New bank card suggested by the SARB 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 This should allow for cheaper transactions than those offered by institutions such as Visa and Mastercard. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) stated that it will conduct an assessment on the feasibility of establishing a domestic card scheme. The central bank said that the assessment will look at creating ‘white-label’ banking cards that can only be used in South Africa or neighbouring countries, which should allow for cheaper transactions than those offered by institutions such as Visa and Mastercard. “In South Africa, Visa and Mastercard have dominated the card scheme market. In 2019, approximately 48.8 million cards were in circulation in South Africa, and 5.6 billion transactions to the value of R2.1 trillion were processed,” the SARB said. “This is an increase in volume of 16.2% and in value of 15.6% compared to 2018. A card scheme is therefore a key component of the NPS.” The SARB said that most of unbanked South Africans have no immediate need for a card that can be used overseas. “This raises the question regarding the scope for developing white-label or locally branded cards as cheaper alternatives to the brands of the major card schemes, especially for consumers who do not enter into global internet transactions or use cards beyond the borders of South Africa or beyond the Southern African Development Community (SADC). SARB said. The Reserve Bank said that the success of a sustainable domestic card scheme would depend on the collective effort and support of card issuers, retailers, consumers, regulators, policymakers, and government departments. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Into the Unknown”. Die liedjie het net bevestig dat die groep kinders kans sien vir dit wat op hulle wag. “BELIEVE in YOURSELF and you will be UNSTOPPABLE...even in the UNKNOWN!” COVID-19 kry nie JJ Leiers onder nie Die 2021 JJ Leiers Die 2021 JJ Leiers 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 22 September 2020 “Into the Unknown”. Die liedjie het net bevestig dat die groep kinders kans sien vir dit wat op hulle wag. “BELIEVE in YOURSELF and you will be UNSTOPPABLE...even in the UNKNOWN!” Die 2020 Leiers van Laerskool JJ vd Merwe het besluit om die beste te maak van die COVID-19 pandemie. Hulle het die COVID-19 regulasies gekombineer met ‘n kleurvolle dans op die liedjie “Into the Unknown”. Die liedjie het net bevestig dat die groep kinders kans sien vir dit wat op hulle wag. “BELIEVE in YOURSELF and you will be UNSTOPPABLE...even in the UNKNOWN!” < Previous Article Next Article >

The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. Next of kin sought Next of kin sought 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum help om buiteklaskamer op te rig Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2021 Skole vir ons kinders, en eendag kleinkinders ook, is vir ons baie belangrik en lê ons na aan die hart. Die AfriForum-tak in Ermelo het in Desember en Januarie as deel van dié organisasie se Ons Dorp-projek gehelp om plaveisel ter waarde van R33 000 by die pre-primêre skool JJ van der Merwe te lê. Dié projek is aangepak om die skool te help om ’n buiteklaskamer vir die kleuters op te rig. Die tak het gehelp om die gedeelte waar die klaskamer is skoon te maak, en ’n kontrakteur is aangestel om die stene te lê. Die buiteklaskamer is ’n groot aanwins vir die kleuterskool, en buiteklasaktiwiteite en verjaarsdagvieringe kan daar plaasvind. “Skole vir ons kinders, en eendag kleinkinders ook, is vir ons baie belangrik en lê ons na aan die hart. Dit is vir ons as Ermelo-tak lekker om hoop te kan skep in ons skole,” sê Renier van Heerden, voorsitter van AfriForum se Ermelo-tak. Raak vandag nog deel van AfriForum se Ermelo-tak en word deel van die verskil: SMS “Ermelo” na 45350 (R1). Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ziyanda crowned as Miss Inspire SA 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2021 Ziyanda is a guiding star during these trying times for many young women. Ziyanda Malope, a 20-year-old success story, was born and raised in Ermelo, and was also awarded the prestigious crown as Miss Inspire SA. Making her mark during her school career, her rise to inspiration came from a young age. Ziyanda boasts the title of school sports captain, and also received a youth camp certificate, awarding her as the best leader. The Miss Inspire SA National pageant places priority on community development, and making a difference in your own life, as well as the lives of others. The pageant is open to all young women across South Africa in various categories, irrespective of race, religion, creed size or shape. The pageant prides itself on having no physical requirements. Ziyanda is currently in her third year as BA in Community Development and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg. Crowned in October 2020 during a marked pageant, she now grows from strength to strength, and spearheads a community based organization called the Ziyanda Malope Foundation, which aims to focus on the empowerment of teenagers and women, running educational programmes for school learners and community projects. She is extremely passionate about community services and assistance, lending a helping hand where needed. “My vision is to shift focus to the positive, and to be a rolemodel for young women in rural areas. I also aim to assist young women in the rural areas to make the right life decisions, and to steer clear of substance abuse and teenage pregnancy. You can achieve anything in life through hard work and dedication.” she concluded. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has made everything in our daily lives a little bleaker, Ziyanda is a guiding star during these trying times for many young women. < Previous Article Next Article >

Brackenfell Boys maak hulle harte oop 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 February 2021 Die doel agter die pret was om alles wat hulle insamel vir die kinderhuis te skenk. Die Brackenfell Boys, naamlik Pieter Pretorius, John Whatley, Ruan Prinsloo en LC Macfarlene, het begin met eenvoudige en snaakse uitdagings op hulle sosiale bladyse, insluitend Instagram. Die vier manne het op Saterdag, 13 Januarie, by die Game verkeerslig gestaan en geld ingesamel. Elkeen van hulle moes hul eie inisiatief uitdink om geld in te samel. Hulle het vanaf 10:00 tot 11:00 die gemeenskap vermaak, en het ‘n volle R5200 ingesamel. Die doel agter die pret was om alles wat hulle insamel vir die kinderhuis te skenk. “Die Brackenfell Boys wil vir elke persoon wat ‘n bydrae gemaak het dankie sê, ons wardeer dit opreg uit ons harte uit.” Op die foto verskyn die trotse Brackenfell Boys wat die gemeenskap vermaak het om geld in te samel vir die kinderhuis. Op die foto staan (v.l.n.r) Ruan Prinsloo, Pieter Pretorius, LC Macfarlene en John Whatley. < Previous Article Next Article >

2 500 SASSA social relief payouts processed 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. Applications are made electronically to avoid scams roving on social platforms. To apply, citizens may also send a WhatsApp to 082 046 8553, enter USSD code *134*7737#, send an e-mail to srd@sassa.gov.za , or contact the call centre on 0800 60 1011 or 013 754 9428/54. Payment will be effected through choices of bank account, e-wallet, cash send or through the post office. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Multi-million Rand white elephant 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Circa 2016, Msukaligwa Local Municipality took it upon themselves to erect a fence surrounding the Pet Dam, which would have been part of the supposed reform of the Pet Dam and surroundings. The BetaView fence, which is over 700 meters long, was erected amidst severe disgust and disapproval from the community, and at a staggering cost. Concerns have also been raised regarding the dubious quality of the fence erected. According to BetaView, their products carry a warranty of ten years against corrosive elements. The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. However, nothing has come of the touted reform project, and the fence has since been left to rust away, being systematically vandalized and damaged. The fence has fallen victim to sever lack of maintenance, with no attempt at maintenance and upkeep from MLM. The point of the fence is now moot, as the fence has been extensively damaged in several sections, and at this time, serves no other purpose than being an eyesore to residents, travelers and tourists. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mayestra SA makes waves on local music scene 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 14 September 2021 "One of my biggest achievements thus far is getting interviews and air plays after a hit song of mine, Madumane, blasted over the airwaves. I made the track in collaboration with my producer, Thabang Nhlapho, or more well known as Jaded Gluck. He is a very gifted producer and very close friend, and we are working on a powerful album." 21-Year-old Njabulo Zwane, born and raised in Ermelo, and better known by his performer name Mayestra SA, has been making waves on the local scene after one of his tracks, Madumane, exploded on the radio charts. Njabulo started his school career at Ermelo Laerskool, and graduated at Netherland Park Secondary School. “Music came to me as a gift from God, and it came at the most emotional time of my life, after I was involved in a car accident in 2013. I was so in love with sports back then, but things changed when I lost the use of my left leg as a result of the accident. It was then when I started writing lyrics. I started saving money for studio sessions, which were expensive for me back then. It used to cost R300, and I recorded my music with the money I saved from my pocket money from school. I stopped eating at school because I had love and passion for music. In 2018, I decided to start my own studio, and helped other local artists to record at a very cheap price, because I knew how hard it was to save money just so you can record. I was already a businessman, because my studio made some money, even thought it wasn't a lot. When it comes to business, my father is my role model and mentor, and has helped me extensively. I started getting supporters from some classmates, and soon from the whole school. Before long, my music spread through Ermelo and the surrounding areas. Fast forward to 2021, as I moved to Johannesburg, and started grabbing the attention from people around Gauteng. I started getting bookings to open stages for one the biggest names in the South African music industry, and it really was a blessing! One of my biggest achievements thus far is getting interviews and air plays after a hit song of mine, Madumane, blasted over the airwaves. I made the track in collaboration with my producer, Thabang Nhlapho, or more well known as Jaded Gluck. He is a very gifted producer and very close friend, and we are working on a powerful album. I can't wait for it to be released! My biggest dream is to put Ermelo’s name on top of the world, and give hope to the hopeless kids in the streets of Ermelo, because I know exactly what it feels like to try your best, and still get rejected. Ultimately, I will use my success to create jobs in Ermelo, and help not just the youth, but also the less fortunate. I hope Ermelo continues to support not just me, but every talent in our town. It's a beautiful thing, and I love you all!” < Previous Article Next Article >

The rescheduled dates will be conveyed to the public in advance as to ensure that residents that are affected have time to implement precautionary measures for activities taking place on the dates to be announced. Planned interruption postponed 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 8 October 2021 The rescheduled dates will be conveyed to the public in advance as to ensure that residents that are affected have time to implement precautionary measures for activities taking place on the dates to be announced. Yesterday, 7 October, Msukaligwa Local Municipality ruffled more than a few feathers with the announcement of a four-day electrical outage, during which time maintenance of the 11/88KV substation in Ermelo, Extension 18. The public notice has been rescinded. Speaking to the municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, he confirmed that the notice has been rescinded, and that the scheduled maintenance will no longer be taking place on the dates stated. The spokesman has, however, confirmed that the maintenance has not been canceled, but will be rescheduled to a different datestamp. The spokesman has also confirmed that the outage will indeed be for four days due to the extensive nature of the maintenance. All avenues will be explored in an attempt to shorten the length of the outage. The withdrawal of the notice is due to the contracted company that will be responsible for the maintenance erring in the estimation of the time that the maintenance will take to complete. The municipality has stated that it would convey the adjusted dates to the public as soon as it is confirmed. The municipality would also like to take the opportunity to apologize for any inconvenience caused, and stated that it is aware of the impact that the outage will have on the community, including students who write exams and attend classes via online platforms. The rescheduled dates will be conveyed to the public in advance as to ensure that residents that are affected have time to implement precautionary measures for activities taking place on the dates to be announced. < Previous Article Next Article >

Corruption and bribery steals the limelight 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 21 April 2021 Several attempts to contact the DARDLA office communication department spokesperson yielded no result. Irate residents protested in front of the Gert Sibande District DARDLA office in Church Street on Wednesday morning, with regards to employment and alleged corruption and bribery. According to one of the protestors, the SAPS allegedly fail to take action against acts of corruption. One of the protestors also claimed that they were offered work on a farm, but in exchange, it is alleged that a bribery fee had to be presented. Several attempts to contact the DARDLA office communication department spokesperson yielded no result. Luckily, a heated exchange of words between the protestors and SAPS officers on scene did not escalate. Traffic flow in Church Street was temporarily impeded as the SAPS monitored the situation. More photos and videos are available on our Faceboook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >