EmfuleniVoice of

The Emfuleni Local Municipality seems to be succeeding in stabilising its finances. This was reported by the Executive Mayor when she tabled the 2010/11 annual report in a Council sitting held on 28 February 2012.

The report notes that during the reporting per iod of 2010/2011, munic ipal i ty e x p e r i e n c e d s e r i o u s c a s h - f l o w complications that necessitated the raising of a short term loan of R70 million for working capital purposes. An analysis of the reasons for the restricted cash-flow was undertaken that resulted in the following interventions to improve the situation:

• The cash-flow status was work-shopped with senior management and at a political level;

• Cost cut t ing measures were introduced;

• Overtime was monitored and significantly curtailed;

• Water losses were exceptionally high at over 40% and therefore measures were introduced to reduce the impact by 3% to 5% per annum;

• Installation of water meters in Beverly Hills and uploading the customer information into the financial billing system and billing of actual consumption. This process will be rolled out to all areas currently billed on estimates for water consumption. Meters will also be cleaned to enhance billing accuracy by allowing Meter Readers to be

www.emfuleni.gov.za

Emfuleni Municipality External Newsletter Volume 5, Issue 1 April 2012

Emfuleni

able to read the meters.• C o n t i n u o u s u p g r a d i n g a n d

maintenance of existing water demand management installation to reduce water losses.

• Electricity losses were higher than the norm as a result of illegal connections. This was vigorously pursued and another service provider was appointed to do disconnections and re-connections more effectively and efficiently. Approval was given to attend to level 2 disconnections as a starting point, which is the removal of cables;

• Consultants were appointed to assist with collection of debt. This intervention focused at the top 300 to 600 accounts in arrears, which resulted in accelerated collections in excess of R20 million;

• Interventions by the Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager saw payments flowing from debt owed to the municipality by other government departments, particularly public works and health;

• Restructuring of the debtor's book of R2 billion is being undertaken to realize cash up-front. Significant progress has been made with the request for proposals that were advertised in August 2011;

• ELM's short term debt of R70 million together with other loans due by 30 June 2011 were settled in full;

• The cost of external plant hire was reduced by between 25% and 40%, the

target was 50%, from over R2m per month; and

• The senior management team committed to curb operational expenditure to 10% below the budget, having appreciated the difference between the budget projections and cash-flow projections.

The electricity function also contributed towards revenue enhancement and embarked on a program to audit electricity meters. During the 2010/11 reporting period 5 300 electricity meters were audited and from the faults/bypasses found, accounts to the value of approximately R3.5m were issued to consumers. Tenders have also been invited for the auditing of the metering systems of the very large consumers and this project should be completed during the course of 2011/12 reporting period. ELM has also appointed a single service provider for the vending of electricity and this has reduced to a very large extent the risk of loss of income as all the vending is subject to upfront payment.

The integration of the financial computer system with that of the prepaid vending system is currently being investigated to improve the actions related to debt recovery and to prevent consumers from purchasing electricity if their municipal accounts are in arrears.

LOCAL MUNICIPALITYEMFULENI

Vaal River City, the Cradle of Human Rights

Emfuleni Local

Municipality

depends on

its residents to

provide adequate service.

all

Please pay your account!

DO YOU HAVE A SERVICE DELIVERY

COMPLAINT?

0860 42 88 364

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTNON - EMERGENCY PUBLIC LIAISON

Monday - Friday: 7am - 10pm

HOTLINE

Email: hotline@gauteng.gov.zaFax: 011 429 3222 Letter: Gauteng GovernmentHotline, Private Bag x115, Marshalltown, 2107

Hotline: 0860 42 88 364www.gautengonline.gov.za

DIAL PREMIER’S HOTLINE

Proud: Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane together with Public Protector Advocate, Thulisile Madonsela at the newly refurbished Sharepville Hall to celebrate the15 year mark of signing of the RSA constituion.

Celebration Time

Emfuleni’s finances stabilising InsideMEC Vadi announces R200

million upgrade for Old Vereeniging Road (R82)

Emfuleni improves delivery of Basic Services

Municipal Manager, Sam Shabalala worried with the

increasing acts of vandalism

Delfos robots will save lives of Pedestrians and motorists

Emfuleni cleans up Vereeniging

2

3

5

7

8

Pho

to: S

uz-m

an

By Stanley Gaba

Pho

to: S

uz-m

an

Mr. Cornelius Tsepetsi, Rand Water.

Regional Account Executive from

The informal structure backlog is estimated to be in the region of ±10 000 units mainly representing people living in informal settlements, as set out in the table below:

Council-owned land and private owned land, suitable for housing projects, is inadequate and, in most cases, land must be purchased from private land owners. This delays the planning and implementation of new housing projects.

Voice of Emfuleni 22012

Metsi-A-Lekoa celebrates National Water Week in great style

National water week kicked off with a burst of enthusiasm as Metsi-A-Lekoa, Rand Water, Sedibeng District Municipality and Department of Water Affairs embarked on a community education drive. Under the theme: “Water is life, Conserve it, Respect It and Enjoy It!” was hosted at Rustervaal Soccer Pitch on the 9th March 2012.

Gracing the occasion was the Acting Executive Mayor, Clr Shaka R a d e b e , S e d i b e n g D i s t r i c t Municipality: Member Mayoral Committee, Clr. Simon Maphalla, Enviroment: Member Mayoral Committee Clr. Yusuf, Emfuleni's Infrastructure, Water, Sanitation and Electr icity: Member Mayoral Committee Clr. Nomvula Thulo, Ward Clr. Lots, and public representative Clr Amina. The primary aim of this campaign is to raise awareness

among South Africans about the role of water in social and economic development including the need to get citizens to change their attitudes towards water use.

The campaign emphasizes water conservation as one of the major interventions that South Africans need to appreciate if we are to guarantee water security and availability for the country. It also highlights the centrality of water as a resource in the well being of both the environment and people.

Speaking at the event, the acting Executive Mayor, Clr Shaka Radebe urged all Emfuleni residents to join the department in celebrating National Water Week by making a positive contribution towards efforts to conserve and protect the country's water resources. The country's already scarce water resources is further threatened by high levels of

pollution in dams and rivers, water wastage that occurs in our homes as a result of leaking taps and pipes and a lack of commitment to conserve water by industries and agricultural sector.

All speakers and guests were appealing to residents to join millions of South Africans in taking practical steps to conserve and protect water resources. This means that every resident is encouraged to use at least one of the water tips introduced by the department of water affairs.

During this event, a series of key activit ies were carried out to demonstrate the commitment of the stakeholders in conserving and protecting water. School children from the neighbouring areas were treated to nice activities which were also educational in nature.

MEC Vadi announces R200 million upgrade for Old Vereeniging Road (R82)

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, launched a R200 million road reconstruction and upgrading project on the R82 (Old Vereeniging Road) on 10 March 2012. The project is aimed at the expanding the road from Eikenhof and Walkerville. Vadi said that this project has been prioritised for development by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport as it had been stalled previously due to budgetary constraints. “This is an extremely old road with high traffic volumes. It is in a state of disrepair and is unsafe for motorists,” said Vadi. “I am pleased that it will be upgraded to a dual carriageway to allow for better and safer mobility between Johannesburg and Emfuleni,” he added. In Phase 1 between Eikenhof and Walkerville, 4.5km of the existing single road way will be rebuilt into a dual carriageway. In the second phase, the total length between Walkerville and De Deur will be upgraded and re-surfaced. The project is scheduled to be completed by July 2013.

Politics must not stand in way of service delivery, says mayorPeople's interests must come first, said Simon Mofokeng, Executive

Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality which oversees the three local municipalities in the district, at the sod-turning ceremony for the reconstruction and upgrading of the road between Johannesburg and Vereeniging.

Emfuleni addresses housing backlogBy Stanley Gaba

Emfuleni has made a steady progress towards addressing housing backlog in the area, Emfuleni Local Municipality, Greta Hlongwane declared in her Overview of the Annaul report 2010/2011 delivered to council on Tuesday 28th February 2012.

“Our people are confident that we shall do more and we will continue to lead them into a future with dignity and respect.

“We are on our way to bring the services they are awaiting and to improve the quality of what they are already getting,” said Hlongwane.

Access to housing is one of the municipality's priorities to ensure that everyone has the right to have adequate housing as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

To achieve this, the Executive Mayor further announced that the municipality would commence with the rental stock programme, which aims at facilitating the provision of secure, stable rental tenure for lower income earners and provides a coherent framework for dealing with many different forms of existing public sector residential accommodation.

The following housing units will be transferred to the tenants/purchasers through the Retro Programme:

• Leeuhof Extension 1• Sonhof Flats• Low cost housing units in Vanderbijlpark• Housing units in Rust-ter-Vaal.Status of some of the housing project for the period under review:

Delivery of structures (houses) 2009/2010 vs 2010/2011

By Thabiso Radebe

The following represents the land identified, size and ownership for future development:

Houtkop: Portion 116 of the farm Houtkop 594 IQ, 52,0226 hectares, Government owned.

Vaaloewer: Portion 40 of the farm Zeekoefontein 573 I.Q., 5.1968 hectares, Private land

Johandeo: Portions 12, 13, 15, 32, 110, Holding 1 -20 of the farm Rietkuil 554 I.Q., 476.24 hectares, Private land.

Johandeo Ext: Portion 11, Portion 13 (SW section) of the farm Rietkuil 554 I.Q., 137,47 hectares, Government and private property.

Evaton West: Portions of land, Infill project, Emfuleni Local Municipality

Unitas Park: Portion 156 and 203, 339.4328 hectares, Private land

Kaalplaats: Portion 34 of the farm Kaalplaats 577 IQ., 195 morgen, Private land

Cyferpan: Portions 6 – 16 of the farm Cyferpan 549 IQ., Private land

Portion 27, 28, 4, 40 of the farm Quaggasfontein 548 I.Q.

Portion 14 of the farm Rietspruit 535 IQ.Q

Sonderwater: Portion 23, 7 of the farm Rietspruit 535 I.Q., 11.93 hectares, Private land

Rustervaal: Portion 21 of the farm Damfontein 541 IQ.Q, 176.66 hectares

.

Sod turning for (R82) roads construction: MEC Ismail Vadi, Emfuleni Executive Mayor Cllr. Greta Hlongwane,

Sedibeng Executive Mayor Mahole Simon Mofokeng and Gautrain officials.

Rus-ter-vaal’s community. Welcoming guests: Cllr. HI Lotz of ward 16.

Land invasion in Council's area of jurisdiction is one of the major stumbling blocks regarding the provision of housing. It is a well-known fact that the Premier of Gauteng envisages the eradication of all informal settlements by 2014. This will only be possible if drastic measures are put into place to contain further squatting.

By Stanley Gaba

Pho

to: S

uz-m

an

registered:• Total quantity of 115 016 m³of

waste removed from illegal dumps;

• 4 Mini dump transfer stations being completed (R5.3m);

• Weekly household services increased from 166 500 to 168 919 collection points; and

• Successfully maintaining various programs such as Bontle-ke-Botho, Buyisa-e-Bag, and other recycling initiatives (Buyback centres).

The fleet management function ensured that fleet and machinery availability to all departments was optimal in order to support service delivery:

• Implementation of a Risk Control Room;

• Training for drivers on the Driver Code of Conduct approved by Council, 2006 (250 drivers were trained); and

• Continuous annual fleet renewal

T h e P u b l i c S a f e t y a n d Community Development Cluster commissioned the newly built fire station to serve the needs of the community in Evaton/Sebokeng. The station was built according to the latest standards and will serve all the future needs of the community. The total investment in the fire station was over R20m, excluding equipment.

The Executive Mayor informed Council about huge strides made by Emfuleni Local Municipality in the delivery of basic services to the community when she tabled the 2010/2011 annual report on 28 February 2012.

The annual report noted the expenditure of the Municipal In f ras t ruc ture Gran t (M IG) increased significantly from the 2009/10 reporting period. In 2009/10 a total MIG allocation of R90m was gazetted, but only R61.6m was spent, indicating an expenditure ratio of 68% of the allocation. However, in this reporting period the annual allocation was R105.5m. Due to the under spending in the previous year and the resultant roll-over of funding, the total MIG allocation for this reporting period increased to over R120m. Of this R120m a total of R105.5m was spent, indicating an expenditure ratio of over 86%.

In terms of electricity, the municipality ensured provision of a sustainable electricity supply to all consumers. The continuous extension of supply to all new areas including public lighting and traffic signals were a c h i e v e d . T h e f o l l o w i n g achievements were highlighted:

• Electrification of 963 houses in Tshepong (R20m);

• A d d i t i o n a l 2 0 M V A transformer bay at Vereeniging DS substation (R17m);

• 11 Additional high mast lights installed in Sharpeville and Evaton West (R1.65m);

• Upgrading of traffic lights: 340 low energy LED lamps fitted (R210 000);

• Upgrading of streetlights: 1 800 low energy fittings installed (R900 000); and

• Replacement of 20km old bare overhead lines with insulated bundle conductor (R3m).

2012 Voice of Emfuleni 3

Emfuleni improves delivery of Basic Services

The delivery of quality, affordable and sustainable water and sanitation services to consumers and continuous extending of water and sanitation supply to all new areas. The main activities for the reporting period were as follows:

• Quaggasfontein Reservoir Construction (R25m);

• Completion of Ramolele water supply (R1.2m);

• Attainment of Blue Drop certificate for potable water quality;

• Construction of the Sebokeng Pump Station (R29m); and

• Improved effluent results from all three water treatment works (80% average) against the Green Drop Assessment.

The provision of roads and stormwater infrastructure to service the entire municipal area as follows:

• Tar road rehabilitation (over 7000 m²);

• Over 29000 potholes filled;• Over 42km of street sweeping;• Over 1 200km of gravel road

graded; and• Over 229 000 m² of road

marking.The provision of sustainable

waste collection to all residents and continuous extension of service to areas not serviced, also safe disposal in landfill sites, and the following s p e c i f i c a c h i e v e m e n t s w e r e

Team: Editor-in-chief: Paseka Rakosa; Editor: Stanley Gaba; Layout/design: Esmé de Villiers; Contributors: Thabiso Radebe. Indemnity: Views and opinions carried in this newsletter do not necessarily constitute the ELM official position rather those of the editorial team. Pictures used, are sole property of ELM therefore anyone found tempering with such materials posted on the photo gallery is committing a criminal offence.

New water meter readers appointedBy Stanley Gaba

The Emfuleni Local Municipality has appointed Motla Consulting Engineers in September 2011, on a three year contract to provide both meter reading and disconnection services. The awarding of the said contract comes hot on heels of of cancelling a contract with the previous service provider due to disatisfaction with their performance.

Since the awarding of this contract to Motla, more than 100 000 consumer meters that were previously not read are now being read resulting in improved billing. They have further identified all bulk business consumer meters for refurbishment and maintenance and downloaded into the billing system.

In endeavour to compliment the work done by Motla meter readers, Emfuleni has started with the process of establishing of a revenue management agency that will be responsible for the collection of all monies, by appointind senior staff members to head that agency.

Consultants are busy reconciling more than 400 of the highest outstanding customer accounts in order to expedite billing and payment in order to improve cash-flow. A revenue enhancement program complements meter reading in terms of data cleansing and updating customer data for billing, which includes the reconciliation of the valuation roll with detailed customer data, update accounts with recent (actual) meter readings and plotting the locality of new meters by means of GPS readings.

Emfuleni in a drive fora safe, secure and healthy environment

Provision of clean and quality water is been closely monitored by Emfuleni Local Municipality. A measure development in the operation of the water service saw ELM conduct monthly monitoring and analysis of potable water quality in compliance with the SANS241 standard and 100% compliance was achieved.

Illegal dumping in urban and rural areas was reduced by removing 115 016 m³ of waste from those illegal dumps. The development of the four mini dump transfer stations equipped with waste separation mechanisms was completed. Furthermore, the permit applications for the licences of the Boitshepi and Waldrift Landfill sites were completed and submitted.

Primary health care reflects that the Tuberculosis (TB) cure rate increased from 68% to 76.1% during the reporting period. The national norm though, is 85%.

The Vanderbijlpark Cemetery was fenced and the acquisition of land for the new cemetery is well under way.

To support and sustain the functionality of the Fire Prevention about 27 fire trailers were placed in the rural areas.

During the reporting period the following health and safety inspections were done:

• 324 inspections at premises of funeral undertakers against the target of 180

• 2 610 inspections at crèches against the target of 1800; and• 3 233 fire safety inspections against the target of 1 360.The enforcement of legislation, including by-laws were as follows:• 2 449 notices issued for the transgression of by-laws; out of

monthly coordinated monthly joint operations with SAPS, solid waste and Local economic Development.

• Weekly alcohol enforcement operations were conducted and 602 drunken drivers were arrested;

• 9 917 outstanding warrants were settled against the target of 9 000.

Source: ELM's Annual report 2010/11

By Stanley Gaba

Human Trafficking is a violationof Human Rights

Social Crime

Prevention

(016) 440 7822

By Stanley Gaba

Pho

to: I

nter

net

Voice of Emfuleni 42012

Visit your Local Library for Personal DevelopmentBy Thabiso Radebe

Emfuleni Library Information Services celebrated this year Library Week with style as they embarked on fun walk. The main celebration took p lace at Nkal imeng Leutswa Sharpeville on the 09 March 2012. This year's theme was “Develop @ your library”.

Special guest gracing this event included the local pre-school kids who form part of the Library Information Services' Born to Read Program. The programme is aimed at pregnant women who are are encouraged to attend libraries story telling sessions held at different libraries across Emfuleni, in order to engender the

spirit of reading to their unborn children.

“The aim of this annual event is to celebrate country's intellectual and literacy heritage , marketlibrary services to the community, highlight the role of libraries and promote the right to freedom of access to information” explains Marina Van Wyk of Emfuleni Library Services.

Mr Bull Simon Lehoko, the former Chief's player and Vaal Professionals coach who is a well known legend joined in the celebration. He used the event to distribute fresh produce from food gardens project that he and his colleagues have inititated during the staging of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

FUTURE: Born to read campaigns: give kids a good foundation it start with attending local library.

Feeding the nation: Simon Bull Lehoko “Local soccer hands over vegetable to local NGO.

Appreciation for support: Library Information Service: staff with GAUTENG Libraries director

Music rendezvous: Golden voices quartet

Emfuleni appeals to public to help curb electrical cable theft and protect livesBy Stanley Gaba

Emfuleni Local Municipality's Electricity Department has experienced an increase in theft and vandalism at its substations and kerb-side metering kiosks in Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging and other areas across the city.

Vandals and thieves appear to be intent on stealing the neutral bus bars, fuses and fuse holders from pavement electricity boxes. This causes irreparable damage, not only to the municipality's equipment, but to appliances in the surrounding households and businesses which are served by that box or substation.

Vandalised boxes are a serious concern because over the years there have been incidents of death and serious injury caused by open boxes. Sadly, children playing in the vicinity of the exposed live wires are often the victims, suffering shocks, electrical burns or electrocution. The situation is particularly hazardous in wet weather.

The municipality's Electricity Department urges consumers to have the electrical earth reading at their premises checked – a reading of less than 20 Ohms is preferable. This could alleviate the damage in the event of vandalism. Electricity Department is also ensuring that the boxes are secured and that the help-line number is prominently displayed.

The municipality has received a number of insurance claims for damage to electrical appliances due to this type of vandalism. The municipality's Insurance Section will consider these claims, but reminds the public that the municipality's liability is limited to acts of negligence or omission. Vandalism and theft are not usually covered. Residents are therefore advised to consider taking out their own domestic household insurance which would cover any loss that might occur on their property.

“However, the municipality is not insensitive to the damage caused by these spate of vandalism and will make every effort to prevent future damage. This includes ensuring that repairs to vandalised or stolen equipment are made as soon as reasonably possible after they have been reported, in order to mitigate against further damage,” said Nomvula Thulo, the Mayoral Committee Member for Basic Services.

The municipality also has a by-law enforcement team that deals with metal theft and any by-law infringements. This unit has been immensely successful in clamping down on stolen scrap metal dealers and curbing monetary losses resulting from the theft of municipality equipment.

The municipality appeals to the public to assist in curbing this type of crime by reporting any suspicious activity in the vicinity of municipality electricity equipment, sub-stations or street boxes to the Call Centre on 016 422-3600.

“We are always grateful for any information received from the public, who are our eyes and ears. We encourage them to come forward with any information on this recent crime surge, so that we can take immediate action,” said Nomvula Thulo.

LOCAL MUNICIPALITYEMFULENI

Vaal River City, the Cradle of Human Rights

Those who steal electricity do not steal from the Municipality, but from each and every one of us, because stolen electricity impacts on the tariffs we all have to pay. The Municipality appeals to residents to work with the Emfuleni Electricity Department in helping to protect our electrical infrastructure. We greatly appreciate it when residents act as the eyes and ears and report incidents of vandalism or abuse.

Theft andVandalism

CAUTION!ELECTRICITY

Emfuleni Electricity Department Contact Details:

Tel: +27 16 422 1610+27 16 422 1656

Fax: +27 16 455 4522

You may report complaints via

our control room which operates 24/7

Pho

to: S

uz-m

anP

hoto

: Suz

-man

Pho

to: S

uz-m

anP

hoto

: Suz

-man

What is Vandalism:

Take action:

þþþþ

A wilful or malicious destruction or disfigurement of any public or private property, real or personal, without the consent of owner or persons having control.

What to do in our communities to minimise vandalism:

Learn about the act and effect of vandalismBe positive influence to the communityReport vandalism to the police or the local authority

Be part of a Community Police Forum (CPF)

We will assist you with:þþþþþ

Power failuresLow or high voltage to your systemFaulty prepaid meters/ problems with the prepaid meterUnsafe electricity infrastructureArea lighting

Voice of Emfuleni 52012

Sedibeng Celebrates 72 % Pass Rate For 2011

The Sedibeng District Municipality

( S D M ) a n d E m f u l e n i L o c a l

Municipality (ELM) celebrated the

achievement of 72% matriculation

pass rate by the class of 2011, at a

prestigious event held at the

Vereeniging City Hall on 27 January

2012. MMC for Safety, Councilor Veli

Mcera (ELM), congratulated learners

on their hard work and urged them to

use the bursaries awarded to them

wisely.

MMC responsible for Health and

Emfuleni cleans up Vereeniging

Municipal leadership of the Emfuleni Municipality made surprise visits to brothels in Vereeniging on the 6th March 2012. The raid was part of the municipality's Public Safety Month launch. The raids were carried out with the assistance of SAPS and officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and Home Affairs department.

The unannounced visits were led by Emfuleni Municipality's Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Cllr. Veli Mcera and ward councillor, Kate Skelem. Four sex workers' nests were raided where dozens of girls were arrested for prostitution.

The notorious brothels operate in old buildings and illegal backyard rooms in many streets of the town.

These prostitutes told councillors and cops they were from Qwa-Qwa in the Free State, Randfontein, west of Joburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape Province. They came to Vereeniging to make a living.

It is alleged that a Nigerian sex and drug syndicate operates in the area but all interviewed girls refused to give up the identity of their handlers. Municipal officials promised to check the ownership of the houses that have been turned into brothels.

The property owners will be pursued to pay municipal services including water and electricity. The electricity department will cut off illegal electricity and water supply connections to identified brothels.

The second phase of the raid was carried out at the Vereeniging CBD where informal traders were asked to verify their permits. More than 1 500 counterfeit CDs and DVDs were confiscated by cops. A machine which produces the pirated material was also confiscated. South African Revenue Services officials found businesses operating without licenses.

The health department through its inspectors closed down one shop after it was found that all stock in the store had long expired. The foreign owners were asked to produce documents to prove their legal stay in the country and failed. They were arrested and taken to the Vereeniging cop shop where their statuses were verified.

Clr. Mcera hailed the operation as a success. “This safety campaign will be intensified with more surprise visits to other areas in Emfuleni,” he said.

By Stanley Gaba

Social Development at the Sedibeng

District Municipality, Cllr. Fetty

Mnguni, presented learners with

bursaries sponsored by Arcelor Mittal

and Gauteng Province.

Learners who made this top list

included among others, Pieters Leone

of Tranvalia who scored 94%, Botha

François of Driehoek with 91%, Cele

Thabo of Qedilizwe (83%), Mdakane

Nomthandazo Jennifer of Residensia

(79%).

Top ten Sedibeng West District 8

schools:

1. Hoerskool Suiderlig 99,27 %

2. Driehoek 98,95%

3. Suncrest 98, 31%

4. Lakeside 98,23%

5. Transvalia 98,09%

6. Kgokare 97,95%

7. Vanderbilpark 93, 82%

8. Carel De Wet 92, 91%

9. Vaal High 89,53%

10. Fundulwazi 85%

Five distinctions:Nhlanhla Khumalo - Moqhaka

Ten distinctions: Du Plessis, Annelie, Transvalia

Girl power: L. Legae Suiderlig, P. THABO Vaal High Five distinctions:Mkhwanazi Ashley

Floating shield for top school: Transvalia’s principal,Mr. JR Venske

Receiving awards: Impumelelo Katlego’s Secondary school principal

Save Electicity!Economic use of home appliances can help in

reducing electricity bills.

Arcellor Mittal brings smiles on best performing class of 2011, official hand over of bursary: Charlotte Mthimkulu Ms. Maggie Mopedi acting manager CSI

Busted: By-Law Unit confiscated illegal material.

TIP: Microwaves ovens:Consume 50% less energythan conventional electric

/ gas stoves!

Killing our economy: Cllr. Veli Mcera showing illegal sigarettes confiscated.

By Thabiso Radebe

Emfuleni Fashion Expo and Auction 2012

Voice of Emfuleni 62012

Emfuleni EHP explains operating rules to ECD Centres

Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC) would not have to struggle to understand what is expected of them anymore in order to ope ra te l ega l l y. The Soc ia l Development Department of Emfuleni hosted over 80 ECD centres at the workshop held at Saul Tsotetsi Sport Complex recently. The workshop was aimed at tackling increasing cases of non-compliance creches and ECDC in Emfuleni. The focus of the session was on both municipal bylaws and national regulations.

Speaking to the ECDC managers and owners Mr. Ernest Thoote chief environmental officer gave highlights on the existing regulations to be adhered to by all ECDCs to qualify to get Certificate of Compliance which is renewable after every twelve month period.

Emfuleni is demarcated into three regions, it also emerged in the workshop that Evaton and Sebokeng have been consistency indentified as l e a d i n g w i t h c a s e s o f n o n –compliances therefore leading to closure of total 3 ECD centres based in zone14 and Polokong respectively said chief environmental Mr. Ernest Thoote.

Major reasons for closing down of ECDs are the following:

• Poor Nutrition which expose children to deases

• Overcrowding • Unhygienic conditions • SafetyWorkshop organisers Moitheri

Mohlamme and Hlamalani added that eve ry Env i r onmen ta l Hea l t h

Practioner has the legal authority to do unannounced visits to ECDCs. In the event an ECD certificates has been temporary suspended, the Centre will have another opportunity to re-apply for their certificates but they will revert back to closer monitoring in line with

the Health Act 63 of 1977, applied together with national amended health act 61 of 1993 with ELM environment by laws forming part of compliance procedures.

Key criteria to get certificate of compliance include the following:

passing infections to other kids.• Firsts Aid kit - noting that

children play with every object they come across, it is a requirement for all ECDs to keep first Aid kits.

• Medical report- regulations state that ECDCs must have a documentation of all kids they admit into their facilities with updated health information.

• Journal Book – this is personal file with family information. The information is critical to assist ECDCs not to release children to people who are not authorised to collect them.

ECD managers were warned to stop the practice of using garages as classrooms and putting normal kids in the same class with those with special needs.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n regulations, bylaws and how to start ECDCs, members of the public are urged to contact the following officials during office hours

Mr. Ernest Thoote (co-ordinator) - 072 236 4355

Ms. Mbali Buthelezi- Sharpeville Vereeniging areas- 072 691 0388

Ms. Doreen Maluleke- Boipatong, Bophelong Vanderbijkpark areas- 076 774 3747

Ms. Precious Muvhango- Evaton Sebokeng areas- 073 975 6370

• Every ECD must provide good lighting, with concrete floors and dust proof ceiling to prevent any bacteria that may cause kids to be sick or contaminate their foods.

• Sanitation including removal of night soil and solid waste on regular basis.

• The laws provides that inside the house recommend space must be “1.5 square metre to allow for mental stimulation and educative activities while the outside playing grounds must be a minimum of 2.5 square metres to allow children's to play which is a necessary part of growth of every child.

• Kitchen – it's expected the house must have access to proper sanitation providing water, enough space to allow enough ventilation, safe storage for keeping of dry and perishable foods.

• Sickbay – admitting kids requires that the crèche to have a sick bay in case of outbreak of communicable diseases, and the event of emergency to avoid spread of

By Thabiso Radebe

Save Electicity!

Ripple Relays

Due to shortage of power in the country especially during the peak periods. Emfuleni Local Municipality has embarked on the installation of Ripple Relays in 2011/2012 financial year. This relays are installed next to electrical distribution board in the house and the unit is paid by Emfuleni.

The relay assist the municipality to switch off the geyser in your house to avoid complete black out. The community has the benefit to enjoy the usage of electricity whilst the geyser is off. The switching of geysers on and off normally happens during the peak hours. In the event of the communication failure, the load control unit will automatically operate on its own. The peak hours is from 7h00 to 10h00am and from 18h00 to 20h00.

The community is urged not to fiddle with this

relays. For further information, please contact

our Electricity Control Room on 016 4221656 or

016 4555487. This numbers are manned 24hours,

7 days a week.

Demonstration: Questions and Answers sessions

ECD Empowerment: You need to have daily lessons plans: sharing ideas in a group work

Council priorities Empowerment to enforce its By Laws: EHP explains compliance matters

On the 23 March, Emfuleni held a very successful Fashion Expo at the Vereeniging City Hall.

Pho

to: S

uz-m

an

Voice of Emfuleni 72012

Weather awareness outreach reaches Emfuleni communities

Emfuleni Local Municipality in partnership with the department of Environmental Affairs and the South African Weather Services hosted an outreach programme on weather services at Evaton Fire Station on 14 March 2012. The aim of the outreach programme is to teach communities on the devastation caused by bad weather, what communities need to do under the said climatic conditions, what causes these bad weather and temperatures.

Among the dignitaries that graced the event was the deputy minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Emfuleni's Executive Mayor, Clr. Greta Hlongwane, CEO of South African Weather Services, Dr. Linda Makuleni, General Manager of SWAS, Mr. Mnikeli ndabambi and the programme director was the council speaker, Clr. Msebenzi Gqelosha.

Community members came in large numbers eager to learn more about the weather services. The minister emphasized the role that indigenous knowledge plays in managing disasters. She appreciated the knowledge that the forefather taught many communities.

“We should not stand under the trees when there is lightning, stay away from shiny objects as these objects attracts it and may end up killing you” warned minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi. “This information does not require experts but it is simply there for us to tap into” she explained.

By Stanley Gaba

The minister emphasised that it is important that the municipality should have a working disaster management plan in case of a disaster, and c o m m u n i t i e s m u s t e m p o w e r themselves with adequate information in relation to the environment that they live in. South African weather services m a d e v a l u a b l e i n f o r m a t i v e presentation through the popular Mr. Ndabambi, which left the community in amazement.

Mr Ndabambi explained that “when the weather forecast says there is 60% rain expected in Sebokeng, it has nothing to do with the quantity of the rain to be received, but it shows or informs the viewers or listeners about the probability or chances of rain in

that particular area”. This means that the weather services cannot predict the amount of rain to be received but shows only the chances of receiving it.

He went further to talk about the Early Warning System that is in place and meant to warn people or residents beforehand so as to avert disasters. This system has what is called the informative sign, the watch, the warning and caution which are communicated as weather is predicted.

This outreach was to be extended to Duduza in Nigel, Mout Frere in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal Midlands because these areas are prone to such disasters.

Municipal Manager, Sam Shabalala worried with the increasing acts of vandalism By Stanley Gaba

Emfuleni warns residents and vandals against acts of vandalism and breakdown of the municipal infrastructure. This follows the d e s t r u c t i o n o f e l e c t r i c i t y infrastructure, digging of roads, destructions of robots lights and stop signs and attacks on the homes of councillors in the area during the so-called service delivery protest.

"We shall be taking strong action against individuals responsible for the sabotaging of public property,” says Municipal Manager, Mr. Sam Shabalala.

“I am confident that the vandals will be charged and prosecuted and that more arrests will be made.”

Members of the Emfuleni Mayoral Committee, Veli Mcera (Community Safety) and Sello Pitso (Infrastructure Services and Public Works) met with the South African Police Services in Vanderbijlpark, earlier in the year to address the latest incidents. The meeting at the Vanderbijlpark Police station was also attended by representatives from Eskom.

“We are satisfied that the SAPS understand the gravity of the situation and that they will act decisively aga ins t t hose who damage equipment and engage in mob violence,” Veli Mcera says.

“These acts of sabotage have left many families in Emfuleni without power during the coldest week of the year.”

Following on a request from Execut ive Mayor Hlongwane,

t e c h n i c i a n s f r o m E l e c t r i c i t y Department had to move into the Vanderbijlpark area in the early hours of the morning to restore power to more than 600 households who pay for their electricity but were disconnected because of the vandalism.

These were after the Bush Buck Substation network in Vanderbijlpark were torn apart. These substations were secured with burglar doors but they were removed to be sold to scrap-yards, and the same time securing these areas as their homes.

E l e c t r i c i t y D e p a r t m e n t i s continuing with repairs to the damaged infrastructure and substations. The municipality is appealing to the communities to report anyone entering the substations. Communities are also encouraged to meet with the officials of the department to discuss issues related to electricity.

M u n i c i p a l M a n a g e r, S a m Shabalala apologises to residents who a r e c o n t i n u o u s l y b e i n g inconvenienced by these outages. “There is a very small minority of ringleaders responsible for the damage”.

More than 60% of Emfuleni residents are paying for their electricity – and we will ensure that they receive the services they are entitled to” he says.

He also called on the community to support the SAPS, the Emfulenis' traffic and By-Law Unit by reporting acts of vandalism, illegal connections and cable theft.

South African Weather Service: Kenosi Machapa offers Life Orientation to Evaton secondary schools learners .

lessonson weather and climate change

Protocol: Executive Mayor Greta Hlongwane welcomes Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Deputy Minister of Water and Environment Affairs

Home Affairs

At your service: Are your home affairs documents legal? Emfuleni Home Affairs Stakeholders Forum: Cllr. Msebenzi

Gqelosha, Speaker of Council (serves also as chairperson of the forum.

.

seen here with forum members),

Vandalised: Bush-Buck Substation

Exposed: Substation cables

Tips toTips to

Save Electicity!Turn off the lights when not in useSwitch off, unplug and save.Always wash only with full loads.Prefer natural drying over electricity dryers.

þ

þ

þ

þ

Voice of Emfuleni 82012

Emfuleni Local Municipality hosts successful sports indaba

Emfuleni Local Municipality through the department of Sports, Arts and Culture hosted a successful sports indaba at Mphatlalatsane Theatre in Zone 14 at Sebokeng on 25 February 2012. The fruitful sports indaba was attended by sports f e d e r a t i o n s , a d m i n i s t r a t o r s , individuals and legends of various sporting codes.

The indaba was addressed by the Member of the Mayoral Committee, Clr Shaka Radebe, who was highly pleased with the attendance by the sports federations. The indaba was hosted in an attempt to improve the standard of sports in the Emfuleni region. This was the first ever event around sport to be hosted in this region.

This is the municipality's attempt to assist the national department of sports in its attempt to revive sport in schools and in the townships. These efforts are aimed at assisting to

develop national sporting heroes in different codes.

In his humbling welcome, he thanked every participant who honoured his invitation to be part of the historical sports indaba. “The only thing that we need to do is work together to achieve our objective, which is to produce national and international athletes. This region is well known for producing superstars such as Simon “Bull” Lehoko, Augustine “Mthakathi” Makalakalane, Aaron “AK47” Kabi and many more athletes” proudly explained Shaka Radebe.

Some of the key issues discussed during the indaba included, among others, mass participation, school sport, sport infrastructure, competitive sport. “We must continue to contribute positively to illustrate the importance of physical activities” concluded a happy Shaka Radebe.

Key resolutions taken were that the

By Stanley Gaba

Act on Safety at Spor t and Recreational Events be adhered to at all times (Act no. 2 of 2010), that an athletics' event to be named the “Human Rights Race” be registered with Athletics South Africa and staged within Emfuleni on an annual basis, that a multi-coded “Sports Tournament against Crime and Drug Abuse” be staged within Emfuleni during 2012, that a “Healthy Fun Walk” be staged within Emfuleni during August 2012 and that the emphasis regarding participants be on older people, that “Legends Tournaments” be organized on a regular basis, that national colours and emblems be promoted on an ongoing and regular basis, that Sport Facilities within Emfuleni Local Municipality's area of jurisdiction be leased to Emfuleni Sport Council and that a declaration amongst all relevant stakeholders be signed.

Traffic lights installed atDangerous Delfos road

Delfos road is a major arterial route in the industrial hub of Vanderbilpark and experiences heavy traffic during peak hours flowing from Gauteng to Free State.

Emfuleni traffic department's statistics show that this route is notorious due to countless number of accidents involving pedestrians and head on vehicles collusion. Arcellor Mittal invested R350 000 in the installation of new traffic lights which were unveiled on the 12 April 2012 By the Executive Mayor of Emfuleni, Clr Greta Hlongwane.

With Ms. Maggie Mopedi acting manager CSI leading the Arcellor Mittal delegation.

During the brief hand over ceremony in her acceptance speech Mayor Hlongwane said she is happy about the flourishing partnership between ELM and Arcellor Mittal. On its part, ELM committed to provide maintenance and prioritize installation of street lights in the area to improve visibility and safety for the community.

The new installed traffic lights are expected to significantly reduce high incidents of pedestrian fatalities.

Ms Maggie Mopedi, Acting Manager: Corporate Social Investment at Mittal retorded that the traffic light will help the Emfuleni municipality contain vehicles accidents. She said because of this intervention, pedestrians and motorists will be able to negotiate the intersection safely. Incidentally, Mittal has also lost an employee at this dangerous intersection. Therefore their intervention will benefit the community from where they draw their workforce.

By Thabiso Radebe

Emfuleni Local sports Federation: Zakes Ncayi (president Emfuleni Sports Council), Mr, Fannie Mokoena (Gauteng SRAC Director for

“Sports Hub“ mass participation), Bennet Mosebi chairperson Emfuleni football masters

Boxing: MMC Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Shaka Radebe with some

former boxing heroes.Promoting Road Safety: Arcellor Mittal handing over robots to Emfuleni Executive Mayor Greta Hlongwane.

ELM convenes Mini People's Assembly for IDPs As part of its preparation for the State of the Municipality Address, the Emfuleni Local Municipality

kick started thee process of IDP consultation with a staging of a Mini-People's Assembly on Monday, 16 April 2012. The Assembly was attended mainly by ward committee members drawn from across 45 Ward Committees in Emfuleni. Members as representatives of their constituencies were engaged on the entire IDP processes. Valuable information was shared relating to developments in their respective areas. Ward Committee were also informed of their responsibilities and duties which included amongst others the relaying information to ordinary community members in their respective wards and making them aware of the process of submitting comments, inputs and representations to the municipality. The Assembly also focused on process of compiling the budget for the 2012/13

By Paseka Rakosa

financial year including the proposed operational and capital expenditure thereof. The presentation was made by the Executive Mayor, Clr Greta Hlongwane.

Members were also received presentations on public safety, bylaws and new guidelines on safety guidelines for events which were done by MMC Shaka Radebe (Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture) and MMC Veli Mcera (Public Safety).

IDP meetings are spearheaded by the Office of the Speaker, Clr Msebenzi Gqelosha and takes place from 17 April until 08 May 2012. Members of the public who are not able to attend meetings can access the draft budget and IDP at various municipal offices and libraries. Those who have access to the internet can visit ELM website at www.emfuleni.gov.za or contact the IDP office at (016) 950 5092.

Community members making their contribution.