simelane feels it is time for fresh young blood in the local office and he seems determined to bring about change and unity starting with our semi-rural areas. Could this be the first step to ushering an ATM administration by resolving what the ANC has overlooked?

Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr Thembi Sarah Masilela recently tested positive for the corona virus. It is reported that she is currently in hospital receiving treatment. Masilela went for a test on the 31st of July and the results came back positive, hence all the individuals she came into contact with have been advised to self-isolate for seven days as a precautionary measure and to get tested should they display symptoms of COVID-19. Due to other cases of COVID -19 already reported at the Nkangala District Municipal offices, the building has since been closed until the 3rd of August for decontamination.

Nkangala District Municipality is proud to announce that the learnership program initiated from 2017/18 financial year on media and creative arts for young people of Nkangala District Municipality is now yielding results as 10 learners have been selected to feature in Beyoncé’s production, ‘Black is King’ which was released on the 31st July 2020 on Disney. ‘What started out as a Silicon Valley immersion presentation & networking followed by Chris Epps’s visit to Midvaall & Nkangala DM has turned into a wonderful opportunity & exposure for young South Africans from the Nkangala District Municipality as shall be seen in the latest Beyoncé production called ‘Black is King’ which premiered on the 2nd of August.