5G towers do not spread COVID-19 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 January 2021 The destruction of 5G, or any cellular towers, will be treated as an act of criminality. Various chain messages on social media, WhatsApp and Telegram, based mainly on the fact that the 5G network was rolled out in the Chinese city of Wuhan just a few weeks before the first COVID-19 reports, are fueling misinformation and destructive behavior by gullible citizens in South Africa. These chain messages are based on false information, stating that infected passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship had been using the technology, and that the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by wireless communications networks are to blame for the spread of the virus. This is not only wholly untrue, but also impossible by any standard. Various reports of citizens in South Africa destroying cellular towers have come to light, with the vandals seeing themselves as unsung heroes. However, Premier Sihle Zikalala has warned that the destruction of 5G, or any cellular towers, will be treated as an act of criminality. “We should all be united against COVID-19, and such things detract us from the main focus now, which is to deal with COVID-19. If you vandalize such networks, you are affecting the communication and therefore services of the community are undermined. It would be irresponsible of any leader to peddle misinformation, and it is uncalled for any leader to mislead the people.” the premier stated. The vandalism of towers belonging to major network companies has come in the wake of viral social media posts which have eluded to a link between 5G and the spread of COVID-19 .Zikalala added that community leaders who misinform the public regarding the 5G networks and COVID-19 will also face the law. Other articles containing false information are also doing the rounds, and are most distressing. Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses, therefore taking antibiotics to treat or prevent COVID-19 could prove harmful by reducing a person’s vigilance. Vaccines against pneumonia don’t provide protection against COVID-19 either. The potential efficacy of chloroquine is currently being studied but doesn’t look particularly promising. Hand dryers and UV lamps don’t effectively guard against the virus, and the WHO has also discredited the idea that cold weather and snow can kill COVID-19. In more unorthodox approaches, some wrongly maintain that people can protect themselves against COVID-19 by washing their hands with children’s urine, applying sesame oil all over their body or consuming cannabis. These are simply examples of false advertising or clickbait. Excessive digestion of garlic, beetroot and ginger also holds no scientific merit. Another great fallacy is that you can get infected by parcels arriving from China. Although the lifespan varies depending on the environment and temperature, pathogenic germs can only survive on objects such as parcels, coins and credit cards for a few hours. Products imported from China to Africa have been traveling for too long to transmit the virus. A huge misconception is that youthfulness offers immunity to the virus. The virus doesn’t just impact the elderly, although being in a fragile state influences the body’s ability to fight infection. Lastly, just as conspiracy theories proliferated about HIV, theories peddled by gullible individuals claim that COVID-19 is a bioweapon engineered by the Chinese government, the US government, and most laughably, the Bill Gates Foundation, and that it was either deliberately released. Fake rumors also claim that Bill Gates himself is waging a one-man war against humanity, and using humans as guinea pigs with a supposed immortality drug he is developing for himself. Residents are urged to refrain from spreading panic and false information regarding COVID-19, as such acts could land you in very, very hot water. < Previous Article Next Article >

Excrement galore in Chris de Villiers Street 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 “Clients have a difficult time reaching our premises, and have to take unnecessary alternative routes. The stench also makes it unbearable to open any windows or doors at our establishment,” a local business owner lamented. The road, which is already in a disturbingly shoddy state, has eroded to such an extent that sinkholes of nearly 40cm are present, filled with raw sewage. Heavy vehicle drivers and other road users in this area have to make do with finding alternative routes, as a massive sewage overflow has turned the roadway and surrounding areas into a soggy, smelly mess. A nearby business stated that reporting of the overflow to Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) is yet to yield results, and that the overflow is of great inconvenience to them. “Clients have a difficult time reaching our premises, and have to take unnecessary alternative routes. The stench also makes it unbearable to open any windows or doors at our establishment,” a local business owner lamented. The road, which is already in a disturbingly shoddy state, has eroded to such an extent that sinkholes of nearly 40cm are present, filled with raw sewage. Brave HMV drivers who dare to attempt traversing the road quickly realize the error of their ways, as their tyres are submerged nearly halfway in sewage and all manner of unsavory excrement. Road users are hereby advised to avoid this area when traveling, and to find alternative routes. “The municipality appeal to the community to report any sewer spillage, as and when they see it, to the municipal Call Centre for speedy resolution,” MLM stated in response. You may view more photos and videos pertaining to this article on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Kraanwater laat veel te wense 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 As u probleme ondervind met die kwaliteit van u water, kan u ‘n foto via WhatsApp stuur, met u area of adres, na 071 885 2505. Inwoners van De Bruin Park het die Tribune ePaper genader rakende die toestand van die water in die area. Alhoewel die meerderheid van Ermelo daagliks sukkel met vuil water wat uit hul krane stroom, het inwoners in dié area dit veral rof. “Hoe moet mens lewe met sulke vuil water? Ons kan nie wasgoed was nie, want die vuil water vlek al ons ligte klere. As mens skottelgoed was, is dit meer sand en grond as wat dit water is. Dit is onaanvaarbaar. Hoe kan hulle sê dat die water kwansuis skoon genoeg is om te drink, as mens nie eers kan wasgoed was met die water nie. Dit is verskriklik.” Hierdie is die woorde van ‘n ontstelde inwoner in Camden Laan, waar daar daagliks gesukkel word met waterdruk, en die toestand van die watertoevoer. Alhoewel Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) ‘n verklaring uitgereik het wat inwoners in kennis gestel het dat hulle aan die toevoer werk, is hierdie probleem nie al van gister af ‘n doring in die vlees van inwoners nie. As u probleme ondervind met die kwaliteit van u water, kan u ‘n foto via WhatsApp stuur, met u area of adres, na 071 885 2505. < Previous Article Next Article >

Erries jet off to the USA 1/1 Share Content Supplied 1 November 2022 The Erries are grateful to have been part of this unforgettable, sublime, confounding experience. From 29 September to 10 October 2022, three Erries, Ina Mathebula, De La Rey Hattingh and Pieter Landman, made their way to America for an educational tour. This particular tour's unique nature lies firstly within the tour group: a group of like-minded academic achievers from across South Africa who get to interact, network and learn together, often forcing new and lasting friendships. The Erries are grateful to have been part of this unforgettable, sublime, confounding experience. Meeting these learners was amazing, and every second spent with them was worthwhile. The tour offers students the opportunity to further their quest in developing their skills and fulfilling their potential through attending private, thought-provoking lectures based on topical subjects, hosted by thought-leaders at world renowned universities namely Harvard, MIT, Yale and Princeton University. The learners also got time to explore the cities New York, Boston and Washington DC which was truly astonishing, being exposed to new foods, environments and people. It wasn't just tours and lectures, the learners had their fair share of fun times. “Going to America was truly a blessing on its own and I will forever be grateful for my parents for making it happen. America truly opened my eyes in knowing how much more there is to this world,” said Ina Matebuhla. - Content and photo supplied by EHS < Previous Article Next Article >

Geliefde hoof verloor COVID-19 stryd 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 Onlangs het Morné 'n lewenslange doel bereik deur hoof van Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk te word. Dit is met diepe hartseer dat ons die afsterwe van Morné Scholtz (49) van Bethal aankondig. Morné is op 16 Maart 2021 in die Milpark-hospitaal, Johannesburg, vreedsaam oorlede na 'n geveg met COVID-19. Morné is gebore aan Jacob Salmon en Christina Caterina (Botes) Scholtz op 23 Februarie 1972, in Sasolburg. Hy het sy skoolopleiding in Secunda aan die Laerskool Secunda en Hoërskool Secunda voltooi, en was hoofseun by albei instellings. Nadat hy in die weermag diens gedoen het, het hy 'n graad aan die Onderwyskollege in Pretoria voltooi. Hy het later 'n meestersgraad in onderwys aan die Universiteit van Noordwes voltooi. Gedurende sy onderwysloopbaan het Morné die lewens van baie studente, ouers, kollegas en lede van die gemeenskap aangeraak. Deur sy passie, humor, ondersteuning, omgee, leiding en leierskap het hy lewens positief beïnvloed oral waar hy gegaan het. Onlangs het Morné 'n lewenslange doel bereik deur hoof van Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk te word. Onderwys, en om lewens te verryk, was vir hom van die allergrootste belang, en sy trots op sy werk was duidelik vir almal wat hom ontmoet het. Morné het diep spore in baie mense se lewens getrap. Morné laat twee seuns, MJ en Franco agter, asook drie broers Jacques, Bennie en Marius. As gevolg van die huidige pandemie, sal 'n klein en intieme gedenk diens gehou word om die herinnering van 'n man, wie se liefd geen perke geken het nie, te vier. - Inligting verskaf deur Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk < Previous Article Next Article >

Warning against Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 January 2021 SAHPRA said it was not yet possible to recommend Ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug. Scientists, authorities and most notably, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States of America have warned against taking an anti-parasite drug as a treatment for COVID-19, despite headlines, WhatsApp chain messages and posts on social media that have touted it as a cure. Facebook posts and articles endorsing Ivermectin have proliferated in Brazil, France, South Africa and South Korea as governments around the world scramble to roll out vaccination programmes. However, citizens are cautioned against taking the drug. A myriad of health agencies have stated that there is not enough evidence to promote the drug as a remedy for COVID-19, and that research into the question has often been unsound. Authorities are clamping down on the dispensing of Ivermectin, which is being marketed as a COVID-19 “miracle drug”, and concern that an underground market may soon emerge is very real. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned the public against using the drug to treat COVID-19, as it has not been approved for use in humans. Ivermectin is a widely used drug for the treatment and control of parasites in animals, and is used to treat several tropical diseases in humans not commonly seen in South Africa, as well as scabies and head lice. In South Africa, Ivermectin is registered for use under Act 36 of 1947 (Department of Agriculture) for use in animals. This means that veterinarians and other trained personnel are allowed to prescribe it as an anti-parasitic agent for a variety of animals. The drug is not currently registered for human use, but SAHPRA occasionally grants Section 21 permits for the use of topical Ivermectin as an unregistered product for the treatment of individual patients with conditions such as scabies or head lice. Researchers stated that flawed studies backing the drug have stoked black market sales, hampered further scientific research and swayed government responses to the pandemic. “The policy decisions of Ivermectin in Latin America have been largely based on the analysis presented in a pre-print in early April,” experts at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health said. A pre-print typically means a study that has been put on the internet but not undergone peer review, the process by which findings are scrutinized by other scientists before they are published in a scholarly journal. The paper was later retracted after experts raised methodological concerns. Ivermectin is one of a string of medications tested as a potential COVID-19 treatment since the pandemic began, and there is currently no sound evidence that it is effective and safe to use. Much like the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which is also so far unproven by clinical trials, Ivermectin is widely available and relatively cheap. The FDA has also thrown its weight beind the caution against Ivermectin, and stated that drug had not been approved to prevent or treat COVID-19. “While there are approved uses for Ivermectin in people and animals, it is not approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19," it stated. A widely-cited study published in April in the Antiviral Research medical journal found that Ivermectin was effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in cells tested in a lab dish. However, the findings have been misconstrued by the public, as drugs that give promising results in a laboratory setting are frequently ineffective in humans, often because the dose required to neutralize a pathogen cannot safely be administered to patients. SAHPRA said it was not yet possible to recommend Ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug. “From the available randomized control trial evidence, Ivermectin is not superior to placebo in terms of viral load reduction or clinical progression. There is no evidence from randomized control trials for any reduction in mortality,” it said in a statement. “Some of the side-effects that may be associated with Ivermectin include skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial or limb swelling, neurologic adverse events (dizziness, seizures, confusion), sudden drop in blood pressure, severe skin rash potentially requiring hospitalization and liver injury (hepatitis). Laboratory test abnormalities include decrease in white cell count and elevated liver tests. Any use of Ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 should be avoided as its benefits and safety for these purposes have not been established. Data from clinical trials are necessary for us to determine whether Ivermectin is safe and effective in treating or preventing COVID-19.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Drian, jou glimlag word reeds gemis 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 16 November 2021 Drian word oorleef deur sy vrou, Charlene, en hul drie kinders, Wian (14), Luan (12) en Mieke (7). Drian Odendaal (40) ‘n welbekende plaasboer in die omgewing is op Vrydag, 12 November, oorlede in ‘n motor ongeluk. Drian het altyd in die dorp gery met sy wit Toyota Land Cruiser, met die grootste glimlag op sy gesig, en het altyd almal vriendelik gegroet. Hy het tyd afgestaan om saam te kan gesels, was baie lief vir die viswaters, en het dit vreeslik geniet om te jag. Hy was ‘n regte braai meester, en het genot daaruit geput om saam met sy vriende te kuier en ‘n paar grappies te vertel. Drian word oorleef deur sy vrou, Charlene, en hul drie kinders, Wian (14), Luan (12) en Mieke (7). Charlene wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank vir hul liefde en omgee in die moeilike tyd, en ook vir elke SMS en oproep wat sy ontvang het van die gemeenskap af. “Drian, jy gaan baie gemis word in die omgewing. Rus sag by Liewe Jesus se voete.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Rus sag, Eckart 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 February 2021 Die Hoffmann gesin bedank graag die gemeenskap vir al hul gebede gedurende sy ongesteldheid. Die huldeblyk word gerig aan wyle Eckart Hoffmann, gebore op 4 Julie 1970, met afsterwe op 21 Februarie 2021. Die Hoffmann gesin bedank graag die gemeenskap vir al hul gebede gedurende sy ongesteldheid. This tribute is to the late Eckart Hoffmann, born on 4 July 1970, who passed away on 21 February 2021. The Hoffmann family would like to thank the community for all their prayers during his illness. < Previous Article Next Article >

Kreatiewe dames geniet verfklas 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 14 July 2020 Al was die weer nie van die beste nie en die yskoue wind het om die hoeke gehuil buite, het die dames die dag terdeë geniet. Daar was heerlike koffie en tee bedien, asook smaaklike groentesop om die koue te trotseer. Op Saterdag,11 Julie, het Chalk Paint and Coffee Joint ‘n wonderlike kunsklas aangebied. Tydens die uiters interessante klas het die dames ‘n wasgoedmandjie geverf, en self versier met’n “waterslide” prent van hul eie keuse. Al was die weer nie van die beste nie en die yskoue wind het om die hoeke gehuil buite, het die dames die dag terdeë geniet. Daar was heerlike koffie en tee bedien, asook smaaklike groentesop om die koue te trotseer. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Toyota gholfdag ‘n reuse sukses 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 12 October 2021 Tydens die dag was daar 148 spelers wat deelgeneem het. Daar was heerlik saam gekuier, en die spelers was vermaak deur Jakkie Louw terwyl Buffelsfontein Brandewyn die spelers kom bederf het. Op Vrydag, 8 Oktober het Ermelo Toyota weereens hul jaarlikse korporatiewe gholfdag aangebied. Die dag was ‘n reuse sukses, en die spelers het die dag terdeë geniet. Tydens die dag was daar 148 spelers wat deelgeneem het. Daar was heerlik saam gekuier, en die spelers was vermaak deur Jakkie Louw terwyl Buffelsfontein Brandewyn die spelers kom bederf het. Die wenners van die dag was, in die eerste plek – aka Smoking Tee’s - Deon van Zyl, Johan Du Bruin, Niel Mathiesson en Charl Van Heerden. Tweede plek was DC Swart, Theuns Botha en David Harris en Corrie Swart, en Sheldon Du Preez, Fred Els, Bossie Bosman en Maans Sandenberg in die derde plek. Naaste aan die pen by putjie 6 was Craig Holiday, en by putjie 16 was Greghan Groenewald naaste aan die pen. Die langste dryf by putjie agt was Henro Lewis, en Bennie Kriel putjie 15. Ermelo Toyota wil graag die volgende borge bedank, waarsonder die dag nie so groot sukses gewees het nie: ACSU, AGM2 Trust (AG Muller), Alan's Slaghuis, Aurum Products - Moto Muti, Autopart Centre/Autozone, Budget Insurance, BP Greyling Langfontein Boerdery, Carolina Rollermeule, Chris Rothman - Tent borg, CMR, Christiaan Jacobs, Dalifin Print, Digital Print, Ermelo Abattoir, Ermelo Bearings - Tent opslaan, Ortega, Ermelo Toyota, FNB Comm, FNB Insurance Brokers/ CIB, H2O, Henbase Lodge, Highveld Splendour Boutique Hotel, Highveld Stationery, Hino, Innovation, Kojo Boerdery, Madness, Melrow Pharmacy, Midway Liquors, My-Sure, MFC, Netstar, Oosvaal Landbou, ProShine, Pongola Toyota, Reemar Auto, Ronquest Boerdery, SAVF, SA Oils, Scorekeepers, Team Vibe Customs, TFS, Total, Tribune ePaper, Tuiskoop, Turbo Works, Van der Merwe Boerdery, Wildman, Hunting & Outdoor en Wurth. “Baie dankie ook aan al die spelers wat die dag bygewoon het, en die dag saam met ons geniet het. Sien julle weer volgende jaar!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Misuse of SASSA grant is a criminal offense 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 This comes after several complaints and allegations surfaced where misuse of the grant had been noted, whether it was for the purchase of alcohol, or transferring the funds to other accounts for personal use. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has vowed to leave no stone unturned to fight fraud with regard to social grants. SASSA said it has pursued an active fraud prevention strategy and has always exercised a zero tolerance to anyone who commits or is complicit in fraud in the social grant environment. If you are receiving a social grant illegally, you could soon be facing the full might of the law and end up behind bars. The agency will take legal steps against officials and members of the public who have defrauded the system. According to Renay Ogle, of SASSA’s Fraud Management Unit, the agency will show no mercy to the public or employees who are caught up in social grant fraud. “Social grant fraud and corruption does not pay. Do not continue with it and never get involved with it because you will be caught, investigated, arrested, prosecuted, convicted, jailed and separated from your family,” she warned. SASSA has also issued a stern warning to parents and guardians who misuse Child Support Grants, that they are violating the right of a child. “Any deviation from the purpose of supporting the child’s needs, according to the Social Assistance Act, will be deemed as abuse or neglect to the child, and classified as a criminal act, which is punishable by law. If the grant is received by the parent, who does not stay with a child not transfer the money to the caregiver, that person must be reported to SASSA offices and also open a criminal case at the local police station.” This comes after several complaints and allegations surfaced where misuse of the grant had been noted, whether it was for the purchase of alcohol, or transferring the funds to other accounts for personal use. < Previous Article Next Article >

Farm workers should be prioritized 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 “We need a balance to ensure that these two threats are both addressed,” says Geldenhuys. The need to maintain food chains and production is one of the most important things currently needed. We cannot afford to have farms quarantined should a COVID-19 outbreak occur." The TLU SA wrote a letter to the Minister of Health requesting that farm workers be considered as a priority group for vaccination against COVID-19. Farm workers perform an essential service and have been classified as such since the beginning of the restriction. The potential exposure of workers to COVID-19 is significantly high and it would be harmful if production units had to be placed in isolation in the event of an outbreak. “To date, we have not received any response from Minister Zweli Mkhize," says Henry Geldenhuys, the president of TLU SA. Since the beginning of the pandemic, TLU SA has held the view that everything possible must be done to fight the virus, but that it must be done with a functioning economy. By severely restricting the economy, a second threat is created, namely poverty and famine. “We need a balance to ensure that these two threats are both addressed,” says Geldenhuys. The need to maintain food chains and production is one of the most important things currently needed. We cannot afford to have farms quarantined should a COVID-19 outbreak occur. What worries the TLU SA is that President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that Phase 2 will start in mid-May and that 5.5 million people over the age of 60, with comorbidities, will be vaccinated between 17 May and 31 July. TLU reiterates its urgent call to the Minister to prioritize the vaccinations of farmworkers. < Previous Article Next Article >