Roelof Ferreira bids fond farewell to Laerskool Ermelo 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 25 May 2021 "If I had the chance to change anything in my life, I would have done everything all over again, because of the joy teaching gave me." “I was born on 6 March 1958 in Vereeniging, where I grew up. I also matriculated from Hoërskool Vereeniging. The decision to become a teacher was never planned, it was made in the spur of the moment during the last term of my matric year in 1976. I started my studies at the Potchefstroom Onderwyskollege in 1977. I completed my studies in 1980, and only applied for posts in Pretoria. I was appointed in a permanent departmental post at Laerskool Pretoria-Oos, but first had to complete my compulsory two-year military service, and was sent to Infantry School in Oudtshoorn, where at the end of 1981 I became a full Lieutenant. I wanted to complete my second year of Military Service in Pretoria, but the Military Force had other plans. I had to stay on at Infantry School in Oudtshoorn, a year that I really enjoyed, and in which grew fond of Oudtshoorn and its surrounding districts. In 1983 I started teaching at Laerskool Pretoria-Oos, a time that I really enjoyed. I soon decided that I wanted to be the principal of a big school one day. I then started applying for promotional posts, and was appointed Head of Department Educational Guidance at Laerskool Ermelo in 1989, where I stayed in the hostel of the school, Uitkomst Koshuis (now the District Office). Here I met my wonderful wife, Sarah, and her son. We got married on 29 March 1991, on Good Friday. On 27 May 2004, I was appointed as Principal, P3 of Laerskool Ermelo. The biggest challenge I had at that stage was to get discipline and performance of educators and learners up to a high standard, and to start improving the school’s sports and overall facilities. It started with the palisades, all staff and learner bathrooms, many other projects, and ended with the most beautiful staff room. The high point of my career at Laerskool Ermelo was when other schools started to recognize our sports teams as competitors to be reckoned with. On the academic side, we also did our best, and kept a very high standard of education. Discipline was, and remains of utmost importance to me, because without discipline you cannot achieve good results. Another memorable part of my career as Principal was all the different School Governing Bodies who shared my vision for the school. I want to thank each and every member of all the School Governing Bodies for trusting my ideas and capabilities, and for always having the best interest of the school at heart. My dream of becoming a principal of a big school eventually became true when I was appointed as Principal P4 of Laerskool Ermelo in January 2019. I want to place all that I achieved in the hands of our Lord Jesus, as he guided and protected me in every aspect of my teaching career. I wish to thank the community of Ermelo for all the support Laerskool Ermelo received from them, it is much appreciated. To all the parents, thank you for the support the educators and I got from you for the last 17 years, much appreciated. The learners, you are education! Thank you for respecting me as your principal. It was an honour to serve you. Thank you for all the good wishes, hugs (before COVID-19) and compliments I received from you. One compliment I will always remember, was a little girl in the Foundation Phase who gave me a hug and said to me: “Sir, I love you because you are always neat.” If I had the chance to change anything in my life, I would have done everything all over again, because of the joy teaching gave me. To all members of staff, teaching and non-teaching, I wish to thank you for the respect and support I received from you. You are a great team and the hardest part of retiring is leaving you behind. I truly hope that my successor will realise what a wonderful staff you are! I wish you and Laerskool Ermelo all the best for the future. May God bless you with all the best blessings. After 40 years and 5 months in Education, I think it is just fair that my wife and I may return to Oudtshoorn for a well-deserved retirement. And I promise you, God-willing, we are not planning to sit down and wait for old age. We plan to tour the parts of our country we have not yet seen, as well as Namibia. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for a wonderful career in Education, and thank you to my wife who supported me over the 32 years that I have been at Laerskool Ermelo. We greet the community, learners and teachers. May God bless you!” Roelof Ferreira - Principal < Previous Article Next Article >

Community set to march against GBV Image Credit: Safer Spaces. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 18 August 2022 Participants who wish to join are urged to dress in black clothing, as it matches the theme of the march. On Friday, 19 August 2022, the community of Ermelo will participate in a march against Gender Based Violence. The march will commence at 08:00, and is an organized march to hand over a memorandum. The march will commence at 1948 Wesselton Community Hall. From there, the participants will march to the Magistrate’s building, where a memorandum will be handed over. From there, the participants will march to the Ella De Bruin Hall, where a meeting and prayer session will be held. Participants who wish to join are urged to dress in black clothing, as it matches the theme of the march. GBV is regarded as a human rights violation, and a major barrier to achieving gender equality as well as an obstacle to a country’s development. During times of crisis, such as pandemics and war, GBV escalates dramatically. Violence specifically directed at someone because of their biological sex or gender identity is classified as GBV. It can occur publicly or privately. It includes, verbal, physical, sexual and psychological abuse. As well as threats, coercion and deprivation, for example, economic or education. It is important to remember that GBV does not discriminate. Nor does it confine itself to specific communities, socio-economic standing or income level. Any person of any race, age, gender, sexual orientation or religion can be a perpetrator, victim or survivor of GBV. Read more in the upcoming publication of the Tribune ePaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

The noose tightens for Bongo and friends The noose tightens for Bongo and friends 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 The case will see 12 people charged, collectively with 69 counts of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act in a charge sheet running to more than 70 pages. Former state security minister, Bongani Bongo, who, along with several co-accused, have been embroiled in a land fraud saga, where millions of Rands were siphoned through front accounts after making various dodgy land deals, including the infamous Rietspruit Farm near Ermelo. Bongo’s corruption case was postponed to January 2022. Bongo’s ex-wife, Sandile Nkosi, is accused of having received R1 million as part of the attempt to recommend the law firm, Singwane & Partners, as dodgy service providers to the department for the sales of the farms in question. Amidst the slew of charges against him, Bongo, who has since been chairperson of the Department of Home Affairs, has shown defiance in the face of the charges, stating that he has no intention of stepping down because he is confident that the Mpumalanga courts will acquit him. His demeanor has now led to his fall, as Bongo has been axed as head of the committee after the ANC caucus made changes in Parliament. ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina said the changes were necessitated by the Cabinet reshuffle after some of the committee chairpersons were appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as ministers and deputy ministers. Bongo has been replaced by fellow ANC MP Mosa Chabane. In his upcoming court case, Bongo is accused, amongst others, of having been “gifted” a BMW X5 in order to exert pressure on department officials to effect payments to Singwane & Partners. The case will see 12 people charged, collectively with 69 counts of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act in a charge sheet running to more than 70 pages. Additionally, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that it would appeal the decision to acquit Bongo on charges of attempting to bribe a former parliamentary official, Ntuthuzelo Vanara. Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, granted Bongo his section 174 application and found him not guilty on a charge of corruption on the basis of insufficient evidence. At the time, Vanara was evidence leader in the parliamentary investigation into the capture of SOEs, now known as the Zondo commission. < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum rig dak op by Laerskool JJ 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 Die tak het gehelp met die tweede fase van die projek, deur ’n dak op te rig bo-oor die plaveisel wat verlede maand vir die buiteklaskamer gelê is. Die AfriForum-tak in Ermelo het in Februarie voortgegaan met sy projek by die Pre-Primêre Skool JJ van der Merwe, waar ’n buiteklaskamer vir die kleuters gebou word. Die tak het gehelp met die tweede fase van die projek, deur ’n dak op te rig bo-oor die plaveisel wat verlede maand vir die buiteklaskamer gelê is. Die buiteklaskamer is vir die kleuters ’n groot aanwins omdat verjaarsdae en aktiwiteite daar gehou kan word. Die Ermelo-tak se betrokkenheid by projekte soos hierdie skep hoop in die gemeenskap. “Wat ’n groot voorreg is dit nie vir ons om die tweede fase van die projek af te handel met die wete dat die klaskamer nou gereed is vir die kinders om te gebruik nie. Dankie aan almal wat dit vir ons moontlik gemaak het,” sluit Renier van Heerden, voorsitter van die Ermelo-tak, af. Op die foto verskyk Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Bronwen Pretorius, Marius Nel, Renier van Heerden en Frikkie du Plessis. < Previous Article Next Article >

Georgie verruil sy valhelm en herenig saam sy Dedda 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 11 May 2021 Georgie laat sy ma, Priscilla, Alycia en Kaytlin, Japie, sy oudste broer, en sy gesin, Anel, Franco, Leander, Janel, Willie, middel broer en sy gesin, Angie, Damian, Jayden, agter. Georgie De La Rosa (32), gebore op 16 Oktober 1988, is op Saterdag, 8 Mei 2021 skielik in ‘n frats motorfiets ongeluk oorlede. George was ‘n welbekende onder die motorfiets ryers. Hy het gematrikuleer by Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie, en is daarna Secunda toe waar hy daar begin werk het. Georgie het van vroeg in sy lewe begin met die motorfiets wedrenne waar sy ma, Priscilla, pa, wyle Flip, asook sy hele familie hom altyd ondersteun het tydens sy wedrenne. Georgie het gelewe vir sy vriende, familie en natuurlik vir sy pragtige dogtertjie Kaytlin (8). Hy het ook onlangs vir Kaytlin ‘n motorfiets gekoop, waarna sy ook in haar pappa se voetspore gevolg het en ook begin het om wedrenne te ry. Hy was altyd langs die baan, en het lank voor die tyd altyd seker gemaak dat alles op haar motorfiets reg is, en dat sy altyd goed voorberei is vir haar wedren. Wanneer mens vir Georgie gesien het, in die dorp, by die huis of op die baan, daar was altyd ‘n glimlag op sy gesig, en hy het altyd tyd gemaak vir ‘n ou grappie. Hy het altyd seker gemaak al die mense om hom voel altyd geliefd. Tydens ‘n telefoniese onderhoud met sy ma, Priscilla, het sy aan die Tribune gesê, sy laaste woorde aan sy dogter op Saterdag voor hy begin het met sy wedren was, “Bye, Kaytlin” en dis die woorde wat sy vir altyd sal koester en aan sal vas hou. “George se skielike heengaan is vir ons as familie ‘n baie groot skok. Toe ons die nuus van die ongeluk gekry het, was dit die laaste ding wat ons verwag het, alhoewel ons geweet het dat dit die keer baie ernstig was. Dis ‘n baie hoë risiko sport, en ons was maar altyd bekommerd oor George gedurende die wedrenne. Van hospitaal beddens en operasies kon hy boeke skryf, en was al baie ernstig beseer. Sy passie vir motorfietse was “next level”, en hy het uit en uit daarvoor gelewe. Die feit dat hy dit met sy dogtertjie, Kaytlin, kon doen, het sy liefde vir motorfietse net soveel sterker gemaak. George ons harte is baie seer, maar weet jy is op ‘n beter plek en dat jy nou by “Dedda” is. Ons gaan jou baie mis. Rug sag... Tot ons eendag weer ontmoet.” Georgie laat sy ma, Priscilla, Alycia en Kaytlin, Japie, sy oudste broer, en sy gesin, Anel, Franco, Leander, Janel, Willie, middel broer en sy gesin, Angie, Damian, Jayden, agter. < Previous Article Next Article >

The 88kV Line - Words akin to foul language 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 8 June 2021 "The municipality has since moved some of the kiosks from 88kV substation to the 11kV substation in order to try and ameliorate the situation at the 88kV." As residents sit and contemplate their fate in the darkness of yet another and endlessly ongoing electrical outage, tempers are starting to flare, and many sit in desperation. Scores of residents have been left, and still are, without electricity, as Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) flogs the 88kV line horse to tatters. According to the responses provided by the call centre and electrical support groups, alleged overloading of the electrical infrastructure is causing havoc on all fronts, leaving hundreds of residents in the cold and dark for days on end. Many have complained about damages suffered from electrical fluctuations, with droves of geysers, televisions and residential circuit breakers biting the dust as the electrical supply spikes repeatedly. The constant barrage of electrical flow being switched on and off have caused thousands or Rands worth of damage to residents, and even more to MLM, as substations, junction boxes and circuit breakers melt, catch fire, explode, or are irreparably damaged. As the municipality states that illegal connections are to blame, coupled with residents “drawing too much electricity” for the 88kV and 11kV lines to handle, many residents aren’t biting on the carrot presented by MLM. Rolling bouts of load reduction is the order of the day, with the electrical supply often failing to return after the scheduled times. Even more frustrating to residents is the fact that the apparent schedule issued by MLM is rarely followed, and load reduction is implemented without notice, and without consequence. The community must simply grin and bear the mounting issues. Speaking to Mr. Zwane, municipal spokesman, attempts at obtaining clarity regarding the rolling outages produced the following reply: “The municipality reiterates that there are two substations. The first one is called the 88kV substation, where Eskom is supplying the municipality with Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) of 14 MVA. The second substation is called 11kV sub station, where Eskom is supplying the municipality NMD of 27MVA. The municipality has since moved some of the kiosks from 88kV substation to the 11kV substation in order to try and ameliorate the situation at the 88kV. The NMDs for the four substations are informed by the electrical master plan, which is in line with the growth of the municipality. During the winter period there’s exponential increase on power demand causes load to exceed the licensed NDM per substation. Unfortunately, numerous informal settlements mushroom all over the municipal area, and started connecting illegally into municipal electrical grid. This then causes a spike on the power load demand. MLM tried in numerous accounts to cut off the illegal connections from our grid, with no luck. MLM went as far as hiring external service provider to eradicate this problem. MLM exceeded the licensed NMD, and incurring payable penalties. This precipitated the inclination in Eskom bills. Over the past five years, together with ESKOM, the ANC led government in Msukaligwa Local Municipality has facilitated the electrification of 1195 new households between 2016 and 2021. The percentage of households that are electrified increased from 44683 (87%) in 2016 to 45878 (90%) in June 2020. The electricity master plan for the entire Msukaligwa LM was developed in 2019. The master plan guided the development of technical reports for electricity infrastructure development and upgrades which are still under consideration by the Department of Energy. Public lighting has been provided to various communities, as thirty new high mast lights were installed throughout the municipality. The municipality has built a switch station /substation 88/11kV in Ermelo Extension 33, and further constructed the MV line and switching station at Extension 7 and refurbishment of switching station at Extension 6. Integrated national electrification programme (INEP) of R10 million, and another R10 million to replace the burnt transformer at 88kV late last year.” The Tribune ePaper has lodged a detailed enquiry with MLM regarding the plan to resolve the electrical crisis, with the response dated to be printed in next week’s publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

Medirite among the first to launch flu shots 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 Medirite is offering the flu vaccine at it’s 146 pharmacies located across South Africa. It retails from just R109 - and the pharmacy accepts all major medical aids. To book, call your preferred Medirite to make an appointment. Medirite is among the first pharmacies in South Africa to offer the 2021 flu vaccine, retailing from just R109, ahead of the upcoming winter season. The seasonal flu vaccine available from Medirite, the chain of pharmacies conveniently located inside Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets, protects against four strains of flu. Although the vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, it will play an important role during the pandemic, says Lisa Giltrow, Senior Pharmacist at Medirite. “The flu vaccine won’t make you more resilient to COVID-19. It may however make diagnosis of a COVID-19 infection easier. As the typical viral infection symptoms are largely similar in both the flu and a Coronavirus infection, presentation of these symptoms could mask a COVID-19 infection and result in a missed diagnosis. By having the flu vaccine and thus reducing the risk of contracting flu, it could rule out flu as a possible diagnosis and the person being tested for COVID-19 rather than writing it off as a ‘case of the flu’,” explains Giltrow. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses, advises Giltrow, and the flu vaccine reduces the number of flu-related doctor’s visits and hospitalizations each year. “Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications, and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals. The flu vaccine also protects both mother and child when administered during pregnancy - passive protection of the infant occurs from birth to less than 6 months of age following vaccination of pregnant women,” says Giltrow. Although anyone can obtain the vaccine, during the COVID-19 pandemic the World Health Organisation (WHO) has specifically recommended seasonal influenza vaccinations for health workers, older adults, pregnant women, individuals with specific chronic medical conditions, and children aged 6-59 months. Those who’ve previously had flu vaccinations should also return for their shots this year, as the new vaccines contain protection against the latest strains detected for the 2021 season, says Giltrow. The results are highly effective, and although no vaccine can offer 100% protection, they can reduce the severity of illness in people who may still contract it. “The flu vaccine stimulates your body’s natural defence system to produce antibodies. This occurs within two to three weeks after vaccination. These antibodies neutralise the flu viruses when the body is later exposed to them,” explains Giltrow. Medirite is offering the flu vaccine at it’s 146 pharmacies located across South Africa. It retails from just R109 - and the pharmacy accepts all major medical aids. To book, call your preferred Medirite to make an appointment. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Bed Shop kondig wenner aan 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 Shantelle Meyer stap weg as die wenner van ‘n Dynamic Orthopaedic Premium Queen bed stel. Tydens ‘n opwindende kompetisie geloods deur The Bed Shop Ermelo en Hoërskool Ermelo, het Shantelle Meyer weg gestap as die wenner van ‘n Dynamic Orthopaedic Premium Queen bed stel. Die Errie raad het lootjies verkoop, waardeur mens kans gestaan het om die prys te wen. “Ons het die fondse ingesamel en aan EHS besorg om terug te ploeg in die gemeenskap. Dit is ‘n klein druppel wat ons vir die gemeenskap kon doen,” het Annatjie Burger, bestuurder, gesê. < Previous Article Next Article >

World Alzheimer’s Month: Understand the warning signs and symptoms of dementia 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 September 2020 Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are warning signs and symptoms, but every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and this September, for World Alzheimer’s Month, Livewell aims to encourage understanding, reduce stigma, and raise awareness around this common, yet devastating disease. Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are warning signs and symptoms, but every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. People with dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. People with dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining colour or contrast, which may cause problems with driving. People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand clock.”) A person with dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. People with dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. A person with dementia may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. If you, or someone you care about is experiencing any of these warning signs, please consult with a medical professional. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for your future. < Previous Article Next Article >

Do not set fire to dry leaves and fields Do not set fire to dry leaves and fields 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 May 2021 The case had been reported to the SACCW, who in turn dispatched the required services. Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves. The imprisonment term for a convicted crime relating to arson could be set up to seven years or more, and a fine of up to R250 000, and four years of probation. If you see a suspected arsonist in your ward or area, please contact ACSU on 017 811 1274, the SAPS on 10111, or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW’s Theo Craven on 081 733 0032, immediately. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make identification and possible conviction or fining of the felon easier. The pictured fires were reported in Oosthuise Street, where the alleged arsonist has been identified. The case had been reported to the SACCW, who in turn dispatched the required services. < Previous Article Next Article >

These shoes were made for walking 1/9 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club and Bottomless Blessings would like to thank all who were involved in the project, as well as the residents who took the time to participate. With great excitement, the Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club hosted a charity walk and run on Monday, 5 April, in celebration of Family Day. An impressively large crowd gathered to take part in the event, which started and ended at Bottomless Blessings Coffee in Robertson Street. The aim of the funds raised is to assist Grade 10 scholars from local high schools. Many prizes were up for grabs, and cold drinks and succulent boerewors rolls were available to ravenous participants. Dros Ermelo also flexed their muscles, and offered free breakfast vouchers on the day, accompanied by a standard cup of coffee. Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club and Bottomless Blessings would like to thank all who were involved in the project, as well as the residents who took the time to participate. < Previous Article Next Article >

Twee verdagtes vasgetrek deur gemeenskapslede Twee verdagtes vasgetrek deur gemeenskapslede Die verdagtes wat vasgetrek is deur die gemeenskap. Die verdagtes wat vasgetrek is deur die gemeenskap. Die verdagtes wat vasgetrek is deur die gemeenskap. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 22 September 2020 Die karwagte het saam met die twee mans gewerk om die verdagtes vas te trek. Die twee verdagtes is dadelik na die SAPD geneem, waar daar op die stelesel gesien is dat daar by beide die verdagtes twee ander hangende sake is. Op Dinsdag, 15 September, was twee verdagtes opgemerk wat besig is om motors se alarms te keer dat dit aktiveer, bekend as “remote jamming”. Die twee verdagtes is gekonfronteer deur twee mans, waarna die verdagtes te voet gevlug het uit ‘n winkelsentrum in Kerk Straat. Hulle is egter vasgetrek naby ‘n restaurant in Kerk Straat. Die karwagte het saam met die twee mans gewerk om die verdagtes vas te trek. Die twee verdagtes is dadelik na die SAPD geneem, waar daar op die stelesel gesien is dat daar by beide die verdagtes twee ander hangende sake is. Die twee gemeenskapslede, wat anoniem wil bly, wil graag die karwagte, asook die plaaslike SAPD bedank vir hulle flinke werk. < Previous Article Next Article >