The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. No respite from stray cattle as another collision occurs 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 26 July 2022 The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. Over the course of several years, cattle owners have systematically circumvented the by-laws of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) with regards to the care, control and branding of cattle and other stray animals. These individuals have also taken advantage of MLM’s lax attitude and have erected pens and makeshift shelters for farm animals in several wards. Despite the municipality’s by-laws stating that no person may keep farm animals in an enclosure or stable within 15 meters of any boundary of any land, dwelling, building or any structure used for human habitation, or 50 meters of any water resource or water supply intended or used for human consumption, transgressors live their best lives without consequence. The unenforced by-laws are wholly ignored, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and danger for motorists and residents. Various residents have reported that their dogs get uncontrollably riled up by stray livestock roaming the residential wards, most notably in the De Bruin Park area. Although it is mandated by the Animal Identification Act, Act 6 of 2000, a large percentage of the stray animals roaming the CBD, roadways, wards and surrounding areas are unmarked and unbranded. The fact that there are no longer pounding services offered by local companies makes life extremely difficult for residents and road users alike. Stray animals and cattle impede the flow of traffic, and have been the cause of many an accident in the vicinity of Ermelo. In rare cases, a cattle herder can be seen lazily coaxing the animals through residential areas, but in the majority of instances these animals are left to their own devices. The inherent danger of stray cattle is especially notable on the N11 Ermelo-Hendrina road, where several serious collisions have been caused by these nuisance strays. These animals are also becoming a nuisance on the N17 and N2, where several instances of collisions with stray cattle have been reported. Due to the municipalitys complete and utter disregard of by-law enforcement, stray cattle issues are expanding deeper into the residential wards, and have also become a nuisance in the CBD, where these animal blindly lumber over busy roadways, oblivious to traffic. In addition to this, stray cattle and animals within wards demolish gardens, tear open refuse bags and unnecessarily rile up neighborhood dogs. On previous occasions, MLM stated that residents should contact the call centre to report such incidents. However, the complete inefficiency of the call centre, coupled with the complete lack of response from municipal departments have made this statement all but redundant. Although the municipal by-laws grants the municipality the power to rapidly fill their coffers by impounding and selling stray animals if they are not collected by their owners, the motivation seems to be lacking for unknown reasons. Despite several previous enquiries, MLM have, to date, failed to step up with a response and solution. The stray livestock have become so used to residential traffic and scolds from angry residents, that not even car horns spook these cattle when they loaf about the streets. Unfortunately, in Ermelo, a blind eye is turned to the issue, which have, and will again, result in a loss of life as motorists collide with these stray animals. A prime example of this is a motorist who collided with a stray animal in Church Street on Saturday, 23 July 2022. The injured animal caused extensive damaged to the bewildered driver. The animal was also the cause of another near-miss, as it bucked into oncoming traffic in shock. Luckily, the oncoming vehicle managed to avoid colliding with the animal. On the accident scene, a group of stray cattle could be noted grazing on the sidewalk, with their owner being blissfully unaware of the danger and damage these animals caused. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. 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 >

“I care for a disabled family member, which makes it difficult to travel within Wesselton. Everything is falling apart, an nobody is listening to us. We are without electricity a lot of the time. Innocent residents are suffering due to illegal connections. Not all of us are part of the “izinyoka”, yet some of us have no other choice. We will wait for municipality technicians until Jehova comes,” a picketer lamented. Irate residents pickets at MLM Unhappy residents from various wards in Wesseolton demands answers from MLM. Unhappy residents from various wards in Wesseolton demands answers from MLM. Unhappy residents from various wards in Wesseolton demands answers from MLM. Unhappy residents from various wards in Wesseolton demands answers from MLM. 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 9 September 2020 “I care for a disabled family member, which makes it difficult to travel within Wesselton. Everything is falling apart, an nobody is listening to us. We are without electricity a lot of the time. Innocent residents are suffering due to illegal connections. Not all of us are part of the “izinyoka”, yet some of us have no other choice. We will wait for municipality technicians until Jehova comes,” a picketer lamented. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has seen their fair share of irate residents and business owners lately, and today it no different. A group of residents from various areas of Wesselton are picketing in front of the MLM building, with SAPS keeping a close eye on proceedings. The residents in question expressed their dismay regarding a court order of removal issued recently. Amongst other concerns, service delivery, electrical supply and disconnections, employment issues and supply chain dissatisfaction issues were raised. “It’s terrible. We are treated like nothing, like we are not human beings. We are all suffering, we need to provide for our families, and we are being blocked by unlawful proceedings,” a picketer told the Tribune. Wesselton has come under the spotlight for the lack of maintenance, especially regarding the roads, electrical and water supply infrastructure. “I care for a disabled family member, which makes it difficult to navigate within Wesselton. Everything is falling apart, an nobody is listening to us. We are without electricity a lot of the time. Innocent residents are suffering due to illegal connections. Not all of us are part of the “izinyoka”, yet some of us have no other choice. We will wait for municipality technicians until Jehova comes,” another picketer lamented. Residents are advised to exercise caution when conducting business at MLM during the course of the picketing, as the group awaits feedback from MLM. This is a developing story. Read the full article in the next publication of the Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

One resident stated that “the SAPS can go to hell”, whilst another stated that the decision to close the Pet Dam is “part of the white agenda” and that “residents are being oppressed”. Pet Dam locked down as residents disregard COVID-19 regulations Reports of alleged damage to the fencing have also surfaced. Residents opted to use the Sport Inn parking lot as a secondary choice since the Pet Dam’s gates were locked. The mess left in the wake of litterbug residents who use the Pet Dam and Sport Inn parking area as a party site, defying the COVID-19 regulations set forth by government. Reports of alleged damage to the fencing have also surfaced. 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 13 October 2020 One resident stated that “the SAPS can go to hell”, whilst another stated that the decision to close the Pet Dam is “part of the white agenda” and that “residents are being oppressed”. After numerous complaints falling on deaf ears regarding the Pet Dam, and residents who swarm to the site daily in order to get the party started, it has come to pass that drastic measures have been forcibly implemented by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). In light of the blatant disregard from residents who use the dam as a party site, and who pay no heed to social distancing and COVID-19 regulations, MLM has issued a closure of the Pet Dam on Friday, with immediate effect. MLM has stated that an increase in COVID-19 cases is the reason for the closure, and that the Local Command Council (LCC) has made the decision. While the decision has been met with favorable response, some residents have vented their frustration on social media regarding the decision. Upon MLM stating that the SAPS will be requested to assist in clearing crowds that do not adhere to COVID-19 regulations, one resident stated that “the SAPS can go to hell”, whilst another stated that the decision to close the Pet Dam is “part of the white agenda” and that “residents are being oppressed”. However, even though the lockdown restrictions have eased to National Alert Level 1, the law set forth by government is clear in this respect. The regulations, as gazetted, states that all citizens must, when in a public place, wear a face mask. Every person, when attending a gathering, and in order to limit exposure to COVID-19 must wear a face mask, adhere to all health protocols, maintain a distance of least one and a half meters from each other; and adhere to any other health protocols and social distancing measures. An enforcement officer must, where a gathering in contravention of the regulations takes place, order the persons at the gathering to disperse immediately, and if the persons refuse to disperse, take appropriate action, which may, subject to the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977), include the arrest and detention of any person at the gathering. In essence, none of the regulations are followed at the Pet Dam and surrounding areas, including the Sport Inn, where residents opted to occupy since the closure of the Pet Dam. The Sport Inn parking lot has been left in shambles, littered with empty liquor bottles and other manner of refuse. Parts of the Pet Dam’s fence have also allegedly been damaged, yet it is still to be confirmed. Speaking to Mr. Zwane, MLM spokesman, he stated that the Pet Dam’s gates will be locked to prevent access, and that security detail will patrol the area of the Pet Dam to ensure compliance from defiant residents. Residents are urged to adhere to COVID-19 regulations, which have been set in place to contain the spread of the virus by limiting social interaction and gatherings. < Previous Article Next Article >

Karatekas deliver award-winning chops 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 22 February 2022 Lesedi Twala received gold for kumite (Fighting), and Sensei Eugene Smith was awarded silver for Kata (Form) during trials that took place in Delmas. Ermelo Shotokan Karate-do once again set the gold standard after Lesedi Twala received gold for kumite (Fighting), and Sensei Eugene Smith was awarded silver for Kata (Form) during trials that took place in Delmas. These karatekas represents Ermelo Shotokan Karate Academy and the style organization SKISA. Both these contenders have been selected, and will partake in the upcoming SA’s. Mpumalanga trials took place in Delmas. The junior SA’s will take place in in Durban on 4-6 March 2022, and the senior SA’s will take place 1-3 April 2022 in Gauteng. Sensei Smith stated that karate is a sport that focuses on developing character, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self-control. Interested individuals may visit www.ermelokarate.co.za , or contact Sensei Smith on 072 361 6680 to find out more about the classes available at the Ermelo Inn on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 17:30 - 20:30. < Previous Article Next Article >

The time of penance has now come to pass, as MLM flounders in its inability to keep the tattered pieces of Ermelo’s infrastructure together. Tempers flare as Ermelo crumbles 1/12 Share GK CRONJE 16 February 2021 The time of penance has now come to pass, as MLM flounders in its inability to keep the tattered pieces of Ermelo’s infrastructure together. Dissatisfaction is growing as the state of Ermelo regresses by the day, with the state of the roads taking the spotlight. The state of Chris de Villiers Street, amongst others, have come under fire from road users, especially transport companies, with heavy vehicles being bogged down in the utterly astonishing sinkholes where the surface of the road used to be. Msukaligwa Local Municipality's neglect of maintenance is slowly but surely catching up with them, as tempers flare from fed-up road users. Msukaligwa Local Municipality, who claims to have a “shoestring budget” to maintain the roads, are now hampered by their half-measures and futile attempts at maintenance, as more and more of Ermelo’s roadways are crumbling away. What would have been clean and easy road maintenance, is now a road rehabilitation nightmare that will cost MLM millions to implement. Instead of patching of potholes and sinkholes according to set forth standards, MLM opted to filling it with soil and loose gravel, an act which has on numerous occasions been highlighted as wholly ineffective and a waste of resources. The time of penance has now come to pass, as MLM flounders in its inability to keep the tattered pieces of Ermelo’s infrastructure together. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. EHS Landsdiens skop af met ‘n virtuele kamp Marice de Jager. Johnke Prinsloo. Marice de Jager. 1/2 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 11 Augustus 2020 Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. Hoërskool Ermelo begin DV eers amptelik in 2021 met Landsdiens, maar ons is bevoorreg om reeds vyf geregistreerde lede te hê! Marice de Jager, Mariska en Anke van Biljon, Divana Smit en Johnke Prinsloo het vanaf 31 Julie tot 2 Augustus aan Mpumalanga se provinsiale virtuele kamp deelgeneem. Die leerders moes hul eie sakke pak, tent opslaan en die naweek daarin slaap! Hulle was verantwoordelik om self stokbrood te braai, hamburgers te maak, ‘n ontbyt aanmekaar te slaan en potjiekos te maak. Daar was nie veel tyd vir rondsit en niks doen nie: pa of ma se kar moes gewas word, daar is Saterdag oggend al douvoordag aërobiese oefeninge gedoen, Bybelstudie gehou en hindernisbane gebou! Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. Welgedaan aan die Erries se pionier-Landsdieners! Julle maak ons trots en ons sien sommer vreeslik uit na al die lekker Landsdiens-kampe en byeenkomste van 2021! < Previous Article Next Article >

The warning from MLM had been laughed off, and the refuse dumping has, in fact, increased exponentially. Illegal refuse dumping remains an issue 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 22 February 2022 The warning from MLM had been laughed off, and the refuse dumping has, in fact, increased exponentially. Despite attempts by the business chamber to curb the illegal dumping of refuse in wards, the Chris de Villiers Street roadside, as well as the adjacent fields on both sides, are still strewn with literal mounds of refuse, discarded building materials and a considerable amount of fast food containers. Dubious behavior from the surrounding residents and contractors sees them conducting regular illegal dumping activities in this area, which has been an issue since 2014. The issue has been reported to the call centre on numerous occasions, with no response from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). “Illegal dumping in Msukaligwa is the problem, where community members deliberately degrade our environment through illegal dumping activities, especially rubble or building and demolition waste. Instead of using the landfill sites, community members opt for our public open spaces. To remedy the problem, the community awareness program is being rolled out to all community members. The law enforcement team from Gert Sibande is in partnership with Msukaligwa Local Municipality to deal with law breakers,” MLM stated in 2019. At that time, the municipality also announced that they would be working in tandem with Gert Sibande District Municipality, and intensify efforts in issuing fines and apprehending offenders. Fast forward to 2022, and nothing has come from the pipe dream. Seemingly little to no effort had been put in to deal with residents and construction companies who illegally dump refuse and building material in this known problem area. The warning from MLM had been laughed off, and the refuse dumping has, in fact, increased exponentially. The illegal dumping of refuse and other materials is a growing issue within Ermelo, as well as the surrounding areas, with residents paying no heed to the municipal by-laws, which, unfortunately, remain unenforced. < Previous Article Next Article >

Continued load shedding highly likely 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The load shedding and breakdown of units is troubling, especially considering the fact that Eskom bemoans the fact that Arnot and Kendal contributes a large amount of the MW, but at the same time, has plans to decommission Arnot and Kendal plants in the near future, bringing into question the rationale behind these decisions. Despite Eskom’s claimed best efforts to return additional generation units to service after the breakdowns that occurred during the week, the crumbling state-owned power utility said on that it had not made sufficient progress to enable us to suspend load shedding. In a statement, Eskom said that it wished to assure the public that implementing load shedding was the last resort, in order to protect the national grid. “In order to limit the impact of load shedding on the morning traffic peak, Eskom will start implementing Stage 2 load shedding from 09:00. This will continue until 22:00. Implementing load shedding is also necessary in order to replenish the emergency generation reserves to better prepare for the week,” the entity stated. On Sunday evening, Eskom teams successfully returned one unit at the Kriel power station, adding 475MW to the grid. The return of a generation unit each at Tutuka and Kriel power stations has been delayed, contributing to the supply constraints. The power utility said during the coming week Eskom would continue to experience supply constraints. According to the utility, Arnot, Duvha and Kendal power stations were successfully returned to service after unexpected breakdowns. These have added a combined 1 565MW capacity to the generation system. The return of a generation unit each at Tutuka, Kriel and Hendrina power stations has been delayed, contributing to the supply constraint. According to Eskom, the cold weather has put the capacity to supply electricity “under severe strain”. The load shedding and breakdown of units is troubling, especially considering the fact that Eskom bemoans the fact that Arnot and Kendal contributes a large amount of the MW, but at the same time, has plans to decommission Arnot and Kendal plants in the near future, bringing into question the rationale behind these decisions. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mnr. & Mej. Errie 2022 wenners word aangekondig Junior wenners: Wianke Cloete en De La Rey Hattingh. Senior wenners: Walter van der Walt en Mienke Cloete. Junior wenners: Wianke Cloete en De La Rey Hattingh. 1/2 Share Content Supplied 7 June 2022 Dit is vir Hoërskool Ermelo ‘n voorreg om elke geleentheid te gebruik om vir die leerders kosbare herinnering te skep. Die Errie raad het aan Hoërskool Ermelo se leerders die geleentheid gebied om in te skryf vir mnr. en mej. Errie 2022 met die tema “From Star to Galaxy.” Nadat onderhoude met elkeen van die inskrywings gedoen is, is 40 finaliste gekies wat op 25 Mei aan die Gala-aand deelgeneem het. Hierdie geleentheid was weereens ‘n glansryke aand en die gehoor het dit terdeë geniet. Elke deelnemer het uitsonderlik vertoon en het dit vir die beoordelaars moeilik gemaak om top-plekke aan te wys. Baie geluk aan elke deelnemer, die organiseerders en beoordelaars met ‘n skitterende aand. EHS is trots op elkeen wat die verhoog betree het, maar in besonder dié wat plekke behaal het: Mnr./Mej. Persoonlikheid: Inge Greyling, Mnr./Mej. Fotogenies: Gedeon Muteb. Derde plek, junior seuns: Ulric Badenhorst, Derdeplek, junior dogters: Ororiseng Sepitla, Tweede plek, junior seuns: Joshua du Toit, Tweede plek, junior dogters: Mia van Deventer, Junior mnr. Errie: De La Rey Hattingh, Junior mej. Errie: Wianke Cloete, Derdeplek, seniorseuns: Billy van der Walt, Derdeplek, senior dogters: Deidre van der Meyden, Tweedeplek, senior seuns: Lood Geldenhuys, Tweedeplek, seniordogters: Mia Steenkamp, Senior mnr. Errie: Walter van der Walt en Senior mej. Errie: Mienke Cloete. ‘n Besondere woord van dank aan Allison van der Walt wat die deelnemers puik voorberei het, asook vir die Errie Raad-ouers vir al die ondersteuning om hiervan ‘n sukses te maak. EHS gee graag erkenning aan die borge: Bottomless Blessings, Melissa Beauty Within, Beauty Lounge, Blush Models, Mariska’s Salon, Spur, Butr Deli, Mizpah Beauty Salon, La Silhouette Skincare Aesthetics, Wimpy, Yolandi Beauty Clinic en Wildman, maar in besonder Platteland Aesthetics, Ermelo Dental Care en Jana Strydom Photography wat as hoofborge opgetree het. Dit is vir Hoërskool Ermelo ‘n voorreg om elke geleentheid te gebruik om vir die leerders kosbare herinnering te skep. (EHS) < Previous Article Next Article >

Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel skenk aan CMR 1/2 Share 13 April 2021 13 April 2021 Indien u belang stel om meer te weet van Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel, kan u Maryna kontak by 060 646 8389. U kan ook gerus ‘n WhatsApp stuur aan Maryna indien u meer inligting verlang. Om ‘n liggingpen te ontvang van die winkel se adres, stuur slegs u naam via WhatsApp. In die onsekere tye van COVID-19, staan Maryna Reyneke en haar liefdadigheidswinkel sterk, en maak elke dag ‘n verskil in talle se lewens. Maryna woon al 11 jaar in Ermelo, en is ‘n bekende gesig in die gemeenskap. Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel ondersteun tans minderbevoorregte inwoners in Ermelo, asook gekeurde leerders in Ligbron Hoërskool. Maryna en haar sagte hart wend haar besigheid se hulpbronne aan om sukkelende gesinne en inwoners van Ermelo te ondersteun, en alle donasies word terug geploeg in die gemeenskap in. Maryna het dit onlangs goed gedink om ‘n skenking aan die CMR Ermelo te maak, en sodoende ‘n verskil te maak in talle kindertjies se lewens. Maryna gaan uit haar pad uit om haar hulp te verleen aan alle behoeftiges. Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel bestaan al twee jaar in Ermelo, en doen hul bes om alle behoeftiges te assisteer. “Ek help waar ek kan, en met die hulp van die gemeenskap kan ek selfs nog meer hulp verleen aan behoeftiges. Ek vra nederig vir donasies vanaf inwoners. Ek aanvaar alle huishoudelike items, boeke, kledingstukke, gordyne en alle ander items wat inwoners nie meer gebruik nie, en ek kan julle verseker dit word gewend aan ‘n goeie doel. Ek wil graag almal bedank wat al donasies gebring het na Helpmekaar toe, ek waardeer dit opreg.” het Maryna aan die Tribune ePaper gesê. Indien u belang stel om meer te weet van Helpmekaar Liefdadigheidswinkel, kan u Maryna kontak by 060 646 8389. U kan ook gerus ‘n WhatsApp stuur aan Maryna indien u meer inligting verlang. Om ‘n liggingpen te ontvang van die winkel se adres, stuur slegs u naam via WhatsApp. < Previous Article Next Article >

Students fed up with empty promises 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 NSFAS paid out an approximate R2 billion to “wrong students”, as well as individuals who are not even registered for the grant. Students and union bodies demonstrated outside Gert Sibande College recently, vehemently displaying their dissatisfaction with the slew of empty promises from authorities. According to the information at hand, students are irked, amongst other issues, by the fact that students have still not received their funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), despite several promises that payments would be made. One demonstrator also mentioned that students are gearing up to partake in the protests regarding the recent fatality at WITS. “It has been months, and we have not received a single cent from the promised grant. The department apparently made funds available, but we are yet to see it. We also have bills and expenses, and we are struggling,” an upset demonstrator stated. The NSFAS has repeatedly come under fire for mismanagement of the funds, and has even been slammed as a failure by political figure heads. Many institutions are struggling to put out fires regarding the grants, as the NSFAS comes under scrutiny time and time again, having paid out an approximate R2 billion to “wrong students”, as well as individuals who are not even registered for the grant, or as students at any institution. The Tribune ePaper contacted the GS College head office media liaison, and despite several attempts, no response had been received at the time of publication. GS College’s Ermelo campus also provided no response, instead referring enquiries to head office. < Previous Article Next Article >