The Official Newsletter of Municipality Volume 2 Issue 12: July- September 2020

Your News. Your Eyes. Your Voice

What is Inside... Page 06

+ Service Delivery Ranks High On The List Of The Municipality’s Priorities

Page 11

+Municipality Adds Four UD Tipper Trucks To Service Fleet Page 13 FIGHTING COVID-19 TOGETHER

+ DBSA And BLM To Provide Clean Water To Communities

Our Vision Bushbuckridge Local Municipality strives for developmental and prosperous life for all.

Our Mission The municipality commits itself to provide affordable and sustainable services by enhancing community participation, through accountability, transparency and responsible governance.

Our Core Values + Transparency + Responsible Governance + Efficient Service Delivery

www.bushbuckridge.gov.za Editor’s Note BUSHBUCKRIDGE MUNICIPALITY LOCAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor’s note 2 Executive Mayor’s Desk 3 Municipal Manager’s Desk 4 Executive Mayor Hosts R40 Road Expansion 5 Communications Manager, Information Session Mr Aubrey Mnisi Service Delivery Ranks High On The List Of 6-9 ello again to you our valued of mourners gathered and large The Municipality’s Priorities Hreaders. Our third quarter catering for mourners. The latter BLM Seeks Devine Intervention With Three 10 mouthpiece issue comes out has changed due to restrictions Days Prayer Session at a month where we just brought by the novel Covid-19 celebrated Heritage month and lockdown regulations. BLM Cleans Illegal Dumpsites 10 moved to alert level one of the Municipality Adds Four UD Tipper Trucks To 11 Disaster Management Act. As a recovered Covid-19 Service Fleet patient, I want to warn all Bushbuckridge is a culturally Bushbuckridgeans about Belfast-Cork Receives Water Purification 12 diverse community with at least Covid-19. It is real and you Package Plant three ethnic tribes who live in can die from it. We have DBSA And BLM To Provide Clean Water To 13 harmony. It is worth to mention seen people dying from the that we have 11 Traditional Coronavirus and some do Communities Councils in Bushbuckridge. survive Covid-19. So let’s stay Speakers Blog: We Rely On Each Other’s 13 We are a deep-rooted cultural safe, obey the Covid-19 health Good Behaviour To Keep Our Communities community that has the ability protocols and save each other’s to adjust to the ever-evolving lives in the process. Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Appoints 14 environment and technological Sabie Sand Wildtuin CEO world. With the current lockdown BLM Supports Newly Appointed Sabie restrictions at alert level one, The novel Coronavirus pandemic the municipality will continue Sands Wildtuin CEO 14 brought a new way of life and a using online and social media BLM Reminds The Public About General new way of doing things and as platforms to consult and engage Valuation Roll 15 a society, we are compelled to the public on matters of service adjust. Our cultural norms and delivery. Let’s continue to wash The Fight Against COVID-19 continues 16 beliefs have been challenged hands regularly, wear masks, and to a certain extent changed. keep a safe social distance at all Just to cite an example, we times. used to bury our loved ones on weekends with a large number

Meet the BLM Communication Team Editor in Chief: Mr Aubrey Mnisi Customer Care : +27(0) 081 044 2061 Editor: Mr Claiton Khosa Reporters: Mr Claiton Khosa, Mr Wellem @Bbr Municipality Mokoena, Ms Maria Masuku, Mr Progress Mashego, Ms Cate Mbowana, Mr Eugene Malele Bushbuckridge Municipality [email protected]

www.bushbuckridge.gov.za

2 Volume 2 Issue 11: April- Jun 2020 Executive Mayor’s Desk

llow me to take this Our prayers and commitments pertaining to Covid-19 you to continue being on your Aopportunity and applaud have allowed our scientists and measures are observed in all best behaviour. Keep social every South African and in the health experts to have the public and private facilities and distancing, sanitize and wear a particular Bushbuckridge President announcing the move where needs be -personally mask at all times. members of the community to alert level one and reopening visiting their sites. As the for the commitment, they most of the economic activities. Executive Mayor I sit and head I also would also like to applaud have shown in heading the It is a number one priority to the Local Covid-19 Council that our essential services team for President’s call since the save as many lives and as many meets twice a week where all the outstanding job they have inception of the National jobs as possible during this matters pertaining to Covid-19 shown since the inception of Disaster Management Act the National Lockdown alert stipulating “stay home and only level five (5) to- date. There go out when accessing food and has never been a day where medical attention”. the members of the community embarked on service delivery Through your best behavioural protest with regards to water patterns and commitment to shortages, though there has ensuring that the Coronavirus been fewer incidents in terms can only be moved by us of water and other related when irresponsibly making matters. However, our essential unnecessary movements. services team has been up to has since moved the task and I appreciate that. from alert level five (5) to alert level one (1) thanks to the Consumption of alcohol in kind of behaviour displayed Executive Mayor, Cllr Sylvia Nxumalo licensed premises has been throughout the entire period. allowed and it has been proven Although many lives have been that alcohol is a major cause of lost, most were saved and are time period, the government infections are deliberated. Gender Based Violence (GBV) continuing to be saved because of the day pulled on all corners and other incidents leading up of the manner in which you are from food parcels distribution, The centre reports directly to the to overloaded health facilities at your best behaviour. Covid-19 relief grants, the Provincial Covid-19 Command thus depriving those who need business loan bail-out and Council and I am proud to emergency services the right to Not only did the Coronavirus other modes of assistance to announce that both the centres be treated. bring shivering waves down our its people. We have no doubt have done a great deal in terms spines in terms of our lives but that as South Africans we are of saving lives. The President’s I therefore urge you to continue changed our way of living and stronger together and we recent announcement that your best behaviour under the how we socialize in the “new- will rise again socially and the country is now placed on alert level one (1) as that can norm” days. Most our people economically. alert level one following the assist in avoiding the second have lost their jobs and others decline in numbers of infections wave of the Covid-19 pandemic had to rely on government aid I have together with the Local per ratio and the number of which may lead back to in terms of food parcels and Covid-19 Command Council recoveries seen by far, the higher alert levels with stricter the relief grant for survival. ensured that all precautions storm is not over yet and I urge measures.

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER 3 Municipal Manager’s Desk

It is undoubtedly a fact and water services technicians criminal elements to the South water license for farming. The that Bushbuckridge Local out in the space assisting our African Police Services (SAPS) municipality only supplies Municipality’s (BLM) essential communities with an adequate and illegal water connections water for domestic purposes employees and other various water supply and other to the municipal offices. only. stakeholder’s employees in essential services. However, particular the health sector, the there had been some lack of We are urging members of the The placement of the police and the South African water supply in some areas community to report all those country to alert level two National Defence Force have does not necessarily mean indeed been our heroes and the upliftment of Covid-19 heroines since the emergence regulation adherence, I urge of the Covid-19 Coronavirus. you to be more vigilant than These brave men and women before and exercise social daily put their lives on the line distancing, sanitizing, and to ensure that their country’s putting on of your masks at people are safe from the all times especially in public Coronavirus pandemic. places. As a municipality, we are really appreciative of your Bushbuckridge is in no commitment to saving as many way been spared from the lives as possible by observing Coronavirus and as a rural Covid-19 regulations. municipality, we are in for a big challenge owing to the lack In conclusion, the municipality of resources. We are however Municipal Manager, Mrs Cynthia Nkuna will continue serving you with a grateful for our provincial and purpose to bring development the national government who and social cohesion. It is also in have since played an important and the municipality moved using municipal water for the interest of the municipality role in the fight against the with speed to address such. watering of plants or farming to ensure that Bushbuckridge spread of the virus and saved purposes to the municipal becomes a place of interest many lives through the various I would like to reassure offices. and attraction for all people interventions introduced at all members of the community from all walks of life. spheres of governance. that they will still receive the Should any member of the kind of quality services which community wish to apply for We continue to commit In the struggle for a better they received whilst the a license for watering plants to providing affordable life for all through the country was still on alert level or purposes of farming they and sustainable services emancipation of public 5. must direct their application to by enhancing community participation in the affairs of the Department of Agriculture participation through the municipality - we have had I am also urging members of as the custodians of all accountability,transparency, all our essential employees the community to report all agricultural activities including and responsible governance.

4 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 12: July- Sep 2020 Executive Mayor Hosts R40 Road Expansion Information Session

BLM and SANRAL Entourage during R40 road Expansion Informtion Sharing Session

he Bushbuckridge Local the requirements are for one Nxumalo alluded to the issues activities as this will bring the TMunicipality (BLM) to qualify and what one’s of understanding what this project to a halt and the full Executive Mayor, Speaker company must be in possession whole project means to the force of the law will have to of Council and entourage of for a bid to be approved. community of Bushbuckridge. come into effect,” said Mayor played host to the South Subcontracting will also need “It is not about the money, Nxumalo. African National Road Agency up-to-date documentation it is about your company Limited Team (SANRAL) for an and the process will be an development in terms of In conclusion, the Mayor urged information-sharing session on open tender process hence getting more scores in grading our community members to the expansion of the R40 Road a company’s documentation and accumulating more practice patience and avoid Project. must be up-to- date. experience.” unnecessary arguments like what we saw at Due to the Covid-19 regulations The expansion of R40 road “There are a number of Merriam Mokgakane the session only took in a total project is anticipated to create opportunities coming along Community Hall with people of fifty (50) Small, Medium much-needed development with the project and I am aiming to force themselves in. and Micro Enterprise (SMMEs) and job opportunities for urging you not to involve SANRAL has given every SMME representatives to both the the locals in particular the yourselves in engagements an opportunity to be part of Maviljan Community Hall SMMEs. It is also expected seeking to stop the project the proceedings from outside in Maviljan and Merriam to improve the grading of from commencing for selfish the hall by connecting to the Mogakane Community Hall these many inexperienced gains. The project is here to link provided and also had venues respectively. SMMEs and ensure that the develop the a live stream thus adhering well-established companies province’ road infrastructure to the National Lockdown of SANRAL is a government empower the small upcoming in particular, Bushbuckridge, I, Coronavirus regulations. parastatal responsible for the companies. therefore, plead with you to management, maintenance not involve yourselves on such and development of South The expansion of the R40 road Africa’s proclaimed National project is expected to run for Road Network which includes a period of over three years many (but not all) National and Bushbuckridge will benefit (“N”) and some Provincial and from Marite to Klaserie for Regional (“R”) segments. a total of 67KMs, however, because of the small number It is also committed to the that Bushbuckridge will be creation of economic value benefiting from it will have for the nation, through the to partner with provision of road infrastructure. municipality with R36 and R37 roads expected to be The information-sharing refurbished. session with the SMMEs was aimed at giving out crucial Addressing the SMMEs the information in terms of what Executive Mayor Cllr Sylvia BLM Executive Mayor addressing the SMMEs

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER 5 Service Delivery Ranks High On The List Of The Municipality’s Priorities

ushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) remains Bcommitted to bettering the lives of all its people within its jurisdiction and beyond. As a matter of fact, the municipality is constitutionally obliged that it achieves government goals as service delivery front liner. However, the emergence of Covid-19 has hampered the day-to-day programme of the municipality to deliver basic services.

The municipality remained committed and will continue to deliver service to the people as mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Since the introduction of the national lockdown (National Disaster Management Act) the municipality through its Technical Services Social Development Directorates ensured that basic services such as uninterrupted water supply to mention but few continue to be rendered.

The further easing of the national lockdown from alert level three to alert level two as announced by the State President Cyril Ramaphosa gives the municipality space to also cautiously add more of its basic services to be rendered. Due to Covid-19 most of the projects such as the installation of bulk pipeline and reticulation, construction Heavy Machinery constructing the Acornhoek-Cottondale Road of roads and internal streets were halted, the municipality has gradually but cautiously allowed some projects to resume. reach to other intended destinations resulting in unprecedented violent service delivery protests. The following projects are currently underway and are aimed at ensuring that the lives of the most vulnerable people are improved: The municipality acknowledges that there are existing villages beyond Cottondale/Andover which needs water supply and is COMPLETED WATER, ROAD AND STREET PROJECTS urging members of the community to refrain from connecting water illegally so not to hamper water supply to those areas Matsikitsane Phase Two Paving beyond them. The municipality is pleased to announce the completion of Matsikitsane phase two paving project and owing to financial London-Kingston, Sekgule and Kofifi Water Reticulation capability the municipality will soon announce the implementation The municipality is also pleased to announce the completion of the of phase three project. above-mentioned project and that the project has seen a handful of young females and male employed. It is the municipality’s Cottondale/Andover Water Reticulation goal to ensure that the living standard of the people is improved, The Cottondale/Andover Water Reticulation Project has been sufficient clean drinkable water supply brings relief in terms of timeously completed and the municipality is urging members of fighting contagious diseases and helping people lead a healthy the community to refrain from vandalising water resources as well lifestyle. The municipality is urging members of the community to as illegal water connections. Illegal water connections particularly report all sorts of criminal activities on water infrastructure systems on the Bulk water supply does not only cost the municipality a and all other government properties. fortune but water supply challenges as the supply of water cannot

6 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 12: July- Sep 2020

revenue. The ANC led-government within the BLM is committed to developing the lives of the ordinary members of the community within its area of jurisdiction. Community development is an important part to investment and sustainable living standards.

UNDER-CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Majembeni road construction Prior to 1994 and the dawn of our hard-earned democracy Bushbuckridge has been notoriously underdeveloped with poverty and illiteracy been the order of the day. Post 1994 under the ANC led-government Bushbuckridge has seen a number of improvements in terms of roads, bridges and streets infrastructure as well as water supply.

The Majembeni road construction is currently under-way and the project will bring relief to members of the community as the gravel road become slippery during rainy seasons. Community members have been complaining about the road’s inaccessibility during the rainy season for some time and the government of the day heeded their call and came on board to rescue the situation.

Ga-Motibidi road construction Another feat that the municipality has achieved through intergovernmental relations is the construction of Ga-Motibidi via Masakeng to Mphenyatsatsi which has resumed. The demand of a tarred road has seen the burning down of municipal property including vehicles, the blockading of roads and burning of heavy-duty vehicles which the Executive Mayor has condemned in the harshest possible way.

BLM is urging members of the community not to embark on violent service protests when asking/ demanding something from the government. The government and the municipality are in the process of ensuring that the needs of the community are met and that members of the community must familiarise themselves with government Heavy Machinery constructing the Acornhoek-Cottondale Road processes and not allow hooligans to mislead them into destroying government and private property when venting out their frustrations.

Cunningmore A and B Water Reticulation Another feat that the municipality is pleased to announce is the completion of the Cunningmore A and B water reticulation project, the project has brought some relief to the members of these two communities especially women who used to walk distances to draw water. The municipality is urging members of the community to safeguard these properties and report all criminal elements that seek not to realise the improvement of living standards.

Kutong Road Upgrade The municipality announced the appointment of a contractor that will construct phase one of Kutong road upgrade in its January-March 2020 newsletter edition, we are pleased to announce that face one of Kutong road upgrade project has been timeously completed. Kutong road upgrade was built to ease accessibility and mobility of movement by means of road or pedestrians.

It’s a feat for a municipality like Bushbuckridge to develop road Acornhoek-Plaza By-Pass Road under construction accessibility in the non-Townships where it cannot even collect

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER 7 Service Delivery Ranks High On The List Of The Municipality’s Priorities Continued. . .

Saselani-Buyisonto water recticulation underway

Cork-Kildare phase three road construction The construction of the Cork-Kildare phase three road construction is one of the successful road projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport in the Bushbuckridge municipal area of jurisdiction. The project has seen a number of young men and women employed and has improved driving experience of motorists between the two villages and beyond.

It is undoubtedly a feat for the two communities that after so Heavy machinery on Saselani-Buyisonto water reticulation project many years of struggle in terms of bad-traveling roads, finally, the two communities have realised their dream come true. The municipality is urging members of the community not to allow investment will now be easily directed to the area due to its road power mongers to lead them into burning roads, schools, clinics standard. It means that the government has created a conducive and other government properties in demand of another. environment for the private sector to operate on and create job opportunities for the people. Marite road construction Another road that has headlined the news before been constructed It further means that the public transport, goods transportation will is the Marite road construction that has seen the closing down and now be smooth thus attracting more investment into the tourism- burning of schools, road blockages and other fatalities in demand focused area. The municipality is very pleased with the development for a tar road. The municipality is once again pleading with members because the more investment comes, the more it collects revenue of the community to refrain from violent service delivery protests which enables it to embark on more developmental projects like especially if there has never been a proper following of channels. building roads, bridges and deliver basic services like water.

Bushbuckridge has been on the watch by the rest of the country Islington tar road construction and the international community as it is engulfed into a politically Another under-construction developmental feat that the fuelled violent service delivery making it almost impossible to municipality is pleased to announce is the construction of the travel on the R40 road connecting Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Islington tar road which leaves locals and tourists with many These unrests have seen a number of people losing their jobs due traveling options to access the Manyeleti Nature Reserve. The road to a shaky local economy and we urge members of the community connects many villages and a number of other roads leading to and South Africa at large to refrain from such acts. the Manyeleti Nature Reserve, it also allows tourists to experiment village/cultural tourism as they travel towards Manyeleti. The tar road construction is currently underway and a number of people have been employed thus enabling them to make a living. The building of these roads are an investment for generations to We pleading with the Marite community, in particular, to follow come and the current as it gives access to anywhere smoothly due processes before embarking on an illegal violent protest which and quickly. The municipality continues to urge locals to safeguard is something the constitution of the country approves not. these precious roads as they give them investor opportunities and multiple options of establishing themselves businesses to empower Newington road construction themselves. The tar road construction comes along with many benefits for the community of Newington and the surrounding areas because of Acornhoek to Cottondale tar road construction its adjacency to the world-renowned Game The more than ten kilometre tar road reconstruction has been Reserve. This means easy access to the area and that more

8 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 12: July- Sep 2020 After the address by the former MEC for Department of Public Service Delivery Ranks Works, Roads and Transport Ms. Sasekani Manzini flanked by the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Executive Mayor that the tar road would be reconstructed, normality was restored. When construction High On The List Of The finally resumed members of the community breathed a sigh of Municipality’s Priorities relief allowing for normal day to day business to run. The municipality is pleading with members of the community to ensure that criminal elements and property destruction becomes a thing of the past. Members of the community are further urged to refrain from falling victims of been used by opportunists for political gains.

Agincourt phase two tar road The municipality continues to live up to its constitutional obligation to strive for a developmental and prosperous life for all by providing affordable and sustainable services through community participation, accountability, transparency and responsible governance. Community participation is taking charge of municipal and government affairs by ensuring the protection of government property.

Community members are urged to safeguard any assert built within their communities and in this regard roads, upgraded streets, clinics, schools to mention just a few. The construction of Agincourt tar road has come at a high cost and the municipality is pleased to announce that the project is proceeding well. The tar road will improve people’s lives in the biggest possible way one can ever imagine. Political criminal encouraging members of the community to fill the streets and tarred roads in violently and illegally under the pretext of protesting against poor service delivery by burning Heavy machinery on Saselani-Buyisonto water reticulation project roads, schools and clinics.

Saselani water reticulation project Water is life and the Bushbuckridge community is constitutionally obliged to have the supply of clean drinkable water running in their yard taps as proclaimed by the ANC led-government. Saselani and the village will soon seize from having to buy water and travelling longer distances to draw water as the reticulation project comes to finish.

BLM is a nodal point municipality that relies mostly on Treasury for the financing of major service delivery projects like water, roads and bridges. We, therefore, urge members of the community to play a role in the safeguarding of everything municipal and government property as these properties continue to change our way of living for the better.

Kildare water reticulation Kildare Village is one of the most rural areas in the Bushbuckridge municipal area and is dry land. Community members in this area have had it hard to access clean drinkable water running in their taps and the municipality’s introduced water reticulation projects aim to bring to end the lack of water supply in the area.

Tintswalo village water reticulation Another success that the municipality is celebrating is the Saselani-Buyisonto water recticulation underway reticulation of Tintswalo village in which the project has created job opportunities for both young men and females. The municipality on the spotlight for quite some time, the road was constructed before is urging members of the community to ensure that the water the dawn of democracy and its state of affairs have been completely infrastructure laid down is in safe hands. The hooligans that take dilapidated. The road’s notoriously poor state has seen investor advantage of the unmonitored infrastructure underground for criminal confidence dramatically drop and triggered local community protests purposes, the municipality is urging members of the community to for a longer period. report any kind of criminal activity.

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER 9 BLM Seeks Devine Intervention With Three Days Prayer Session

Bushbuckridge Local where it was reported that more is the Coronavirus. their actions especially with Municipality’s (BLM) Social than 20 of the staff members They urged the hospital protecting women at all costs. Development Portfolio (nurses and admin clerks) tested management and staff to look Committee led by the Executive positive for Coronavirus and that up to God for the wisdom and In conclusion, the Executive Mayor Cllr Sylvia Nxumalo, though they are recovering well, solutions of tackling this virus Mayor encouraged the Council Speaker Cllr Ruth the workload keeps piling up. during these trying times. Matikwane hospital staff to Raganya, MMCs in partnership ensure that they take the with the Bushbuckridge Addressing staff, the Executive Both the Bishop and the Pastor precaution of every move ministerial council embarked on Mayor applauded the hospital highlighted the importance of they make when attending a three-day prayer session. The management and staff for the protecting our mothers, sisters, patients as by doing so, they are main purpose of these sessions outstanding job they are doing and daughters as another protecting themselves, families were to urge the front liners of saving lives while risking scourge that terrorises our and everyone around them. workers to soldier on and keep their own lives and that of their societies. ‘We men are the She further advised everyone the good work going under families. perpetrators of these incidents to ensure that they lead by these trying times. and only us as men are the example at the workplace, their The Executive Mayor further solutions to these incidents,’ homes, shopping complexes and Three local hospital CEOs (from expressed her concern over the said the Pastor as he urged all wherever they may be. Mapulaneng, Tintswalo and safety of the staff members men to take responsibility for Matikwane) alluded that certain (front liners) who especially staff members have been have been infected by the virus. infected by the Coronavirus She also admitted that the while on duty, however, most numbers in the Bushbuckridge have since recovered and others region have been on the rise are still recovering at home and since moving to alert level three the health facilities have no (3) but what gives us hope is reported death case of front line that since the heatwave hit our workers. The CEOs showed their shores the number of recoveries appreciation to the Executive is promising. Mayor and her entourage for coming to their facilities and Pastor Maswanganyi and Bishop encouraging them to soldier on. Mashele gave uplifting sermons at three local hospitals to both The prayer sessions started at the the municipal Executive Council, Mapulaneng to Tintswalo and Hospital Management, and staff concluded at Matikwane hospital that everything shall pass and so Community members attending the prayer session

BLM Cleans Illegal Dumpsites

he Constitution of South Africa dumping waste on areas that has to spend money and time to This will also affect the tourism Tguarantees everyone the right are not designated as dumping clean-up illegal dumping areas sector within the boundaries of of access to a clean environment sites. She is pleading with at the expense of other equally the municipality, less tourists that is not harmful to their health residents of Bushbuckridge to important municipal services. will visit the area due to bad and wellbeing and to have the recycle waste and become more Research has revealed that smell caused by a pile of waste natural environment protected. environmentally conscious. property prices are also lowered that was illegally dumped. The Mayor alluded that illegal in areas where littering and In adherence to the above “Let us ensure that we do not mentioned constitutional create harmful environments by provision, Bushbuckridge Local illegal dumping and littering as Municipality (BLM) embarked this will create health hazards on a mass clean - up the and lead to diseases,” concluded campaign to remove illegal the Executive Mayor. dumps along the roads, vacant stands and watercourses. This The municipality has partnered resulted in 30 illegally dumped with the University of South waste been removed within the Africa (UNISA) to address waste municipal area of jurisdiction. management issues through a The piling of illegal waste was research project. However, the starting to pose harmful health project was put on hold following effects on the quality of life After clean up campaign in Riverside in Thulamahashe the outbreak of the Coronavirus and health of communities. The and The subsequent introduction Executive Mayor is appealing to of the National Lockdown. members of the public to refrain dumps affect service delivery in illegal dumping has taken centre from practices of littering and the sense that the municipality stage.

10 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 12: July- Sep 2020

BLM Seeks Devine Intervention With Three Days Prayer Session Municipality Adds Four UD Tipper Trucks To Service Fleet

Brand new fleet

he municipality has The municipality has further state or bad maintenance improved for the better. The Tadded four (04) new UD realised the need to improve of streets and roads within municipality is urging members Tipper Trucks to its service the standard of its road and the municipal area hampers of the community to refrain delivery fleet system. These street maintenance which a number of investment from destroying government trucks come as demand for led to the four tipper trucks opportunities for the residents property while it embarks the ever-growing waste being split into two. The of Bushbuckridge. on its journey to refurbish and environment pollution waste management will be and give the municipal area continues to show its ugly a beneficiary getting a share However, the municipality of jurisdiction a new facelift. head in the Bushbuckridge of one tipper truck added to would like to turn the notion It is indeed a constitutional municipal area of jurisdiction. the already existing number as a thing of the past by mandate for the municipality The municipality hopes that of skip loaders for refuse and realising a newly revamped, as the closest sphere of the fleet comes in handy as waste removal. The other three developed and maintained government to deliver better it continues the fight against tipper trucks will add to road Bushbuckridge and it hopes by services to the people. environmental pollution as maintenance unit in a bid to so doing investor confidence it is a health hazard in the assist in giving Bushbuckridge shall grow thus creating Please let there be no municipal vicinity. members of the community more job opportunities for further burning of roads, accessible streets. our local people. The poor libraries, clinics etc. as the Waste management is key to state of development does municipality will enforce the ensuring that the environment The three tipper trucks are not only affect investor full force of the law to bring is protected from the impact also going to be used for confidence but also impacts all those responsible to book. of waste. The main objective assistance in the graveling the healthy standard of living Bushbuckridge has in the past is to ensure that waste is of poorly maintained streets as this means that there are no few years indeed had a number managed to save people’s and roads, Bushbuckridge enough marked areas of waste of developmental projects to lives, prevent pollution and is one of the rural and disposal. its area of jurisdiction with achieve compliance as guided underdeveloped municipalities a number of employment by National Environmental due to its geographical The municipality is optimistic opportunities realised. Management: Waste location with a high number that it is only through Amendment Act 26 of 2014. of unemployment. The development initiatives notoriously underdeveloped that people’s lives could be

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER 11 Belfast-Cork Receives Water Purification Package Plant

Opening of Belfast water project on 17 September 2020

he Bushbuckridge Local interest to strive for a seen as a feat for the affected and burning of government Municipality (BLM) in developmental life for every communities as it has created properties during protests. Tpartnership with Kruger member of the community. jobs for some members of Should members of the National Park are pleased the community and improved community be dissatisfied over to announce the official The Belfast, Cork and many the living standards of the something, the municipality handover of the Belfast-Cork other villages are adjacent to communities. is urging you to consult with and surrounding areas water the world-renowned Kruger your local Ward Councillor purification package plant. National Park to which the The municipality is urging or regional municipal office The completion and handover runs through, members of the community and/or visit the Speaker’s or of the package plant puts an the Kruger National Park to safeguard the water Executive Mayor’s Office if all end to the risk of lives for the and Bushbuckridge Local purification package plant else has failed. people of Belfast, Cork and Municipality partnership is and refrain from stealing surrounding areas as they’ll no longer have to draw water or wash their clothes from the crocodile infested Sabie River.

This comes after a member of the Cork narrowly escaped from the jaws of a crocodile while trying to draw water from the Sabie River - a few years ago. This was as a result of water shortages in the area and the municipality urgently intervened by supplying water through water tankers and resuscitating of boreholes. It has always the municipality’s Opening Belfast water project on 17 September 2020

12 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 12: July- Sep 2020 DBSA And BLM To Provide Clean Water To Communities

s part of Covid-19 relief, drilled and installed in the ADevelopment Bank of above-mentioned villages Southern Africa (DBSA) has to ensure the community partnered with Bushbuckridge members have access to Local Municipality (BLM) to water. DBSA will also donate help provide communities with 210 000litres of water tankers clean portable water. to the municipality.

The following villages will The boreholes will be benefit from the partnership connected to a solar energy between DBSA and the system and it is envisaged that municipality: the projects will be completed within a period of one month. - - Ga Josepha Extension - Casteel - Mapaletja The Mayor is urging community - Dwarsloop/Sasekani members to jealousy safeguard - Lillydale - Huntington the soon to be installed water - Lillydale - Kunyamahembe infrastructure and to report - Thulamahashe - Mambumbu acts of criminality to the One of the installed Jojo tank stands by DBSA in Bushbuckridge - Acornhoek - Mapalaneng municipality. Brand new boreholes will be

Speakers Blog: We Rely On Each Other’s Good Behaviour To Keep Our Communities Safe

s the custodian of public the economy to run. It further public areas, washing of hands Experts, South African Police participation office, means that the easing of much or sanitizing and ensuring Services (SAPS), South African AI would like to take more needed services to be that the number of people Defence Force (SADF), South this opportunity on behalf available to all South Africans. gathering either for funerals, African Citizens in particular of the Bushbuckridge Local church worships, etc. is limited and I urge to continue being Municipality (BLM) Council and Statistics South Africa to not more than 100. a united country. We have appreciate members of the announced that the economy by far defeated a number of Bushbuckridge community, for of the country contracted Pupils have returned to school, challenges and we will conquer the commitment and discipline by a staggering 51% in the we request parents and this one too, being on alert they displayed during our second quarter due to the educators to be more vigilant level one means we must now worst-case scenario in the national lockdown which has over children and ensure that be more committed to fighting fight against the spread of seen more economic activities their safety is a priority. I urge this virus than ever before. the Coronavirus. From since halted as the country reeled Educators, School Management the President of the country the consequences of Covid-19. Teams and School Governing In conclusion, I appeal to all introduced the national As the custodian of public Bodies to ensure that their members of the community lockdown as the National participation, I would like to schools adhere to all safety to continue adhering to the Disaster Management Act, you urge members of the public to protocols as advised by the Covid-19 rules and regulations have proven to be united and continue observing Covid-19 Department of Education (DoE). as this will ensure that we law-abiding citizens. regulations. Schools should be closely keep our communities safe. safeguarded in the sense that As of 27 September 2020 we Health experts have warned whoever is entering the school We rely on each other’s have reported 848 incidents of a second wave of the premises should be screened. good behaviour to keep our of Coronavirus infections, 789 Coronavirus infections should communities safe, it is without recoveries and there were 17 we behave as though the South Africa has been on a doubt that our efforts death cases reported. The pandemic is over - we see the the decline in terms of the together have kept us safe move to alert level one as country being reverted back Coronavirus infection cases and it is for this reason that announced by the President to level five. It is, therefore, and the number of infertilities infection numbers have been does not necessarily mean that necessary to continue by far, this feat could be declining. the coronavirus is over, but to observing social distancing, attributed to our frontline allow for certain activities of wearing a mask especially in Health Professionals, Health

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER 13 BLM Supports Newly Appointed Sabie Sands Wildtuin CEO

After his appointment as Park, Sabie Sand Wildtuin, led municipality will not only number of opportunities for the very first African Chief Manyeleti, Andover and other support Sabie Sand Wildtuin people to invest. As per the Executive Officer (CEO) to the in its programs and initiatives result of the municipality’s Sabie Sand Wildtuin Mr Oscar but will also support all other Integrated Development Plan Mthimkhulu, the Municipal nature reserves operating (IDP) will be implementing its Manager of the Bushbuckridge from its area of jurisdiction and Injaka Master Plan which comes Local Municipality (BLM) beyond. Mrs Nkuna is adamant with a number of opportunities engaged in an introductory that the Tourism sector is the from accommodation, resorts, stakeholder meeting which new gold for the BLM and fishing and other forms of was held for mapping a way could play an enormous role investments. forward on how the two in poverty eradication and institutions can work together unemployment eliviation. The Bushbuckridge Nature to protect the environment Reserve is also another and create job opportunities The municipality is sharing the investment opportunity that for the local people. same sentiments as the new the municipality is aiming to CEO that the youth should in bring into the picture. This Mr Mthimkhulu hails from Newly appointed Sabie Sand Wildtuin CEO their numbers follow careers juncture will also bring other Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) and is a in nature conservation and opportunities such as jobs and qualified Conservationist from reputable reserves but villages similar fields. Bushbuckridge nature reserve conservation. the Mangosuthu University of adjacent to these reserves is a tourism destination given The municipality will ensure Technology (MUT). His work have not yet benefitted from its geographical location and that project does not become experience includes but not these organisations and it is for this reason that as a another white elephant project limited to working as a Field Mr Mthimkhulu is keen on municipality we ask young and/or taxpayers money Ranger and a Conservation addressing misfortunes of the people to tap into space and disappearing into the thin air. officer before being in past. take advantage of these management. opportunities. BLM is the gateway to the world Municipal Manager, Mrs Cynthia BLM is also a strategic location renowned Kruger National Nkuna has vowed that her for tourism practice and has a

Sabie Sand Widtuin CEO and BLM Municipal Manager Mrs Cynthia Nkuna during an Introductory Stakeholder Meeting

14 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 12: July- Sep 2020 BLM Reminds The Public About General Valuation Roll

Standing Row: Mr W. Winckler - (Municipal Valuer), Mr J Kobus (VAB), Mrs S Serfontein (VAB), Ms V.A Macdonald (VAB), Mr WS Nkosi (Deputy Chair), Mr E Baleni (VAB) , Mr M Matlala (BLM Deputy CFO) and Mrs T Ndhlovu (BLM Income Manager) Front Row: Ms M Stoop (Valuers Afrika) and Ms B Mtsweni (COGTA VAB)

Every four years, Bushbuckridge inspection and the deeds In the event a property owner by the board. Local Municipality (BLM) offices. Once all properties is not happy with the market compiles and produces a valuation has been done; the value of his or her property; he The valuation roll is updated General Valuation Roll - a municipality will compile a or she will have to complete on a yearly basis through document that consists of General Valuation Roll and an objection form and attach a supplementary roll used property information of issue individual letters and supporting evidence and or primarily for the following all registered properties, text messages to all registered documents to enable valuers reasons: inclusive of the market value property owners to come and to re-adjust the market value - Inclusion of omitted and property category. The inspect the valuation roll. Print before the closure of the properties from the general information on the General media advertisements are also objection period. valuation roll Valuation Roll has been placed on local and provincial - New property registrations garnered by the appointed newspapers to create hype Objection forms can be - Property developments and municipal valuers whose main and awareness about the obtained from the Revenue or amendments role is to value properties valuation roll. Section and on the municipal - Change of property category within the municipal area of website. It should be borne in jurisdiction. The copies of the valuation mind that being dissatisfied The municipality has in place rolls are accessible from all with the amount of rates a property rates policy which The Municipal Property Rates the municipal regional offices, payable does not constitute is reviewed on yearly basis Act (MPRA) is a national libraries, Driving Licence and an objection. It must also be to ensure compliance to the legislation that regulates the Testing Centres (DLTC’s), and noted that once the closing provisions of the MPRA. The powers to municipalities to on the municipal website date for objections has Municipality has received 18 value and rate immovable (www.bushbuckridge.gov.za). lapsed, objections will not be objections in terms of Section properties, that is - land and During the inspection of the considered. 52 of the Municipal Property buildings within municipal valuation roll, property owners Rates Act. The objections jurisdiction. are urged to check if their In the event an objection is were taken to the Mpumalanga property category is correctly rejected by the municipality, Valuation Appeal Board Municipalities derive their captured, because rates are property owners may appeal (MVAB) for adjudication. powers to levy property rates levied in line with the property to the Valuations Appeal Board from section 229 (i) of the category. within 30 days from date of The Mpumalanga Valuation Constitution of the Republic the receipt of notification of Appeal Board hearing sitting of South Africa. The MPRA For example, residential the outcome of the objection. took place on the 18 August commenced operating from properties are levied in line The appeal forms can be 2020; the municipal valuers the 2 July 2005 and it has with the applicable property obtained from the Revenue explained why adjustments consequently repealed the tariffs and if the categorisation section and on the municipal were made to certain Provincial Ordinances. is incorrect; wrong property website. Once accepted by properties and also why rates will be applied. Every Mpumalanga Valuation Appeal adjustments were not made In determining the value of property in formalised areas is Board; the appellants will be as well. The municipality is properties, the valuers make supposed to have a municipal notified and given 21 days to awaiting the outcome of the use of aerial photography, valuation ascribed to it by prepare themselves for appeal (MVAB) with a bated breath. house by house physical municipal valuers. hearing which will be chaired

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER 15 BLM Celebrates Tourism Month In Style

BLM Council Speaker- Cllr Ruth Raganya, Acting Executive Mayor Cllr Learnard Malumane and MMC-EDPE Cllr Liza Lekhuleni

The Bushbuckridge Local destruction of the fence on Nature Reserve does not members of the community Municipality (BLM) and the reserve. She pleaded with collect revenue and the to partake in the conservation Bushbuckridge Local stakeholders, in particular, continuation of these criminal and tourism issues. Harming Tourism Organization Traditional Leaders and the acts may lead to job losses the environment has (BLTO) in partnership with South African Police Service and the MTPA abandoning consequences and will not only the Mpumalanga Tourism (SAPS) to urge members of the site. Communal Property lead to loss of jobs but bad and and Parks Agency (MTPA) the community to refrain from Association (CPA), Kruger dangerous weather systems. celebrated Tourism month in He went on to plead with style. Traditional Leaders to ensure that they lead from the front Owing to the Covid-19 in protecting the environment regulations, the celebrations by getting involved in park- were limited to a total related issues. of 200 people and the celebrations took place at the Giving the keynote address - Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve Acting Executive Mayor, the on 29 September 2020. BLM Chief Whip of the Council, Cllr Learnard Malumane The proceedings were directed highlighted the importance by the Council Speaker, Cllr of tourism in our lifetime. He Ruth Raganya who on her alluded that tourism is not only opening remarks urged the about vacation but a necessity audience to observe social to an extent where it creates distancing, put on their masks jobs, help protect and conserve and sanitize. She applauded Xibhelana Traditional Dance Group performing at the Tourism nature’s best, it also protects us the audience for putting on Month Awareness Campaign against the scourge of terrible their various cultural and weather conditions. traditional colours as they celebrate their heritage and vandalizing the fence under to Canyon (K2C), BLTO and He concluded by urging the tourism of the region. the pretext of seeking grazing People & Parks Mpumalanga audience to take back home land. raised the same concerns as every lesson and piece of Giving messages of support, the MTPA. advice received from the the MTAP’s Bushbuckridge She alluded that the of all the various stakeholders. Nature Reserve Manager reserves MTPA is controlling Mr Mogakane of People and raised concerns over the only the Bushbuckridge Parks Mpumalanga urged

16 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER