MBCF sets hardball plan into motion 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 August 2022 Over R300 million is blown on salaries, with the municipality employing more than 50 “managers” amongst the staff. The Msukaligwa Business & Community Forum (MBCF) unveiled their plan of forcing service delivery from Msukaligwa Local Municipality during a meeting at the Ermelo Inn on Wednesday, 10 August 2022. A satisfactory turnout of residents and business owners marked the event, where the chairperson, Janice Conradie, set forth the plan of action. Conradie stated that the municipality is on the verge of complete collapse, unless drastic measures are implemented. Part of the plan to force delivery of services include, but are not limited to a mass dispute of faulty accounts across the board and a plan to have residents and businesses withhold payments to put pressure on the municipality to step up to the plate. Conradie also told the Tribune that Gert Sibande District Municipality will be involved, and the matter will be escalated to a provincial and national level. A high level meeting with Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is also on the schedule. However, the complacency of the residents and businesses in Ermelo needs to come to and end if the plan is to be successfully implemented. Every resident needs to take a stand against the municipality, which consistently fails to deliver their mandated service. Rampant corruption, politicking and constant infighting has a bleak and distressing effect on Ermelo and the Msukaligwa region. Mismanagement and a lack of strong, honest and consistent leadership has the municipality sinking at an alarming rate. According to the MBCF, the municipality is more than R200 million in arrears with their Eskom account, hence the frustrating load reduction. In addition to the monthly bill they have to service, they have to fork out an additional 15% interest on the arrears amount. Over R300 million is blown on salaries, with the municipality employing more than 50 “managers” amongst the staff. This alone takes a huge chunk of the flimsy operating budget. Conradie also says that the municipality has over R20 million allocated for the installation of new, modern water meters, but they fail to utilize the funds in a manner that is seen fit. The new meters would eliminate the need of manual water meter readings, and would also halt the illegal practice of estimating water usage figures. Shockingly, the municipality also owes the Rand Water Board close to R1 billion, despite the municipality going on record on several previous occasions, stating that the account is serviced sufficiently. The MBCF implores residents to apply for membership, as a large collective of residents are needed to get the plan off the ground. Conradie has told the Tribune that they are convening with higher authorities, as well as their advocate, to compile a clear, concise and comprehensive plan of action to be launched at the next meeting, which is to be announced soon. The date will be made available as soon as all affairs are in order. You may view the video of the meeting on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

No mask, no taxi 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 26 January 2021 A mask can be a cloth face mask, a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers both the mouth and nose. Amidst the second wave of COVID-19 in the country, taxi associations warned that the public needs to be more vigilant than before. A taxi driver, owner or operator may not allow any commuter not wearing a mask to get into any form of public transport. Some commuters and operators have become complacent with the regulations, allowing all manner of contravention. This has raised serious concerns within taxi associations, as it puts both commuters and drivers in danger of getting exposed to COVID-19. “We have lost some of our members to this virus and we have heard many other families out there losing loved ones. This should be a wake-up call to all of us. This second wave of the virus is dangerous and it is killing people daily. The passengers need to understand they cannot wear a mask while outside the taxi and then take it off when they get in. It is very important that they all follow the regulations all the time. The members of the association can work in unity with the public to fight this. We have WhatsApp groups on which we communicate and share information regarding regulations. We also talk about challenges the taxi operators face while transporting people.” one of the associations stated. According to the Department of Transport’s COVID-19 regulations, a mask can be a cloth face mask, a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers both the mouth and nose. < Previous Article Next Article >

In the Science department, 28 of the 68 learners scored above 70% which include 9 A's. Wiskunde en Wetenskap vang gees 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 In the Science department, 28 of the 68 learners scored above 70% which include 9 A's. Die Wiskunde en Wetenskap departemente spog met nuwe hempies en uitstaande uitslae in die Gr 12 2020 eksamen. Wiskunde vier die 17de jaar van 100% slaagsyfer met 21 onderskeidings en 20 B-simbole. Die Top 5 leerders spog boonop almal met n gemiddeld bo 90%. Die Wetenskap uitslae staan ook nie terug nie en 28 van die 68 leerders slaag met n persentasie bo 70% waarvan 9 onderskeidings is. Die top 5 leerders in die vak het ook almal bo 90%! Math and Science - hard work with a smile! The Math and Science departments proudly display their new shirts as well as their excellent results during the 2020 exam. The Math department completed the 17th year with a 100% pass rate, 21 A's and 20 B's in the bag. The top 5 learners in the subject all scored above 90%. In the Science department, 28 of the 68 learners scored above 70% which include 9 A's! The top 5 learners in the subject all scored above 90%! < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Toyota gee terug aan die gemeenskap Op die foto verskyn die bestuur van Ermelo Toyota, saam met Chimèn Janse van Rensburg van die CMR Carolina. Op die foto verskyn die bestuur van Ermelo Toyota, saam met Annelize Marè van die Ermelo SAVF. Op die foto verskyn die bestuur van Ermelo Toyota, saam met Saretha Ferns van Annebel Ermelo. Op die foto verskyn die bestuur van Ermelo Toyota, saam met Chimèn Janse van Rensburg van die CMR Carolina. 1/4 Share SM HATTINGH 3 November 2021 Ermelo Toyota wil weer die gemeenskap bedank vir hulle getroue ondersteuning gedurende hul jaarlikse gholfdag. Ermelo Toyota het tydens hul jaarliks gholfdag ‘n bedrag van R90 000 ingesamel deur verskeie items wat opgeveil is, onder andere ‘n skaap wat opgeveil was met die finale bie van R33 500. Die eienaar en die bestuur van Ermelo Toyota het dit goed gedink om die gelde wat ingesamel is, aan verskeie instansies te skenk. Die CMR Carolina, Ermelo SAVF, Ermelo CMR en Annebel was gekies om skenkings te ontvang. Ermelo Toyota wil weer die gemeenskap bedank vir hulle getroue ondersteuning gedurende hul jaarlikse gholfdag. < Previous Article Next Article >

Strife within the ANC continues 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 February 2022 Resignation would force the municipality into by-elections. On Thursday, 27 January, ANC members opposing the alleged corruption, nepotism and fraud within the structures of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), as well as the regional branch of the ANC Gert Sibande, gathered at the gates of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM). These steely protestors are standing their ground against the alleged plot by the regional ANC and corrupt entities within the municipality. The group also stands on behalf of the present board of councillors at MLM, who have repeatedly highlighted the corruption that drills to the core of the municipality. The executive mayor, Cllr Mahlalela, have also made her stance against corrupt acitivities within the establishment quite clear, and has subsequently been accused of defying instructions from the ANC regional executive committee (REC). It had been stated in a memorandum that the REC has resolved to have her recalled, along with the chief whip, Cllr Buthelezi, and the speaker, Cllr Mandini, effectively dissolving the Troika, which consists of these members. The sudden recall and infighting within the ANC hierarchy is the result of an explosive list of corrupt activities that has been ongoing for years withing the municipality, laid bare by the current councillors and Troika. The Troika has refused to step down, claiming that they are being bullied into turning a blind eye to corruption. The councillors also claim that the REC has ordered a halt on the investigation lodged against a dodgy tender awarded to 303 Security to the tune of R103 million. According to the councillors, this is just one of many instances of where the chain of supply has been circumvented to benefit a select few individuals. It has been confirmed that the executive mayor has opened criminal cases against the said company, as well as he director of community and social services. The ANC REC claims that there is no vendetta, and that the recall comes after a “glitch in the ANC registration of the candidates”. However, councillors are having none of this, citing that the PR list has been altered by the REC, and that the IEC is in cahoots with those fiddling with official documentation. The councillors, along with a large mass of the community, has taken a firm stance, also verifying that the PR list was different to the original list. This list has been the topic of debate for an extended period of time. The councillors have threatened to resign in unison should the REC continue to, according to council, interfere with the daily operations of the municipality. Resignation would force the municipality into by-elections. < Previous Article Next Article >

A vigorous manhunt has been launched by police in Mpumalanga following an incident where two dangerous suspects escaped from lawful custody earlier today, Tuesday 26 January 2021. The suspects are 24-year-old Sabelo Nkosi, and Njabulo Nsibande aged 27. The duo are said to have escaped at Gert Sibande District near Ermelo Correctional Centre. They were being transported from Breyten Magistrate's Court to the Correctional facility. Nkosi and Nsibande were initially arrested after they reportedly committed various offences in December 2016. These offences include murder, attempted murder, two counts of rape as well as two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and were both on trial for the said charges. The escapees appeared before the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court which was sitting at Breyten on Monday, 25 January 2021. Police urge members of the public including families of the suspects, to assist with information that may lead to their re-arrest. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mmabatho Mafate on 072 610 5768 from Ermelo Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MY SAPS APP which can be downloaded to any smartphone. All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. An internal investigation, that will look into how these suspects escaped, is underway. Manhunt for escaped duo launched by SAPS Manhunt for escaped duo launched by SAPS 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 27 January 2021 An internal investigation, that will look into how these suspects escaped, is underway. A vigorous manhunt has been launched by police in Mpumalanga following an incident where two dangerous suspects escaped from lawful custody earlier today, Tuesday 26 January 2021. The suspects are 24-year-old Sabelo Nkosi, and Njabulo Nsibande aged 27. The duo are said to have escaped at Gert Sibande District near Ermelo Correctional Centre. They were being transported from Breyten Magistrate's Court to the Correctional facility. Nkosi and Nsibande were initially arrested after they reportedly committed various offences in December 2016. These offences include murder, attempted murder, two counts of rape as well as two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and were both on trial for the said charges. The escapees appeared before the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court which was sitting at Breyten on Monday, 25 January 2021. Police urge members of the public including families of the suspects, to assist with information that may lead to their re-arrest. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mmabatho Mafate on 072 610 5768 from Ermelo Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MY SAPS APP which can be downloaded to any smartphone. All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. An internal investigation, that will look into how these suspects escaped, is underway. < Previous Article Next Article >

Daar was ‘n groot verskeidenheid pryse vir die 160 spelers wat ingeskryf was vir die gholfdag. Erries spog trots met nog ‘n suksesvolle EHS-Gholfdag 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 16 March 2021 Daar was ‘n groot verskeidenheid pryse vir die 160 spelers wat ingeskryf was vir die gholfdag. Op Saterdag, 6 Maart, het Hoërskool Ermelo hulle jaarlikse gholfdag met groot sukses aangebied. Dit is elke jaar ‘n projek wat deur die Errieraad se ouers aangebied word, en die gemeenskap se betrokkenheid spreek boekdele oor die positiewe gesindheid teenoor EHS. Daar was ‘n groot verskeidenheid pryse vir die 160 spelers wat ingeskryf was vir die gholfdag. Vir die individuele wenners was daar spesifieke pryse: Naaste aan die pen, putjie 4: André Croeser, Naaste aan die pen, putjie 6: Derek Bouwer, Naaste aan die pen, putjie 14: DC Swart, Naaste aan die pen, putjie 16: Mamba Dumezane. Langste dryf, putjie 9: Chanté Boonstra, Langste dryf, putjie 18: Chanté Boonstra, Hoeveelheid gholfballe in houer, nommer 12: Bossie Bosman. Omdat die formaat van die gholfdag ‘n twee-bal-beter-bal was, was die pryse in stelle van twee elk, waaruit die wenners self kon kies. Daar is 24 plekke aangekondig, dus het 48 van die spelers pryse gekry. Die wenners van die dag is as volg: W. Dreyer en A. Croeser wen die dag met 49 punte. In die tweedeplek is F. du Plooy en P. van der Merwe met 47 punte. Op hulle hakke volg T. Leibbrandt en P. Leibbrandt ook met 47 punte. In die vierde plek is J. Nkondo en V. Simelane en E. Neveling en L. Velleman neem die vyfde plek in. “Hoërskool Ermelo bedank elke speler en borg wat bygedra het tot die sukses van 2021 se EHS-Gholfdag. Al die ondersteuning wat EHS onophoudelik ontvang is wat die Erries van krag tot krag laat groei. Baie geluk en dankie aan die Errieraad, en hul ouers met ‘n puik gereëlde funksie. Julle is die toonbeeld van waar toe die Erries in staat is.” < Previous Article Next Article >

WOF celebrates 17 years of success Working on Fire Mpumalanga firefighters assist their FPA in suppressing a fire. Working on Fire Mpumalanga General Manager, Ovie Sehlabela, cuts a cake during Working on Fire’s 17 Years of Partnerships for Success celebrations. Working on Fire Mpumalanga firefighters assist their FPA in suppressing a fire. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 27 October 2020 The programme celebrated its seventeenth year of existence in September, with the theme being “17 Years of Partnerships for Success”, to celebrate the strong relationship the programme has with its partners, which has seen it being named one of the best Expanded Public Works Programme. The 2020 Winter Fire Season is in the latter stages, and the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries Working on Fire (WOF) firefighters in Mpumalanga, working with various Fire Protection Associations (FPA’s), suppressed a total of 58 veld and forest fires during the month of September 2020.According to WOF’s provincial communications officer, Amanda Mthembu, the fires recorded were all successfully contained, and mop-up operations conducted. “We dispatched a total of 17 out of 24 teams to assist their FPA’s and local municipalities in fire suppression operations this month, with fewer fires recorded than in August, as the season is drawing to a close,” Mthembu said. In addition to the ground crews dispatched to extinguish these fires, WOF, Umphuluzi Fire Protection Association (UFPA) and Lowveld Escarpment Fire Protection Association (LEFPA) aerial resources provided aerial firefighting assistance and flew over 70 hours during these fire suppression operations. “The novel COVID-19 pandemic has made operations difficult, but as an essentialservice, we have had to adjust and continue with our world-renowned Integrated Management Services, ” Mthembu added. WOF continues to partner with various provincial government departments, municipalities, private and public landowners, in attempts to minimize the dire effects of veld and forest fires. The programme celebrated its seventeenth year of existence in September, with the theme being “17 Years of Partnerships for Success”, to celebrate the strong relationship the programme has with its partners, which has seen it being named one of the best Expanded Public Works Programme. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sy het twee video’s ingestuur vir die kategorie 15 tot 17 jaar “Backtrack Vocal”, waarvoor sy twee brons medaljes sowel as provinsiale kleure ontvang. Micaela ontvang ook ‘n aanbod van ‘n musiek studio in Johannesburg om ‘n “cover”-album op te neem. Errie behaal provinsiale kleure by Talent Africa Nationals 2020 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 11 Augustus 2020 Sy het twee video’s ingestuur vir die kategorie 15 tot 17 jaar “Backtrack Vocal”, waarvoor sy twee brons medaljes sowel as provinsiale kleure ontvang. Micaela ontvang ook ‘n aanbod van ‘n musiek studio in Johannesburg om ‘n “cover”-album op te neem. Miceala Erasmus, 'n Graad12-leerder van Hoërskool Ermelo, het onlangs aanlyn deelgeneem aan die Talent Africa Nationals 2020 kompetisie. Sy het twee video’s ingestuur vir die kategorie 15 tot 17 jaar “Backtrack Vocal”, waarvoor sy twee brons medaljes sowel as provinsiale kleure ontvang. Micaela ontvang ook ‘n aanbod van ‘n musiek studio in Johannesburg om ‘n “cover”-album op te neem. “Hartlik geluk, Micaela. Die Erries is besonder trots op jou! Mag jou stem vir almal wat dit hoor tot groot seen wees!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Priscilla het op Saterdag, 17 April haar eerste kursus aangebied op Hoërskool Ermelo se astro. Sy het op laerskoolspelers gefokus, waar vaardigheidsoefeninge en mini-wedstryde gespeel is. Priscilla Esterhuyze ontwikkel hokkie op Erries se astro 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 27 April 2021 Priscilla het op Saterdag, 17 April haar eerste kursus aangebied op Hoërskool Ermelo se astro. Sy het op laerskoolspelers gefokus, waar vaardigheidsoefeninge en mini-wedstryde gespeel is. Dit is ‘n absolute voorreg vir EHS om Priscilla Esterhuyze te verwelkom in Ermelo. Sy het ‘n groot liefde vir hokkie en ‘n passie om hokkiespelers se potensiaal ten volle te ontwikkel. Priscilla glo elke speler is uniek, daarom werk sy aan vaardigheidsontwikkeling, pas een-tot-een-afrigtig toe en fokus op die ontwikkeling van wedstryd intelligensie. Priscilla het ondervinding in hokkie as deel van die volgende spanne: Oranje Meisies se eerstespan vanaf 2011 tot 2014, Vrystaat-vrouespan, Kovsies 1 vrouespan, Suid-Afrikaanse o/18- & o/21-span. Priscilla het op Saterdag, 17 April haar eerste kursus aangebied op Hoërskool Ermelo se astro. Sy het op laerskoolspelers gefokus, waar vaardigheidsoefeninge en mini-wedstryde gespeel is. Sy is ook nou betrokke by Hoërskool Ermelo se dogtershokkie. Haar passie vir hokkie en raad laat die Erries opgewonde uitsien om ‘n langpad saam met haar te stap. Op die foto verskyn Priscillia Esterhuyze (vierde van links, agter), Linda Horn, hokkie-organiseerder van EHS (regs van haar) en Carl Jacobsz (derde van regs, agter) saam met die groep kinders wat die kursus bygewoon het. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Baie sterkte vir julle twee, en hou die Liggie naam hoog.” Liggie krieket spelers verteenwoordig Mpumalanga 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 2 March 2021 “Baie sterkte vir julle twee, en hou die Liggie naam hoog.” Vayda Coetzer en Jacolien du Preez van Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie is gekies om die Mpumalanga Krieket Unie by ‘n provinsiale vroue toernooi, vanaf 1-9 Maart 2021, te verteenwoordig. “Baie sterkte vir julle twee, en hou die Liggie naam hoog.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. EHS Landsdiens skop af met ‘n virtuele kamp Marice de Jager. Johnke Prinsloo. Marice de Jager. 1/2 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 11 Augustus 2020 Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. Hoërskool Ermelo begin DV eers amptelik in 2021 met Landsdiens, maar ons is bevoorreg om reeds vyf geregistreerde lede te hê! Marice de Jager, Mariska en Anke van Biljon, Divana Smit en Johnke Prinsloo het vanaf 31 Julie tot 2 Augustus aan Mpumalanga se provinsiale virtuele kamp deelgeneem. Die leerders moes hul eie sakke pak, tent opslaan en die naweek daarin slaap! Hulle was verantwoordelik om self stokbrood te braai, hamburgers te maak, ‘n ontbyt aanmekaar te slaan en potjiekos te maak. Daar was nie veel tyd vir rondsit en niks doen nie: pa of ma se kar moes gewas word, daar is Saterdag oggend al douvoordag aërobiese oefeninge gedoen, Bybelstudie gehou en hindernisbane gebou! Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. Welgedaan aan die Erries se pionier-Landsdieners! Julle maak ons trots en ons sien sommer vreeslik uit na al die lekker Landsdiens-kampe en byeenkomste van 2021! < Previous Article Next Article >