Hoërskool Ermelo belê in leierskap by leerders 1/5 Share SH HATTINGH 6 April 2021 Met die nodige leiding, word die leerders blootgestel aan leierskap en die vermoë wat nodig is om ‘n voorbeeld te wees wat ander met vrymoedigheid kan volg. "Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat verkies is tot die Verteenwoordigende Raad van Leerlinge vir 2021." Hoërskool Ermelo pride ourselves in the development of leaders from a young age, therefore these chosen Representative Council of Learners have responsibilities as leaders of their classes. Met die nodige leiding, word die leerders blootgestel aan leierskap en die vermoë wat nodig is om ‘n voorbeeld te wees wat ander met vrymoedigheid kan volg. Die verkose leerders is: Graad 8A: Selma-Louise Janse van Rensburg en Wian Pretorius, Graad 8B: Elizma Swart en Kryn Romijn, Graad 8C: Wianke Cloete en Ulrich Badenhorst, Grade 8D: Sanele Mathebula and Buhle Lukhele, Grade 8E: Sbonga Madela and Siyabonga Makhanya, Grade 8F: Ziyanda Vilane and Nkosinathi Mathunjwa. Graad 9A: Hayley van der Walt en Carel Jacobsz, Graad 9B: Marice de Jager en Tredoux Ferreira, Graad 9C: Mia Davel en Tyrone Berning, Grade 9D: Sihle Mashinini and Siba Lamola, Grade 9E: Anathi Sanyo and Mpilwenle Mngonyama, Grade 9F: Reitsile Sebogodi and Lebohang Nkosi. Graad 10A: Ancois van der Berg en Altus Boshoff, Graad 10B: Nathalie Nel en Kyle Steynberg, Graad 10C: Nicole Meyer en Liam Wilkinson, Grade 10D: Andraya Macheyo and Sphe Mkhatswa, Grade 10E: Yoleka Manasoe and Thobani Zwane, Grade 10F: Bathabile Nkosi and Tabiso Mafokwane. Graad 11A: Zané de Wit en Lood Geldenhuys, Graad 11B: Caylin Loock en Riku van der Bank, Graad 11C: Ilandri Nel en Tiaan Grobler, Grade 11D: Snovuyo Ndinisa, Grade 11E: Nokwanda Nxumalo, Grade 11F: Sphesihle Msiza and Karabo Malatji. Graad 12A: Renita Moolman, Graad 12B: Helani Kruger, Graad 12C: Tumi Chwane, Grade 12D: Wandi Mndebele, Grade 12E: Siphesihle Mtsweni, Grade 12F: Khanyisile Nkosi. “May the year with all the challenges lead to personal growth and progress in leadership.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Rainfall exacerbates hundreds of potholes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 December 2021 The road conditions are further deteriorating at unfinished worksites, where MLM teams removed large sections of the tarred roadway, only to be haphazardly filled with loose soil. The recent rainfall has highlighted the alarming amount op potholes and sinkholes that plague Ermelo’s roads, as well as the roads in Wesselton and surrounding areas. The apathetic act by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) to fill the potholes with gravel and sand has come back to haunt the entity, as hundreds of potholes have been washed open, and in many cases, worsened by erosion and constant traffic across the soggy tar surface surround these potholes. Large sinkholes have also appeared where the thin layers of superficial tar have been washed away and trampled by traffic, eroding to such an extent that motorists often have to grit their teeth while unwittingly slamming into these deceptively deep, water filled sinkholes, causing extensive damage to their vehicles, tyres and wheel alignment. The road conditions are further deteriorating at unfinished worksites, where MLM teams removed large sections of the tarred roadway, only to be haphazardly filled with loose soil. These sites are now completely eroded and deep crevices are left as a danger to motorists. Various sites in Cassim Park have residents fuming, where the deteriorated roadways have remained ignored by MLM for over four years. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPS Ermelo apprehends Sun City shooters SAPS Ermelo apprehends Sun City shooters 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 The three suspects stormed a shebeen in Sun City, before firing randomly at patrons. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Ermelo has been lauded for managing to arrest three suspects for the killing of two men at a local tavern, just days after they allegedly committed the crime. “The management of police in Mpumalanga has applauded SAPS members in Ermelo for their tenacity in arresting three men, aged between 24 and 29, on allegations of murder as well as attempted murder. These suspects are allegedly involved in a shooting incident where two men were murdered whilst four others sustained serious injuries. A probe into the incident was immediately sanctioned, as a result, the three were arrested yesterday, Friday, 19 March 2021. During the arrest, police recovered two firearms and ammunition, an act which culminated into additional charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police will also widen the scope of their probe with a view to establish if the firearms were not illegally used elsewhere” the SAPS in Mpumalanga said in a statement. The three suspects stormed a shebeen in Sun City, before firing randomly at patrons. According to SAPS, six men were shot. While four of them sustained injuries, the other two men were announced dead on scene. The suspects face murder and attempted murder charges and are due to appear before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 23 March 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rapists pounce on unsuspecting individuals Rapists pounce on unsuspecting individuals 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 13 July 2021 The complainant (16), was asleep at home. She woke up and went outside to use the bathroom. While walking down the path, she was grabbed from behind by a suspect. He covered her mouth, so that she could not call for help, and threatened her with a knife. The SAPS has stated that three incidents of rape have been registered the past week. The first incident happened on 2021-07-04 at 00:30 in Nyibe. The complainant (16), was asleep at home. She woke up and went outside to use the bathroom. While walking down the path, she was grabbed from behind by a suspect. He covered her mouth, so that she could not call for help, and threatened her with a knife. He forced her to an open veld where he raped her. After the rape, the suspect told the complainant to keep quiet about the incident and left. She reported the rape three days later to the Ermelo Police. The second incident happened on 2021-07-08 at 16:25, in the vicinity of Kwamabuza next to the N11. The complainant (48) was on her way home, when confronted by the suspect, armed with a knife. He threatened her with the knife and then raped her. After the incident he fled the scene. The third incident happened on 2021-07-09 at 11:00. The complainant (18) was walking from Kwamabuza. Next to Ermelo Airfield, a suspect came from the bushes, holding a knife. He grabbed the complainant and said that if she screamed he will stab her. He raped her and fled from the scene. The South African Police Service request any person who might have information or help the SAPS with the investigation in any of the mentioned incidents to contact the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) on any of the following numbers: 017-801 0517 or 072 638 1652. < Previous Article Next Article >

Alleged cable thief sustains severe flash injuries Alleged cable thief sustains severe flash injuries One of the victims, who sustained serious flash injuries. (Photo supplied) One of the quartet hospitalized after the incident. (Photo supplied) The substation that fell prey to cable theft. (Photo supplied) One of the victims, who sustained serious flash injuries. (Photo supplied) 1/8 Share GK CRONJE 8 September 2020 According to the statement, MLM had also replaced an approximate 10 kiosks that burnt since January 2019. Some of the kiosks and mini substations doors were / are removed/ stolen by the community members. MLM also stated that it has lost R4 million from November 2018 to October 2019, due to cable theft. According to the municipality, the expenditures derails the maintenance process, hence the shoddy state of the substations and kiosks within its area of governance. Four men, of which one sustained severe electrical burns, have been admitted to Ermelo Provincial Hospital over the weekend for treatment. According to the information at hand, the men attempted to loot an exposed substation in Chris de Villiers Street. The substation in question has been a topic of debate, as it is one of the myriad of substations that are without covers or lids, with the exposed electrical circuitry begging to be tampered with, or stolen. The injured suspect sustained extensive electrical burns on his arms, torso and lower areas, aggravated by his clothing set alight by the electrical flash. According to information at hand at time of publication, the man survived the sustained injuries. The issue of substations being subjected to lack of maintenance by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) for extended periods of time is long standing, and is yet to be fully addressed by MLM. This particular substation has been targeted by thieves on various occasions, with businesses in the surrounding area suffering the damages caused by outages. With the exposed substations ripe for the picking, ponderous cable thieves have ample time to prepare, and strike during the rolling municipal load shedding, which takes place according to a published schedule. This makes life easier for prowling criminal elements, looking for an easy score. MLM is plagued by continuous cable theft in its various wards, with cables being spliced under a shroud of darkness due to non-working street lights, and even in the light of day, should criminals be brazen enough. Events such as this cause extended outages in wards, with residents suffering the aftermath of criminality. Cable theft is also a major expenditure within MLM’s budget, with residents often sitting in the dark for hours as technical teams scramble to acquire the necessary material for cable repairs. In previous statements, MLM has confirmed that several dockets pertaining to cable theft are active at the SAPS, but investigations are time consuming, and does little to buffer the crippling expenditure suffered by the municipality. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa NERSA requires mini-substations to be free of rust, and be locked as to be of no safety risk to the public. It is also expected by NERSA that municipalities keep substations and mini-substations painted, numbered and marked correctly, and that hazard signs be clearly displayed. This is not the case in Ermelo. NERSA mandates that, upon request, records must be provided of all emergency maintenance, regular maintenance and preventative maintenance that have been performed. Formal inspections of the network must also be presented upon request, although drive-through inspections may be accepted. In October 2019, MLM responded to the enquiries regarding the dilapidated substations, and stated that MLM has an approximate 880 kiosks and mini-substations. According to MLM, at the time of response, MLM had repaired 153 kiosks and mini substations over the course of 12 months, at an approximate cost of R500 000.00. According to the statement, MLM had also replaced an approximate 10 kiosks that burnt since January 2019. Some of the kiosks and mini substations doors were / are removed/ stolen by the community members. MLM also stated that it has lost R4 million from November 2018 to October 2019, due to cable theft. According to the municipality, the expenditures derails the maintenance process, hence the shoddy state of the substations and kiosks within its area of governance. Since the last response in October 2019, MLM has kept mum as to the daily degradation and lack of maintenance of substations and kiosks, despite enquiries on several occasions. MLM issued a statement, which read as follows: “The municipality, through the electrical section, received an information from the police that three men were electrocuted near Chris De Villiers Street, and they were already in Ermelo Provincial Hospital. It alleged that the five men were attempting to steal cables in the area, where two of them escaped unharmed. Cable theft and illegal connections costs the municipality (rate payers) millions of Rands, and may also lead to death to those who steal or connect illegal. Innocent or unsuspecting people may be in danger of the unprotected electrical wires. Cable theft is one of the causes of delay in restoring power after power outages. The municipality appeals to the community to immediately report any suspicious persons next to electricity apparatus to the municipality or police.” Information obtained from the SAPS Communication Department regarding the incident stated that MLM did not open a case against the alleged cable thieves. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity at substations and kiosks to the SAPS on 017 819 7803, to ACSU on 017 811 1274, or inform the neighborhood watch in their sector or ward < Previous Article Next Article >

Vrou ernstig beseer tydens vragmotor ongeluk Vrou ernstig beseer tydens vragmotor ongeluk 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 13 October 2020 Die vrou het beserings aan albei haar bene en linker arm opgedoen. 'n Klag van roekelose en/of nalatige bestuur is geopen. Tydens ‘n besoek aan die dame in die provinsiale hospitaal, is opgemerk dat sy goed aansterk. Op Donderdag, 8 Oktober, ongeveer 16:00, was ‘n bejaarde dame en haar kinders oppad dorp toe. Die gesin het by die stop straat op die hoek van Jan van Riebeeck en Oosthuizen Straat gestop, en daarna oor gestap. ‘n Vragmotor het af gedraai, en het bo-oor die bejaarde dame se bene gery. Die dame is dadelik na die provinsiale hospitaal geneem vir mediese behandeling. “Die bestuurder van die vragmotor sê hy was besig om te draai, toe die insident plaas gevind het.” Het Kaptein Carla Prinsloo, media beampte van die SAPD, gesê. Die vrou het beserings aan albei haar bene en linker arm opgedoen. 'n Klag van roekelose en/of nalatige bestuur is geopen. Tydens ‘n besoek aan die dame in die provinsiale hospitaal, is opgemerk dat sy goed aansterk. Sy het baie seer, maar sy is baie tevrede met die goeie nasorg wat sy ontvang vanaf die personeel van die provinsiale hospitaal. < 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 >

Ermelo M.O.T.H Club shows support for cancer survivors 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2021 Stalwart resident Ita van Dyk was also honored, and shone as a beacon of fighting spirit and inspiration to many. M.O.T.H (Memorable Order Of Tin Hats) Monte Sole Shellhole members in Ermelo are well known for their acts of compassion, and this weekend was no different. On Saturday, a heartfelt event was hosted in honor of cancer survivors Ita van Dyk and Teagan van Wyk (4), also known as Little Superman, which plucked the heart strings. Teagan had been diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma, and the day was aimed at giving him some fun and merriment. Although shy and reserved, Teagan put on a brave face, and was applauded by onlookers as he was lauded for his fearless fight against cancer. Stalwart resident Ita van Dyk was also honored, and shone as a beacon of fighting spirit and inspiration to many. Chairman Gerrie Oosthuizen kicked off the proceedings with a wonderful speech, and announced that a donation of R10 160, collected my means of a shave and color event, would be handed over to assist Teagan in his second fight against cancer. The M.O.T.H Club would like to thank every person who assisted in making this day possible. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hoërskool Ermelo stel nuwe adjunkhoof aan 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 2 March 2021 Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. Me Erna Schoeman is al vir langer as 25 jaar deel van Hoërskool Ermelo. Vandat sy in 1994 permanent as onderwyser aangestel is by EHS, het sy saam met die Erries gegroei, en op vele gebiede bygedra tot die vooruitgang van Hoërskool Ermelo. In 2016 word me Schoeman aangestel as departementshoof vir Engels. Haar liefde vir die vak, vir netbal en vir die leerders is duidelik te sien in haar toewyding wat sy ten toon stel. Me Schoeman is vanjaar aangestel as Akademiese-adjunkhoof van Hoërskool Ermelo. Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. < Previous Article Next Article >

Surprise, surprise... Municipal load reduction is back 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 In a feeble attempt to sugarcoat the slew of outages, MLM claims that “load reduction will only commence once the system is strained.” In a turn of events that is a shocking revelation to no resident of Ermelo, rotational load shedding, brought to you with compliments from Msukaligwa Local Municipality, has returned. With the air barely chilled, and winter peeking ever so slightly around the corner, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has issued their schedules for the rotational load reduction. It was to be expected, as of late Ermelo has seen yet another bout of power outages, attributed to the 88kVA line. The official party line purported by MLM claims that illegal connections are overloading the electrical grid, therefore necessitating rotational load reduction. Oddly, the claimed illegal connections had no impact on the grid for an extended period. More disturbing is the fact that Ermelo’s residents are in the exact same sinking boat as last year, and the year before, where MLM also implemented the rotational load reduction. Over this period, excuses have ranged from vandalism, illegal connections, reduction of supply from Eskom, and every other fathomable excuse in-between. Many residents question the load reduction, and the fact that it is an entire financial year later, and MLM has yet again failed to address the issue that residents face on a daily basis. In their announcement of the rotational load reduction, MLM urged all residents and businesses to switch off electrical appliances during times of outage, to avoid damage from electrical surges when the electricity is restored. In a feeble attempt to sugarcoat the slew of outages, MLM claims that “load reduction will only commence once the system is strained.” It should be noted that MLM has also indicated that technicians may enforce load reduction at any time “to protect the integrity of the grid”, a line leeched directly from Eskom statements, effectively rendering their own published schedule moot. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo businessman imprisoned for fraud Ermelo businessman imprisoned for fraud 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 24 August 2021 Mphethi submitted duplicate claims to the DOE, where he changed the invoice numbers and the dates when submitting the claims. The department suffered a loss of R830 000 on the first entity, and R1997 964 on the second one. Senyane Alton Seropane Mphethi (55), a former president of a political party an a prominent and influential businessman in Mpumalanga, allegedly lost his presidency status after he was arrested and sentenced to eight years imprisonment for defeating the course of justice on a murder case where he was sentenced for being an accomplice. The accused had a contract with the Mpumalanga Department of Education (DOE), to transport school children in Gert Sibande District Municipality. Mphethi submitted duplicate claims to the DOE, where he changed the invoice numbers and the dates when submitting the claims. The department suffered a loss of R830 000 on the first entity, and R1997 964 on the second one. The matter was reported to the Hawks, and Mphethi was arrested by the Mpumalanga Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in 2015. He was convicted on 31 July 2021 on 34 counts of fraud by the Ermelo Regional Court. On 20 August 2021, Mphethi was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he repays R3 million, with the first installment of R50 000 on or before 30 August 2021. His two companies, Ngwato and Barudi, were fined R100 000 each. Asset Forfeiture Unit was involved on the sentence proceedings < Previous Article Next Article >

Fondsinsameling vir Isabella Stark ‘n groot sukses 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 26 October 2021 "Dit was 'n uitdaging met die wind, maar dit was een lekker daggie vol omgee, liefde en ondersteuning, my hart loop oor van dankbaarheid!" Op Saterdag, 23 Oktober, was daar ‘n modelkompetisie aangebied by Camel’s Madness Restaurant. Die kompetisie wasvir fondsinsameling vir Isabella Stark se mediese onkostes. Die dag was bekroon as ‘n groot sukses. Die kompetisie is aangebied deur Blush Models Ermelo, en die modelle het almal asemrowend mooi gelyk, en die dag vreeslik geniet. Blush Models wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om hul borge te bedank: “Kameel van Camel's Madness Restaurant en sy yster span, julle is die beste. Linda Pitzer, Bernice Coetzer en Berdine Botha, so baie dankie! DJ Sweet Sounds, Joshua Stark, Eco Wash, Hough Burger, Burger Springkastele, Elna Janse van Vuurren, Studio 7, Lady Latte, Coal Miners, Rochelle van Creative Cutz, Anita Kruger, Bo Kamer Gastehuis en Living Waters, Chris Rothman, Danie Louw, Bart Delport, Jaco Papenfus en Stefan van Coller, Siyabonga Masuku, Margé de Lange, Nanette Cup Cakes en Jean-Roux Flack, Mr. Pre Teen SA 2021 en Mr. Pre Teen Face SA 2021. Aan die beoordelaars, Anne Marie van Heerden, Mureli Roux en Suretha van Rooyen, dankie, julle het julle goed van julle taak gekwyt. Aan my regter hand Cindy Kitchenmaster, dankie vir al jou harde werk. Natasha Lourens, vir jou mooiste rokke by Brides Choice (Pick n Pay sentrum) die modeparade was baie mooi. Aan al die modelskole, Allison Danielle Cronje en Yolandri Fourie wat my altyd getrou ondersteun, aan elke liewe model, en ouer. Dit was 'n uitdaging met die wind, maar dit was een lekker daggie vol omgee, liefde en ondersteuning, my hart loop oor van dankbaarheid!” < Previous Article Next Article >