A lot of tragedies occurred during the cold winter June days.

• On June 15, the community had just learnt of the passing of one of the most prominent names in the Middelburg music scene. Tributes from fans and friends were pouring in after they learnt of the tragic passing of Takalani ‘Dosline’ Mkanzi, a well-known DJ and music producer. He was also the driving force at many other events in Middelburg and Mhluzi, and an avid supporter of local young and upcoming talent.

Read more here: Tributes pour in for popular DJ Dosline after sudden passing.

• What started as a sunny day quickly turned sombre after residents learnt of the tragic passing of a seven-year-old little girl who was struck by a truck on Meyer Street. The girl was out on a bike ride with her brothers when she was hit by the truck.

Read more here: Prayers for first responders, CPF-family, in street where seven year old died.

• The old Middelburg Hospital woes didn’t seem to want to end when hospital personnel started with demonstrations on June 6, with the demand that ‘management must go’, as working conditions at the hospital continued to decay. The demonstrations started after nursing and cleaning staff became fed up with a lack of clean linen, hot water, a shortage of nursing staff, and outstanding overtime compensation. Informants told the Middelburg Observer how patients had no choice but to bring their own blankets or sleep on bare mattresses.

Read more here: Management at home, DoH investigates Middelburg Hospital.