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Annual Audited Report 2017-18

World Environment Day Celebration

Merafong City Local Municipality held an event at Boiteko Special School in Khutsong in June to Celebrate World Environment day which is an important day to celebrate as the environment we live in is of importance to be taken care of each and every day. This significant day comes as a reminder on how crucial the environment is to us and we as citizens have a role to play in taking care of our surrounding areas. The school’s principal Ronnie Tsaagane kickstarted the celebration with a warm welcome to all the guests and learners present. Amongst other guests were Merafong City’s Members of Mayoral Committee (MMCs), the West Rand District Municipality, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) and the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) officials.The municipality’s MMC for Environment Cllr L. Lephuting explained the importance of individuals playing their roles in taking care of the environment. According to Cllr Lephuting, the community needs to use the resources given to them by government sparingly. She requested that the bins for collecting waste must be utilized accordingly and that the community should throw waste in those bins for it to be collected by the Solid Waste Section weekly and that by doing that the environment stays clean and keep us away from the germs contracted through unhygienic places. The DEA’s also had an opportunity to address all the attendees on the importance of our environment, and she said, “World Environment Day encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment, in over 100 countries. Each year United Nations chooses one city where this day can be celebrated officially. This year, China will host the global World Environment Day celebrations under the theme, ‘Air Pollution’. The Environment is the surroundings that humans, animals or plants live in. It's everything that makes up our surroundings and affects our ability to live on the earth e.g. the air we breathe, the water that covers most of the earth's surface, land, plants and animals.

World Environment day is about protecting our environment. For example we shouldn’t litter or burn waste as this may cause air pollution. When the air is polluted we may be at risk of developing respiratory diseases like asthma. World Environment day also requires that we use our natural resources sparingly. For example we shouldn’t waste water or electricity. Water is a scarce resource and coal is used when making electricity which contributes to air pollution and climate change. It is important to protect the environment so that even future generations can be able to live in a clean and healthy environment.” The celebration was concluded by the Learners who had prepared a skeet to perform and sang for the audiences based on environment issues.

Khutsong Extensions Load Shedding 27 June 2019 (2)

MERAFONG WATER CONTINGENCY PLAN UPDATE 2 - 27 JUNE 2019

Rand Water has concluded the 54 hour shutdown and are recharging their network. Pressure will start increasing on Thursday, 27 June 2019. Merafong Water Section would like to thank all residents who responded when asked to use water at minimum levels. We would also like to thank all the employees who have been working long hours to ensure that residents are least affected during this period. Merafong Councill requests consumers to continue using water sparingly - MERAFONG WATER SECTION

MERAFONG CONTINGENCY PLAN - RANDWATER SHUTDOWN

Rand Water has informed Merafong of a shutdown in water supply scheduled from 24 to 27 June 2019. Certain areas may experience a shortage of water or low water pressure due to reduced water provision. Water shut down was communicated to Merafong consumers via all media platforms. ? Anticipate low water pressure in some areas. ? Areas with direct feeds from Rand Water and those in high-lying areas may be affected adversely and will be among the areas that will be prioritized. ? As such, residents and businesses are cautioned to conserve water and implement immediate water saving measures to avoid complete depletion of supply. ? Technicians will closely monitor water levels in the reservoirs and water tankers will be provided in the areas with no water supply. Merafong contingency plan ? Merafong will keep their bulk supply reservoirs to a maximum capacity to minimize water supply interruptions. ? Containers (JoJo water tanks) in informal areas will be filled up during this period. ? Technicians will closely monitor water levels in the reservoirs and water tankers will be provided in the areas with no water supply. ? 2 Departmental and 6 private water trucks are available to assist in areas with no or limited supply. ? Pressure management and throttling the supply will also be implemented where necessary and some areas will receive water on a rotational basis. ? Other measures to be implemented by Merafong include securing the supply by filling the reservoirs which may include closing off supply and will be communicated via all media platforms. We wish to reassure residents that our team has put sufficient measures in place to make sure Merafong residents are least affected during this period and the following technicians can be contacted during the shutdown;

SOUTHERN AREA: NORTHERN AREA: Fochville, Kokosi, Greenspark, Wedela Carletonville , Khutsong, Blybank, Welverdiend - Leah Moelane (071 856 5198) - Peter Khangale (079 691 6085) - Karin Strydom (082 517 6153) - Masontaga Ranoka (072 643 4187) - Mathapelo Ngonyama (078 171 9470) MERAFONG CALL CENTRE : 018 788 9601 and 018 788 9032 AFTER HOURS : 011 010 1500 MERAFONG WATER

RAND WATER MAJOR SHUTDOWN 24 - 27 JUNE 2019

Rand Water indicated a planned shutdown from 24 – 27 June 2019 to all consumers within the jurisdiction area of the Merafong City Local Municipality including the mines and other bulk consumers. It was emphasized by Rand Water that, as a result of dolomite activities within our area, the Carletonville, Khutsong South and Khutsong North reservoirs were decommissioned and that no spare capacity exist to provide water to the communities during this shutdown and that the residential areas are receiving water directly from the Rand Water feeding pipes. Merafong City areas will receive restricted water and the following need to be communicated to all consumers: 1. That water will be restricted to the different areas in consultation with Merafong City Local Municipality. 2. That residents and bulk consumers be urged to use the minimum water during this period. 3. That all households must ensure to have sufficient water available during this period. 4. That high laying areas can be without water.

PRESS STATEMENT

The municipality has in the recent past experienced high instances of vandalism and damage to municipal infrastructure, resulting in losses to the value of Millions of rands. Electrical Infrastructure was specifically targeted, resulting in electricity outages and the malfunctioning of water and sewer pump stations. Several sewage spillages have been experienced. These occurrences have a serious impact on municipal service delivery and impact negatively on the financial position of the municipality. Services disruptions also impact negatively on our communities and businesses

Khutsong South Load Shedding Schedule

Public Notice Load Shedding Khutsong South 22 May 2019

MERAFONG MUNICIPALITY INVITATION

SMME Workshop in Carletonville

On the 11TH April 2019 Merafong City Local Municipality Local Economic Development & Tourism Department hosted a SMME workshop at the Carletonville Civic Centre in partnership with Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), (South African Revenue Services) (SARS) and the Central Supplier Database (CSD). The purpose of this workshop was to give people information on how they could access the services of the organisations that were present. Most of the residents had trouble or difficulty in knowing how to go about getting the necessary help in aquiring the services especially the people that wanted to start their own businesses but not having funding to start. A representative from the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Sipho Mahlangu, explained what the GEP was offering to people who wanted to start the small businesses in the area and how they could be helped. He further explained that GEP will ensure that through its financial and non – financial programmes, the SMMEs and co-operatives are able to participate in these sectors of the economy. According to Mahlangu, GEP offers a startup kit grant with R9000 for a small business to kick start its operations through a non-financial support grant. They can also get financial support as well in a form of a loan which they have to pay back over a period of time. GEP not only offers funding to small businesses but also personal services, it delivers customized business solutions that assists entrepreneurs to run their businesses efficiently, which also includes facilitating CIPC registration, providing business advice and commissioning business development support interventions, assistance with the development of a business plan, project preparation, due diligence (handholding), provision of post investment and aftercare services to the supported SMME. SARS Tryphina Lefofana in the Branch Operation Engagement Department also made a presentation on the importance of why businesses must pay tax and be compliant.

All registered businesses must be registered with SARS and have a tax number which is applicable to your business operating. Income tax returns must be requested by registered taxpayers every year. The year of assessment for individuals covers 12 months, beginning on 1 March and ending on the final day of February the following year. Companies are permitted to have a tax year ending on a date that coincides with their financial year. The Act also provides for certain classes of taxpayers to have a year of assessment ending on a day other than the last day of February. Tax returns must be submitted to SARS on the date given. Individuals are required to submit their income tax returns on or before the date published by notice annually in the government gazette. Companies are required to submit an income tax return within 12 months from the date on which its financial year ends. People whose income comes from sources other than a wage - such as a trade, profession or investments and companies - are required to submit two provisional tax returns and where applicable to make two provisional tax payments during the course of the tax year and may opt for a third "topping-up" payment six months after the end of the tax year. Central Supplier Database people were also present giving the procedures of registering into their database, they also mentioned that SMME businesses that wanted to register on their database could do it in having all the required documents, and they could be assisted in doing so for any registered business wanting to make business with the Government The workshop was a very informative and people got the necessary information needed to accesses the services offered to them to improve and better their spaces in business.

Elijah Barayi Commemoration Merafong City Local Municipality together with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) hosted a commemoration of the late trade unionist and liberation struggle hero Elijah Barayi, one of the greatest revolutionaries and worker leader at the Carletonville Multipurpose Sports Complex. The event started at the gravesite of the late Elijah Barayi at West Wits Cemetery. It was declared to be a Provincial Heritage site by the Premier of Gauteng David Makhura together with the MEC for Sports and Recreation Faith Mazibuko, the Executive Mayor Maphefo Mogale Letsie, the family of Elijah Barayi and the members National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) as well as COSATU. The Executive Mayor opened the doors by welcoming everyone who had come to share this special day with the family, and honour the history behind Elijah Barayi. In her opening speech, Mogale Letsie said, “As we today declare the gravesite of Elijah we are making a mark of the struggles. We as people have been through and are making it a priority for future generations to learn about the history of good leaders who played a role to change the systems in the mining working environment in the apartheid era. This day should be remembered for it goes down as a special history we have in Merafong and we should cherish it and learn from it. Makhura declared the site a Provincial Heritage site and mentioned that from now on the grave of the late Elijah Barayi would be protected and would foresee that security is at site to guard that nothing is damaged at this gravesite as previously the grave got damaged and part of the tombstone got vandalized and part of it got stolen. The event then proceeded to the R501 road to be renamed, the R501 will be officially changed and renamed to Elija Barayi in future in honour of him and to make his mark.

A walk about then followed at a mega human settlements project near Welverdiend. The project started in June 2017 and is set to deliver 12 786 houses and plans to develop a school, a clinic and an industrial park in the area are also in progress which will be completed around 2023 to be fully developed. The event commenced to phase 3 where the main event was at the Sports Complex whereby many people awaited to be addressed on the updates of the project and to be given a memorial lecture of the late Elijah Barayi, the former President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe arrived at the venue to give a memorial lecture of the struggle icon. Premier David Makhura then awarded a posthumous Special Recognition Award to Ntate Elijah Barayi for his pioneering role in advancing the struggles of workers. The award was accepted by the son and daughter of Ntate Barayi.

Stock Theft Farmers Day The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development together with Merafong City Local Municipality alongside with Local Economic and Rural Development gathered the farmers of Merafong at Carletonville Civic Centre. The primary purpose of the gathering was to have an open conversation with the local farmers on new technology that has emerged that will assist them in their field, as well as providing with information on how to protect their livestock as a means of reducing stock theft. Galaletsang Hutang from Agricultural Research Council gave an informative talk about the genetic service which is the DNA that the institute offers for the livestock. As a farmer it is important to take sample of your livestock to the council so they may have the DNA sample of your stock and the details of stock owner as a measure of identifying who the livestock belongs to in case of theft. She gave a mention that stock DNA is the same as human DNA as they are found in the blood, bones, hair, skin or teeth. Pranisha Soma from the same institution also said that as from 1st of April 2019, parent identification method is to be implemented in the area of Merafong as a means of identifying to whom the livestock belongs to. Colonel Majingo from South African Police Services (SAPS) addressed the farmers on procedures to follow once your livestock has been stolen; this topic was an indication that farmers are experiencing difficulties of theft in the surrounding town of Merafong, as they expressed their concerns and grievances. She indicated that farmers should know the number of livestock they own by constantly keeping record. If it happens that the livestock is missing immediately farmers should contact the SAPS and the stock theft officials. The stock theft officials will conduct an investigation upon the information you provide to ensure that they locate your stock. If it happens that the stock has been already slaughtered, the stock owner has to open a case against the perpetrators. Hence it is important to keep record of the stock sample through Life Stock Identification Catalogue (Lid CAT). Upon the discussion Ms.Lerato Makganya from the Department of Forestry and Fishery delivered an informative talk about the importance of branding. By branding your livestock you make it easy not just for yourself but for the stock theft officials to be able to correctly identify your stock in terms of theft. She identified several techniques which farmers should use when branding their livestock such as tattooing. It is a marking technique in which a permanent mark is placed in an unobtrusive area such as on the ear of an animal, ear notching is a simple and handy method to identify animals individually from a distance. There is an ascent technique which is still used which is burning, the farmer can brand its livestock by lightly burning it in an area that will be noticed by them. She also indicated the importance of not telling other people where you have marked you livestock, as it is your own secrete location.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

The holiday season is filled with happiness and celebration, but it can also be a time of danger for road users. it seems everyone is in a hurry trying to wrap up their shopping and enjoy festive celebrations. But as you’re dashing around town, it’s important to keep road safety top of mind, as the streets are busier and drivers are distracted by their holiday to-do lists. You are urged to be more careful on the roads. Here are a few friendly tips to ensure your Festive season is a safe one:

• DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE Drunk driving is a major contributory factor to road crashes and road deaths in South Africa. If you going to a Christmas party and plan to indulge in a drink or two and get merry, don’t drive. Stay the night or plan a safe alternative to get homes such as a cab or designated driver.

• SLOW DOWN In the rush to get to a Christmas party or do your Christmas shopping before the malls close, you may be tempted to speed. But police presence is greater on the roads both day and night throughout the season, and a speeding ticket and possible accidents are not likely on your holiday wish list.

• WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT Always buckle up. Wearing your seat belt can reduce your risk of dying in a crash by about half. Also, make sure young passengers are buckled into appropriate safety seats.

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• WATCH FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES. In an emergency, every second count. When you hear a siren, be sure to pull off to the side of the road to allow the ambulance, police car or fire truck to pass.

• OBEY ROAD RULES Always obey the rules of the road. They are there for a reason. Stay within the speed limits at all times

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• CARRY AN EMERGENCY KIT Always be prepared. The kit should include items that would come in handy if you are stranded on the side of the road or involved in a vehicle accident.

• PULL OFF THE ROAD IF YOU FEEL TIRED Please don’t try to drive when your eyes are shutting; you could kill yourself or others if you fall asleep. Have turns driving if there is another licensed person in the vehicle. Stop regularly to take breaks.

• PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TIPS BE VISIBLE Make sure you’re visible to drivers at all times and make eye contact with them whenever possible. This is especially important at night, in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn or in inclement weather. Wear lightly colored or reflective clothing at night and brightly colored clothing during the day. Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street. If possible, make eye contact with drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them.

• STAY ALERT – AVOID DISTRACTIONS Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember that, as a pedestrian, your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out. • Put down your phone. Smartphones and handheld electronic devices are a daily part of life, but they take your eyes off of the road and distract your attention. Don’t wear headphones. Your ears will tell you a lot about what is happening around you – be sure to use them.

• FOLLOW THE RULES  Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals. You need to be aware of the rules, vehicles around you must follow to properly anticipate what drivers will do. This will help increase your safety. • Never assume a driver will give you the right of way. Make every effort to make eye contact with the driver of a stopped or approaching vehicle before entering the roadway.

• WALK IN SAFE PLACES Use crosswalks when crossing the street. If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find the most well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street. • Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers. • Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.

• AVOID ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Almost half of all traffic crashes resulting in pedestrian casualties involve alcohol consumption. Alcohol impairs your decision-making skills, physical reflexes and other abilities just as much on your feet as it does behind the wheel.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS TO ALWAYS HAVE WITH YOU: TRAFFIC : 018 788 9712 FOCHVILLE SAPS : 018 771 1103 CARLETONVILLE SAPS : 018 788 3000/6/7 107 CENTRE : 011 010 1500