Highveld Chronicle issue 357

Businesses show unwavering support in VKLM’s Mayoral Academic Awards

Delmas – Victor Khanye Local Municipality, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education and local businesses, celebrated the academic achievements of the Class of 2025 at Mafa Max Motloung Secondary School hall on 11 February 2026.

Schwarz Coal Mine workers go months without full payment due to financial woes

Workers at the Schwarz Coal Noordhulp site say they have gone months without full payment due to financial troubles facing the mine. In addition to this, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources slammed the mine with a section 54 notice on 21 November 2025.

Kaizer Chiefs signed Royal Classic Football Club goalkeeper Kea Semeya

Kaizer Chiefs signed Keabetswe “Kea” Semenya (14) from Tweefontein K for its Under-14 division as a goalkeeper in late January 2026. This milestone ignited pride in his community and has inspired his local club, Royal Classic Football Club.

ANC and EFF power-sharing deal removes Mathunyane as Steve Tshwete speaker

The African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supported a motion of no confidence against the first EFF speaker Thato Mathunyane on 10 February 2026.

SMezi Da Artist’s purpose is to produce healing music

eMalahleni — “I want my music to meet people where they are, whether they are in joy or in pain, and always leave them with hope and direction.”

Why were MK members denied to donate school uniforms?

The MK Party accuses the education department of engaging in political games after their efforts to donate uniforms and dignity packs to underprivileged students at Phumulela Secondary School in Middelburg were thwarted.

Discovery of buried person in Buhlebesizwe backyard and rumour of more dead bodies leads to vigilantism

Buhlebesizwe — A 23-year-old first reported missing at Buhlebesizwe, Kwaggafontein, was found buried in a backyard garden three streets away from his home. The deceased, Karabo Kitima, was last allegedly seen with acquittance Sanele Mngomezulu (30). He has since been charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice.

Murder accused Adriaan van Tonder fatally shot neighbour in the eye over water dispute

Grief and anger filled the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 as Adriaan van Tonder (71) made his first court appearance on a charge of murder after fatally shooting Calvin Mothoa (33), allegedly during a dispute over water access at shared property in Eloff.

Emalahleni Municipality fails to account as Phola residents go weeks without water

It has been 14 days without water supply for Phola residents and some have gone as long as three months. The community took to the streets on 11 February 2026, accusing the eMalahleni Local Municipality of failing to provide a basic service despite households continuing to pay their municipal bills.

Scores of learners show up to get their books covered

The Cover My Book Foundation SA hosted its fourth annual flagship charity drive at Hlalanikahle Primary School on Saturday, 07 February 2026. Volunteers wrapped schoolbooks for learners from five primary schools in the area.

Scores of learners show up to get their books covered

The Cover My Book Foundation SA hosted its fourth annual flagship charity drive at Hlalanikahle Primary School on Saturday, 07 February 2026. Volunteers wrapped schoolbooks for learners from five primary schools in the area.

Health MEC Sasekani Manzini deploys four doctors to Thembisile Hani clinics

The Mpumalanga Health MEC Sasekani Manzini announced during an oversight on 09 February 2026 that residents of Thembisile Hani Local Municipality now have access to four full-time doctors deployed at Moloto, Thembalethu, Vlaklaagte and Kwaggafontein clinics.

Liberty Coal’s aggressive donation of 1,000 uniform packs change lives in Steve Tshwete

About 250 learners at Mthobeni Primary School in Middelburg received school uniforms from Liberty Coal. This is part of the mine’s drive to donate 1,000 uniform packs (shoes, shirts, trousers and tunics) to schools in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

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