Erries gee terug aan gemeenskap 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH ​ Na aanleiding hiervan, het die Presidente, Arend Fourie en Anke de Kock, namens die Erries broodnodige produkte aan die SAVF Ouetehuis Ermelo oorhandig. Die gemeenskap is vir die Erries uiters belangrik, daarom was dit die keuse van die 2021 Errie-Raad om aan die gemeenskap iets terug te gee. Na aanleiding hiervan, het die Presidente, Arend Fourie en Anke de Kock, namens die Erries broodnodige produkte aan die SAVF Ouetehuis Ermelo oorhandig. Op so ‘n manier bewys die Erries dat hulle omgee wyd en ver strek. Die bejaardes het hulle met hartlikheid en dankbaarheid ontvang. < Previous Article Next Article >

Huawei Technologies - Invitation To Comment 1/2 Share PAID CONTENT 26 January 2021 Msukalikwa Municipality has received an application in terms of Msukaligwa Spatial Planning and Land Use management by-law 2016. A copy of the application is available for inspection during office hours (09h00 and 17h00) at the City Planning Department situated at Corner Kerk & Taute Street, Ermelo, 2351. Comments on the application may be submitted to the City Planning Department in writing to: P.O Box 48, Ermelo, 2350 or hand deliver at Corner Kerk & Taute Street, Ermelo, 2351, by the 10th of February 2021. The Msukaligwa Municipality may refuse to accept comments submitted after the closing date. Any person who failed to lodge comments by the closing date will not have the right to appeal against the decision of the Municipality. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPTU against higher tax for vaccination rollout 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 26 January 2021 “Why is there such a discrepancy between the two estimates? We do not trust the government to ensure there is no corruption involved in the process." SAPTU is not in favour of taxing workers to fund the procurement and distribution of vaccines against COVID-19. According to media reports, Treasury is considering raising taxes to fund the vaccination rollout, stating explicitly that they will be the only bidders for buying the vaccine. “It is inconceivable that our government even considers raising taxes to provide an essential service,” says Adv Ben van der Walt, the general secretary of SAPTU (South African Parastatal and Tertiary Institutions Union). “While at the same time, the money thrown at SAA, the Land Bank, Eskom and any other state-owned enterprises seem to disappear into the abyss.” The Minister of Health, Mr Zweli Mkhize, already confirmed an estimated cost of R20 billion to vaccinate the entire country, but more recent rumoured estimates by Treasury put the amount at around R10 billion. “This is yet another example where the government creates distrust,” says Adv Van der Walt. “Why is there such a discrepancy between the two estimates? We do not trust the government to ensure there is no corruption involved in the process. We have too many examples proving the opposite.” “The government and department should involve the private sector to fund this expense,” he says. “Not only will the state-private sector cooperation option relieve the pressure on workers, but it will ensure oversight and transparency, contribute to logistical support and share management capacity as the South African government cannot execute this operation on its own.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Merino Mall construction moving at blistering pace 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 12 October 2021 Prospective tenants have showed immense excitement and support in the project and familiar favourites are already on board as anchor tenants. Property developers Moolman Group and Abland, the developers of the Merion Mall, don’t let grass grow under their feet. Bulk earth works for Merino Mall commenced on1 July 2021, and have progressed splendidily towards the completion date of October 2022. The development will positively impact the local economy and stimulate further growth and development, as well as enhance and supporting the town’s current infrastructure. The developers makes use of the local workforce during the construction phases, and will create long-term job opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Prospective tenants have showed immense excitement and support in the project and familiar favourites are already on board as anchor tenants. They include Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks, Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem. Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem being especially exciting new additions in the area. The mall will also bring stores like Crazy Plastics, Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki, Cross Trainer, Queenspark, Primark and Refinery to the Ermelo community for the first time. Truworths, Identity, Mr Price, Jet, Ackermans, Foschini, Sportscene, Totalsports, Mr Price Sport, PEP, Exact, Markham, Miladys, Tekkie Town, Studio 88, The Fix, Sheet Street, Crazy Store, Mr Price Home, Pep Home, @home, and a host of others will join the Merino Mall family. Banks will include Nedbank, Capitec and FNB. Merino Mall is set to enhance the current retail offering in Ermelo, and will bring convenience, value and pride to the town’s visitors, residents, and its surrounding communities. < Previous Article Next Article >

Little fighter celebrates birthday in hospital 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 14 September 2021 The prayer and update group created for Daniel on Facebook was abuzz with birthday- and well wishes for the little soldier, who has thus far persevered and kept a light spirit, despite his injuries. The news of Daniel Kerswell, now 2 years old, spread like wildfire through the community of Ermelo, and the nation as a whole. In a utter freak accident, Daniel was accidentally hit by his father’s SUV on Sunday, 5 September, after he presumably ran out to say goodbye to his father. Unbeknownst to Paul, Daniel’s father, the toddler was behind the SUV, and was subsequently knocked down. Daniel is currently being treated in Steve Biko for medical treatment for a broken collarbone and hip bone, and one of his lungs also collapsed. Initial brain scans indicated no cranial injury. The past week has, however, been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for the family, as well as those following the updates regarding Daniel’s wellbeing. While he had a setback during the week when they attempted to wean him off the ventilator, the little one bounced back resiliently and is in stable condition. Danelle, the toddler’s mother, told the Tribune ePaper that the medical personnel has provided a positive update on his condition, and that the drainage shunt and ventilator was again scheduled to be removed yesterday, Monday, 13 September. According to an update by Danelle, the little man woke up during visiting hours on Monday, and immediately started to cry when he saw her. At time of publication, the ventilator pipes were being removed. The accident occurred a mere week before the toddler’s second birthday, which was joyously celebrated by all this past Sunday, despite the rough week. The prayer and update group created for Daniel on Facebook was abuzz with birthday- and well wishes for the little soldier, who has thus far persevered and kept a light spirit, despite his injuries. Several institutions and community members jumped in and started raising funds for the treatment and medical expenses, as the family does not have medical aid. On Friday, the Learning Nest Academy, along with a multitude of other institutions, presented a coin toss at the school in aid of Daniel’s medical expenses. If you have hosted an event or coin toss in aid of Daniel, you may call, or forward your event’s photos, accompanied by the relevant information via WhatsApp to 071 885 2505, to be included in next week’s publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

EHS se 2020-matriekgroep vier hermerk-uitslae 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 4 May 2021 "EHS is dankbaar vir die uitslae en vir die seën wat weereens oor die Erries uitgestort is.” Op Donderdag, 22 April,was die hermerk-uitslae van 2020 se matriek eindeksamen bekend gemaak. Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op elke 2020-matriek wat met die hermerk beter uitslae verkry het. Vosjan Grey verbeter sy gemiddeld tot 86,1%, en spog nou met sewe onderskeidings. Hy het ‘n A-simbool vir Afrikaans Huistaal by gekry (80%). Hy behaal ook beter punte in Engels Eerste Addisionele Taal, Wiskunde en Lewenswetenskap. Anja Wege behaal ‘n A-simbool vir Besigheidstudies, wat haar ‘n totaal gee van drie onderskeidings. Sinethemba Shongwe en Amy Greyling kry elk een A-simbool by. Bianca Cronjé, Chad Coetzee en Gawie Diedericks het elk ‘n simbool verandering. Hoërskool Ermelo kry na die hermerk vier A-simbole by wat die totaal nou laat op 93-A’s, asook een B-simbool en een C-simbool. Die totale is nou onderskeidelik 144 en 173. “Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat na die hermerk met beter punte spog. EHS is dankbaar vir die uitslae en vir die seën wat weereens oor die Erries uitgestort is.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Sean needs your help in cancer battle 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 June 2022 Sean received the biopsy results, and it seems to be clear. However, there are still some tests that needs to be done, including a PET scan. Sean Duranty, a well-known and beloved in Ermelo, has had a long and hard road with his ongoing battle with cancer. Following a previous bout of treatment, Sean received the good news that his cancer was in remission. Sean received the biopsy results, and it seems to be clear. However, there are still some tests that needs to be done, including a PET scan. Although Sean has a medical aid, the unforeseen costs that are not covered is making life a little difficult at this time. Receiving treatment in Trichardt, Sean has to travel extensively to seek medical attention, and most probably has to travel to Pretoria as part of his treatment, depending on the outcome of the biopsy. Sean has told the Tribune that when he had to receive a PET scan during his previous treatment, he had to pay R5000 cash before they could assist him. Factoring in the escalating costs due to inflation, the cost of such a scan could be considerably more this time around. A group of Sean’s friends has since clubbed together and launched a support group to donate funds towards his expenses, but there is still a long road ahead which will require Sean to stretch his wallet even further. Should be biopsy return unfavorably, Sean will be subjected to another round of radiation and an extensive list of oral medication, of which all comes at considerable financial strain. Sean has told the Tribune that he hopes to receive his biopsy results during the course of the week, and will then be able to plan the way forward. During this very stressful time, Sean stated that either way, another PET scan is on the cards, as well as either an operation or another round of radiation. “Any donated amount will be greatly appreciated, and will help tremendously in covering the costs incurred during this battle. As soon as I have clarity on the situation, and what the way forward holds, I will provide an update. I would like to thank all my friends, and those who have already offered financial assistance. I really appreciate it, and appreciate the love, care and support I have received from the Ermelo community up to this point,” Sean said. If you would like to make a contribution towards Sean’s cause, you my do so via Capitec Savings, 1367673869. Sean will be consulting again with medical professionals during the course of next week to discuss the next steps. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPS seizes R500 000 worth of contraband during bust 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 27 July 2021 Upon investigation, them, more than 580 Heroin sachets were discovered. Police further found an undisclosed amount of cash. The three suspects, Nigerian nationals aged between 28 and 38, were immediately arrested and charged accordingly. An Intelligence Driven Operation has led to police in Mpumalanga arresting five suspects in two separate incidents, at Ermelo and Lydenburg respectively. During these operations, which were conducted on Wednesday, 21 July 2021 and Friday, 23 July 2021, police confiscated drugs to a combined estimated value of approximately R500 000. According to reports, in the first incident; members received information about suspicious illegal drug activities carried out at a certain house in Ermelo. It was further alleged that the suspects trafficked the drugs using a silver Volkswagen Polo Vivo. Members from Ermelo K9 Unit, together with their counterparts from Standerton K9 Unit, then coordinated their resources to act collectively and operationalised the information gathered. On Friday, 23 July 2021, they followed the leads and spotted the identified house, which matched the description as given. Upon their arrival at the residence, the police formations found three people busy packaging something suspicious inside the house. Upon investigation, them, more than 580 Heroin sachets were discovered. Police further found an undisclosed amount of cash, which suggests that the suspects were involved in drug dealing. The three suspects, Nigerian nationals aged between 28 and 38, were immediately arrested and charged accordingly. The trio, of which one is female, appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate's Court on Monday, 26 July 2021. Meanwhile, members from the Lydenburg K9 Unit also conducted an Intelligence Driven Operation, where they intercepted suspects who were in a planned mission to traffic bags of dagga using a Ford Ranger bakkie. This operation was carried out on Wednesday, 21 July 2021, at which police noticed and swooped down upon the mentioned bakkie which had two occupants. The astute members ordered the driver of the vehicle to halt the bakkie. This was followed by a thorough search, where nine bags with dagga were found, culminating in the driver and his crew swiftly being arrested. They both appeared before the Mashishing Magistrate Court on Thursday, 22 July 2021 where they were remanded in custody. Pat Mngomezulu (36), and Michael Molala (33), are expected at the same court next week Thursday, 29 July 2021. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has appreciated the efforts by members for their resilience in ridding the communities of drugs. “It is high time we claim back the streets from the hands of drug dealers and criminal elements. The call made by our good citizens to decisively deal with drugs in the community has been heard. We are acting with speed to close all the nets for trading in illegal drugs within the society. The public should continue to entrust us with valuable information as they can witness the positive results thereof,” said General Manamela. < Previous Article Next Article >

Eskom discourages building near power lines 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 Eskom staff needs to remove or replace pieces of equipment when they maintain these lines, and these pieces of equipment, which are often heavy, could fall on the dwellings or people below the line. Eskom uses various types of heavy machinery to maintain its power lines, which require enough space to access the structure. Eskom has noted in a statement that it has seen an escalation in homes being built within power line servitudes, without Eskom approval. This is not only against Eskom regulations, but also poses a number of safety risks. Eskom appeals to the public to refrain from this illegal activity. The ground below and adjacent to a power line is called a servitude, and belongs to the relevant landowner in that area. However, Eskom has sole rights to this portion of land as they have to perform periodic maintenance or repairs. “The perception that power lines are harmless due to their size and overhead distance could not be more wrong. In order to ensure the safety of communities, residents are not allowed to live within power line servitudes, because it is almost impossible to ensure their safety,” says Miranda Moahlodi, Senior Manager for Occupational Health and Safety at Eskom. Electricity transmitted or distributed on power lines can be up to 765 000 volts. A fault anywhere on the power line may cause very high current to flow down to the ground. If somebody is close to the line, fault current can flow through the person and instantly kill. Also, a conductor may break due to strong winds or bad weather, and land on a shack, house or a person, which could kill or seriously hurt the inhabitants. There have been incidents where residents have been injured due to metal objects that have come into contact with live electricity. Metal is a conductor of electricity, and there is a possibility of an arc to a shack built within a power line servitude. If lightning hits the line, as it does in many cases due to the height of a line, a flash of electricity may occur to the homes in the servitude. “If Chiefs or traditional authorities want to give pieces of land to their people and these stands are in an Eskom servitude, they must speak to the local Eskom office. The traditional leaders and Eskom can then together make sure that all the people get pieces of land away from the power lines, ensuring their safety,” continues Moahlodi. At the same time, developers should make sure that the required clearance is maintained when access roads are built crossing servitudes. Beyond the direct safety issues this can cause, building close to power lines makes it difficult for Eskom to conduct infrastructure inspections, which can affect the supply of power in an area and hinder the early detection of issues that could cause major damage. In many cases, Eskom staff needs to remove or replace pieces of equipment when they maintain these lines, and these pieces of equipment, which are often heavy, could fall on the dwellings or people below the line. Eskom uses various types of heavy machinery to maintain its power lines, which require enough space to access the structure. Eskom also often uses helicopters to perform live line maintenance, and as such it becomes risky to the people living under the lines. “We hope that the public will heed this call and assist us by only building in designated areas that have been approved by the local municipality and government. We will continue to educate communities about electricity safety, ensuring that we all use electricity safely and responsibly, remains one of our central goals.” Moahlodi concludes. < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum rig watertenks op in Piet Retief 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 September 2020 Die AfriForum-tak in Piet Retief het onlangs hul eerste ses noodwaterpunte op strategiese plekke in die dorp opgerig, sodat inwoners en gemeenskapslede in tye van nood toegang tot water sal hê. Die AfriForum-tak in Piet Retief het onlangs hul eerste ses noodwaterpunte op strategiese plekke in die dorp opgerig, sodat inwoners en gemeenskapslede in tye van nood toegang tot water sal hê. Deborah Straat, Jasmyne Straat, Magnolia Straat, Piet Retief-moskee en die AGS Kerk Fontana is almal voorsien met watertenks wat 5 kiloliter water kan hou. AfriForum bedank graag vir Build It, wat die tenks voorsien het. Inwoners word genooi om gebruik te maak van die waterpunte gedurende die twee-weke lang waterinperking soos bekendgestel. “Die projek se sukses en volhoubaarheid is afhanklik van die hele gemeenskap se samewerking en betrokkenheid. Ons wil gemeenskapslede wat daartoe in staat is, aanmoedig om tot dié projek by te dra, veral persone wat boorgate het en kan help om water te verskaf. Ons wil graag nóg waterpunte in die Piet Retief-omgewing oprig om meer water tydens onderbrekings beskikbaar te stel.” sê AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Hoëveld, Bronwen Pretorius. < Previous Article Next Article >

NERSA rejects price hike application by Eskom 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 Power plants are being constructed at exorbitant inflated costs of nearly 300%, and have a 60% surplus of staff at a cost of an estimated R10 billion per annum. In January, Nersa allowed Eskom to recoup an additional R6-billion after a court set aside several of its earlier decisions. It had rejected Eskom’s fifth multi-year price determination (MYPD5) revenue application for the financial years 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 on the basis that it was based on an expired methodology. Eskom has also come under fire for their notorious fruitless en wasteful expenditure, which includes, amongst others, paying R300 per roll of toilet paper, coughing up a blistering R238 000 for a single floor mop, and purchasing kneepads at R80 000 each. This has been slated as cadre enrichment and gross corruption withing the struggling entity. In an effort to curb the corruption, and alleviate mounting pressure on consumers, NERSA has started its process to develop this new pricing methodology that will be applicable to the industry. The first step entails a consultation to determine the new pricing methodology. This will be followed by the development of the actual methodology. As is usual all stakeholders will be given an opportunity to influence the finalization of the new pricing methodology. Once this is finalized, utilities will be required to submit applications to NERSA for analysis to be undertaken before price increase decisions are made. According to Eskom, NERSA’s rejection of Eskom’s MYPD 5 application, has created a regulatory vacuum for the electricity supply industry in South Africa. Eskom is accordingly considering how to proceed, and is taking advice on its position following the NERSA decision. Eskom claims that the situation will create a legal liability for the company. Consumers and regulatory boards are having none of the wet dog attitude set forth by Eskom, stating that power plants being constructed at exorbitant inflated costs of nearly 300% and having a 60% surplus of staff at a cost of an estimated R10 billion per annum. Ultimately, consumers cannot, and should not pay for inefficiency in a state monopoly’s internal structural inflation. < Previous Article Next Article >

Beware of fuel tablet hoax 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 August 2022 "So, really it's a pyramid scheme and a scam more than anything else, unfortunately." Social media has exploded with the new ‘miracle tablet’ that claims to reduce your fuel consumption by up to 25%, while apparently boosting your engine’s efficiency. The B-Eco fuel tablets are manufactured by a company called Pro-One. The brand was co-founded by South African businessman Lawrence Kahn, and claims to approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. He said the pills save petrol by lowering the temperature at which the fuel burns. However, neither the brand, nor manufacturer can be located on the approval list of gasoline additives. The company’s ‘brand ambassadors’ are put to task selling the tablets, which are R100 per tablet. Research done by Sasol Fuels Application Centre has proven that the product is a waste of money, and may lead to the cancellation of your warranty due to the risks your engine is exposed to. Senior engineer and researcher, Adrian Velears, urges citizens to steer clear of this tablet, and knockoff tablets like these. “I don't think your manufacturer would approve it. They wouldn't honour your warranty if they knew you were putting such things in your car and something went wrong. So, from that point of view, it's not safe. It doesn't work at all. It's not only a matter of risk, it's a matter of they don't do anything. So, really it's a pyramid scheme and a scam more than anything else, unfortunately,” he stated. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, also released a statement regarding the tablet. “Besides the fact that local authorities have not tested these products as part of South Africa’s current emissions standards, they simply do not work. Consumers are advised to check with the manufacturers of their vehicles first before they inject any foreign properties into their tanks or engines. Vehicles are manufactured to specific standards, and they are supposed to use prescribed products approved by the manufacturer for the efficacy and longevity of the engine,” Mabasa said. “It is highly unlikely that the products South Africans are being sold can better fuel consumption. If they do, and do not contain the problematic ingredients mentioned, then South Africa has finally developed the product companies worldwide have been trying to develop for decades,” The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >