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Proposed Upgrade to PG Bison's Mkhondo Plant 1/1 Share PAID CONTENT 1 December 2020 Basic Environmental Impact Assessment Process and Variation of Existing Air Emissions Licence (AEL) NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES (NEMA & NEM:AQA) Proposed Upgrade to PG Bison's Mkhondo Plant Basic Environmental Impact Assessment Process and Variation of Existing Air Emissions Licence (AEL) PRE-APPLICATION PHASE Notice is hereby given of a Public Participation Process (PPP) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (No. 107 of 1998, as amended) as well as the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEM: AQA) (No. 39 of 2004) and the National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998). Activity Description: PG Bison is proposing to extend their current particle board manufacturing facility in Mkhondo via installation of an additional 35000m²/day MFB press line; and a new MDF processing plant with associated 75MW thermal energy plant. This would trigger the activities listed in terms of the EIA regulations (2014, as amended), including GN R.983 (Listing Notice 1), 9, 12, 19, 27, 28, 32, 34, 51; GN R.985 (Listing Notice 3) Activity 14.NEM:AQA activities for “wood burning, drying and production of manufactured wood products” (Category 9, sub-cat 9.5) and “solid biomass combustion installations” (Cat 1, sub-cat 1.3) are also triggered, requiring variation of the existing AEL. Competent Authorities: Application in terms of NEMA will be made to the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (MDARDLEA): Gert Sibande Region. Application in terms of NEM:AQA will be made via SAAELIP to Gert Sibande District Municipality. Copies obtainable via the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP). Notice is also given in terms of NEM:AQA of the intention to vary the AEL (Mkhondo/PGB/0003/2015/F02) for current operations (Cat 9, sub-cat 9.5) to cater for a manufacturer change for the new dryer and to exclude the previously proposed sawmill facility. Opportunity to participate: You are herewith invited to submit your written (fax, letter or email) request to be registered as an Interested and/or Affected Party (including your full name, contact details and interest in the matter) to Zutari by 25 January 2021. Additional information can be requested from Zutari. EAP Contact Details: Kelly Levendal (Zutari), Tel: 041 503 3900, E-mail: EnviroEC@zutari.com Date of Notification: 01 December 2020 < 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 >

Die afgelope paar maande is daar by verskeie plaaslike restaurante ingebreek, waar die rowers weg gekom het met kontant. Ander besighede het ook deurgeloop onder lang vingers van rowers. Op Saterdag, 22 Augustus, ongeveer 19:46, het ACSU ‘n oproep ontvang dat Nando’s se personeel aangehou word deur twee rowers. ACSU en SAPD was blitsig op die toneel, waar een van die rowers gewapen was met ‘n groot kaliber. Een van die rowers het spoorloos verdwyn, maar die ander is opgemerk by Online Properties, waar hy die venster geskop het om toegang tot die perseel te verkry. Die rower het bo oor die heining gespring, waarna hy sy hand gesny het, en sy handskoen agtergelaat het nadat dit aan die heining gehak het. Dieselfde verdagte is later weer gewaar naby TWK, waar ACSU reaksie die rower genader het. Die rower het laat spaander met twee kasregisters, en een van ACSU se reaksie lede het vier geweerskote afgevuur. Die rower is vermoedelik gekwes, en dié het die kasregisters laat val. Na ‘n lang gesoek deur ACSU, asook buurtwag lede, is een van die kasregisters gevind. Beide rowers is nog nie gevind nie. Die SAPD doen ‘n versoek op die gemeenskap dat enige persoon wat die SAPD kan help met die ondersoek, vir Konstabel ML Mkwanazi te kontak op 082 373 8389 of 017 819 2321/8. Plaaslike restaurante geteiken deur rowers Plaaslike restaurante geteiken deur rowers 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 25 August 2020 Dieselfde verdagte is later weer gewaar naby TWK, waar ACSU reaksie die rower genader het. Die rower het laat spaander met twee kasregisters, en een van ACSU se reaksie lede het vier geweerskote afgevuur. Die rower is vermoedelik gekwes, en dié het die kasregisters laat val. Na ‘n lang gesoek deur ACSU, asook buurtwag lede, is een van die kasregisters gevind. Die afgelope paar maande is daar by verskeie plaaslike restaurante ingebreek, waar die rowers weg gekom het met kontant. Ander besighede het ook deurgeloop onder lang vingers van rowers. Op Saterdag, 22 Augustus, ongeveer 19:46, het ACSU ‘n oproep ontvang dat Nando’s se personeel aangehou word deur twee rowers. ACSU en SAPD was blitsig op die toneel, waar een van die rowers gewapen was met ‘n groot kaliber. Een van die rowers het spoorloos verdwyn, maar die ander is opgemerk by Online Properties, waar hy die venster geskop het om toegang tot die perseel te verkry. Die rower het bo oor die heining gespring, waarna hy sy hand gesny het, en sy handskoen agtergelaat het nadat dit aan die heining gehak het. Dieselfde verdagte is later weer gewaar naby TWK, waar ACSU reaksie die rower genader het. Die rower het laat spaander met twee kasregisters, en een van ACSU se reaksie lede het vier geweerskote afgevuur. Die rower is vermoedelik gekwes, en dié het die kasregisters laat val. Na ‘n lang gesoek deur ACSU, asook buurtwag lede, is een van die kasregisters gevind. Beide rowers is nog nie gevind nie. Die SAPD doen ‘n versoek op die gemeenskap dat enige persoon wat die SAPD kan help met die ondersoek, vir Konstabel ML Mkwanazi te kontak op 082 373 8389 of 017 819 2321/8. < Previous Article Next Article >

ER24 spoedig op toneel na vrou hand verloor 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 5 July 2022 Die helikopter het omstreeks 15:00 by Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie se rugbyveld geland. Op Saterdag, 2 Julie 2022, het ER24 hul gehaas na ‘n saagmeule in Chrissiesmeer. Met hul aankoms, het hul dadelik mediese behandeling toegepas op ‘n vrou wat per ongeluk haar hand afgesny het. ER24 het dadelik Rocket Air Ambulance geskakel om die pasiënt te kom haal in Ermelo, en oor te plaas vir mediese behandeling. Die helikopter het omstreeks 15:00 by Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie se rugbyveld geland, waar die pasiënt oorgeplaas was na Netcare Alberton hospitaal toe. Nog geen verdere inligting is beskikbaar oor die pasiënt nie. Op die foto verskyn ER24 personeel, Hannes en Vusi, saam met Rocket Air Ambulance, waar die pasiënt oorgeplaas was na Netcare Alberton hospitaal. < Previous Article Next Article >

Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap. Errie-atlete gekies vir Mpumalanga span 1/5 Share SH HATTINGH 30 March 2021 Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap. Op Saterdag, 27 Maart, het van Hoërskool Ermelo se atlete deelgeneem aan die Mpumalanga-atletiek kampioenskap by die Secunda Atletiek stadion. Vyf van die Erries is gekies om die Mpumalanga-atletiek span te verteenwoordig by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap, wat plaasvind vanaf 7 tot 10 April in die Paarl. Die volgende EHS-atlete is vir die Mpumalanga span gekies: Mia Davel (o/16) behaal twee eerste plekke in onderskeidelik hoogspring, met ‘n hoogte van 1,63 meter, asook in die 300m-hekkies, met ‘n tyd van 47,17 sekondes. Mikaela Hand (o/16) behaal tweede plek in skyfwerp, met ‘n afstand van 30,89 meter, en sesde plek in gewigstoot, met ‘n afstand van 10,59 meter. Carla Ferreira (o/18) verower tweede plek in spiesgooi, met ‘n afstand van 39,92 meter. Tyrone Berning (o/16) spog met drie uitstekende eerste plekke. In hoogspring, spring hy 1,92 meter, hy voltooi die 300m-hekkies in 39,02 sekondes, en die 400m in 50,90 sekondes. Ruan du Toit (o/18) behaal tweede plek in die 400m, met ‘n tyd van 48,93 sekondes. Alhoewel die volgende atlete nie gekies is vir die Mpumalnga span nie, presteer hulle nie te min ook uitstekend: Chester Mphahlele (o/17) behaal agtste plek in die 3000m, en BongmusaVilakazi behaal ook agtste plek in die 1500m. Deidre van der Meyden (o/17) behaal tweede en vierde plek in onderskeidelik die 100m en die 200m, Johnke Prinsloo (o/17) behaal tweede plek in die 400m, Mia Steenkamp behaal sewende plek in die 400m-hekkies, Zané du Plessis (o/17) behaal derde plek in hoogspring, asook vierde plek in die 400m-hekkies, en Chantelle Swart (o/19) behaal tweede plek in die 800m. “Baie geluk aan elke Errie wat deelgeneem het, asook dié wat gekies is vir die Mpumalanga span. Die EHS is met reg trots op elkeen se uitsonderlike prestasie.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Xtra Savings can now also transact 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 November2021 To get a Money Market Account, register for a free account in-store or download the Shoprite app from the Apple Store, Huawei App Gallery or Google Play Store. Good news for all shoppers! Checkers and Shoprite Xtra Savings members can now transact using their Xtra Savings cards following a significant update to the Shoprite Group’s Money Market Account. The Money Market Account, which has attracted 530 000 users since it launched just over a year ago, now provides customers with transactional banking functionalities, including sending money and making withdrawals. “The development and roll out of the account have been driven entirely by customer needs,” explains Jean Olivier, General Manager: Financial Services at the Shoprite Group. Customers indicated that they like transacting with their phones, but also with a card, and some raised concerns about how to access their Money Market Account if their phone battery went dead or they forgot their phones. Realizing that 20 million customers already had the Xtra Savings rewards card, the Group worked on a solution. Customers can now link their Xtra Savings card to their Money Market Account and will be able to use these cards to pay for items provided shoppers have funds in their account. They can use their Xtra Savings cards to pay for goods at checkout points, as they would any other bank card. Money Market Accounts offer banked and unbanked consumers, many of whom are regular customers at the Group’s stores, access to basic transactional banking activities that are specifically aimed at their needs. The account gives them simplicity and transparency, as there are no fees and no physical forms, as it is all digital. It also offers low-cost banking with no monthly fees, no load fees, no transactional fees, only a R5 withdrawal fee, and no debit orders or deductions, as to ensure that customers are in full control of their money. Easy access is offered on any mobile phone, and available for free via the Shoprite app, USSD (*120*3534#), WhatsApp (087 240 5709) or the Xtra Savings card. Anyone can register for a Money Market Account, as a customers just need a South African ID or any passport and a South African cellphone number. “It is a straightforward account which allows customers to be in full control of their money and does not surprise them with any hidden fees,” says Olivier. To get a Money Market Account, register for a free account in-store or download the Shoprite app from the Apple Store, Huawei App Gallery or Google Play Store, or by by dialing *120*3534#. Customers can also add Shoprite on 027 87 240 5709, or Checkers on 027 87 240 5385 as a WhatsApp contact, and follow the prompts. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Community Police Forum new committee 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 22 February 2022 On Saturday, 19 February 2022, the community of Ermelo were invited to attend the Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting. On Saturday, 19 February 2022, the community of Ermelo were invited to attend the Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting. During the meeting, community members were able to talk about their concerns inside Ermelo, as well as the rural areas. The biggest concern from all the people of the community were the crime that takes place during the day, as well as at night, and all the people that walk so freely in town and injecting each other with the same needles, coupled with all the drug use. During the meeting there was an election for a new committee that wil assist the community and SAPS for the next 5 years. The Chairperson is Raphael Mthetwa, Deputy Chairperson is Jaco Kirk, Secretary is Sweetness Thela, Deputy Secretary is Sesi Msibi, Treasurer is Jenny Venter, P.R.O is Rulph Basson, Co-ordinator is Sue-Marie Hattingh. The following are the three additional members - Dumisani Mkhabela, Priscilla Nkosi and Themba Vilakazi. < Previous Article Next Article >

Community stands together to rehab roadway 1/12 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 Pick n Pay Ermelo rustled up meals and cold drinks, and delivered it to the teams on site, and showing their support in the initiative. Chris de Villiers Street, a notorious sight for sore eyes, and a menace to motorists and heavy vehicle drivers alike, as been partially rehabilitated in order to make the surface traversable once again. As complaints regarding this roadway has fallen on deaf ears at Msukaligwa Local Municipality for more than 4 years, residents and business owners decided to band together and take action. In an unprecedented joint operation, members of SG Coal, Van Wettens Towing Services, Wozani Berg Gasoline (WBG), Mavuso Towing and various other stakeholders toiled in the scorching heat of the past weekend, making the road surface fit for traffic yet again. Pick n Pay Ermelo rustled up meals and cold drinks, and delivered it to the teams on site, and showing their support in the initiative. Ellwyn Thomas of WBG and Gerhard de Kock from SG Coal has been on site from dawn until disk, motivating the teams, and ensuring that the rehabilitation was done in record time. FJ Oosthuizen from SG Coal was also in site, and encouraged and thanked his drivers for sacrificing their weekend for the benefit of the community. Ronnie and his team pumped water from the sinkholes to ensure easier compacting of materials, while Msukaligwa Local Municipality also provided teams and a roller to assist in the work. Vida Water Ermelo also contributed in quenching the thirst, by donating water to site workers and assistants. A local resident also expressed gratitude by providing lunch to the workers on site. A mention of thanks is also extended to James Gregory, CEO of WBG for donating fuel for trucks on site. It goes to show that if the community works together, much can be achieved. Thanks to a group of sterling individuals and companies, the nightmare that was Chris de Villiers Street is relieved for a while, and motorists and heavy vehicle drivers can traverse the roadway with very few issues. You may view more videos and photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Optimum Colliery tanks due to mismanagement 1/1 Share Supplied - DA Media Office 7 September 2022 Currently the mine is under business rescue and its issues are in courts Media Statement - The DA in Mpumalanga is concerned about the devastating economic effects in Hendrina left by the ANC government and the infamous Gupta brothers through the mismanagement and closure of Optimum Coal Mine. Optimum was leveraged out of Glencore’s hands by failing ANC officials straight into the hands of the Guptas’ Tegeta. Because of poor management, the mine which has been operating since 2002, was forced to shut down in 2018 and over 1000 employees and 500 contractors lost their jobs. On an oversight visit to the mine this week, the DA experienced first-hand, the devastating effect left by the closure of the mine on the communities of KwaZamokuhle Township and Pullens Hope. Majority of the people who live in Hendrina and surrounding areas depended one way or the other on a functional Optimum Mine, that is until Jacob Zuma’s ANC and the Guptas took over and brought the mine to its knees. Driving or walking around KwaZamokuhle Township, you meet young people who have lost hope and their livelihood. Many where employed by the mine – or had small businesses that supplied different resources to employees of the mine. There’s also a mushrooming new informal settlement of people who lost their houses when the mine closed down. As for Pullens Hope where the mine is located, it has become a Ghost Town and buildings or flats that accommodated mine employees – have been abandoned and left to ruins. There are also disturbing allegations that “ANC Forums” go around Hendrina, especially in KwaZamokuhle Township, charging desperate job seekers R1000 or R1500 to arrange employment for them on the nearby mines and the Hendrina Power Station. The ANC have failed the communities of Hendrina and surrounding areas. Their mismanagement of Optimum Coal Mine had crippling effects on our economy, our electricity supply and affecting ordinary coal workers who cannot afford to put food on their tables or books in their children’s school bags. Currently the mine is under business rescue and its issues are in courts. Through our counterparts in the National Assembly, the DA will approach the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to intervene and come up with urgent solutions so that mine can reopen and restore hope to the people of Hendrina. < Previous Article Next Article >

The ballsiest, bravest run to date 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 28 October 2021 Most South Africans know someone affected by prostate or testicular cancer. The bottom line is that early detection saves lives. What started twelve years ago with one brave soul running through peak hour traffic in a speedo to raise awareness about cancer, has since become a nationwide phenomenon. Usually held as a mass participation event in Johannesburg, the first ever COVID-edition national Hollard Daredevil Run 2021 recently took place across the country. This event, which raises funds towards prostate and testicular cancer awareness and screening, saw runners taking part countrywide dressed only in a purple speedo, including men from Mpumalanga, bravely showing off their inner Daredevil. “This is a run with a difference that makes a difference. The Hollard Daredevil Run has been a highlight on the South African social calendar since 2009, attracting thousands of brave men from all walks of life to do their part to raise awareness about male cancers,” says Heidi Brauer, Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard. Far from being limited to the streets of Johannesburg, this year the event attracted participants from every corner of the country, with teams closer to home spotted running from early morning in Witbank. A 2021 Hollard Daredevil Run highlight is most certainly the purple wildlife warriors, a team of game rangers dressed in nothing but purple speedos taking a run on the wild side through Skukuza in the Kruger National Park. Social media was abuzz with images from other participants around the province, some in more rural areas, some as part of high school teams and soccer and sports club teams as well as the bravest of them all, those running alone in their neighbourhoods. “At Hollard, we like to do things differently, to be bold, brave and ballsy. The act of stripping down to nothing but a speedo is not only challenging for runners, but also challenges stereotypes about male cancers. It takes courage to strip down to a speedo and run in public, but that’s the whole idea. The Hollard Daredevil Run challenges South African men to confront male cancers head-on by showing that they’re not afraid to run in a speedo, not afraid to talk about cancer and not afraid to get checked,” Brauer concluded. All proceeds from the annual Hollard Daredevil Run go to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, towards awareness and screening of prostate and testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged between 15-39 and can affect men of all races. The survival rate of stage 1 testicular cancer can be as high as 100%, making early detection and prompt action vital. Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and is on the increase. According to global research, one in every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with the risk of prostate cancer increasing with age. Early diagnosis can mean a 95% chance of being cured. Most South Africans know someone affected by prostate or testicular cancer. The bottom line is that early detection saves lives. Any members of the public wanting to support these purple cancer warriors can go to www.daredevilrun.com to donate further funds towards cancer awareness and screening initiatives. For more information about prostate and testicular cancer, go to www.prostate-ca.co.za , or www.cansa.org.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” Ligbron leerders streef hoog Elzaan van de Venter, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. Lohan Coetzee, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. Elzaan van de Venter, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. 1/2 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 1 September 2020 Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” Twee leerders van Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie, Elzaan van de Venter en Lohan Coetzee, het tydens die grendeltyd ingeskryf vir ‘n toneel talent kompetisie, genaamnd “Mentor My”. Beide leerders het deurgedring, en is gekies om deel te wees van ‘n groep leerders wat aanlyn opleiding sal ontvang. Die opleiding het reeds in Augustus begin, en sal ‘n jaar lank duur. Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo stoeiers gemaak van staal 1/3 Share GK CRON JE 19 October 2021 Die Ermelo Mpumalanga stoeispan het hul staal gewys, en die gemeenskap trots gemaak met puik prestasies tydens die SA’s. Die Ermelo Mpumalanga stoeispan het hul staal gewys, en die gemeenskap trots gemaak met puik prestasies tydens die SA’s. Woldermar Winkler en Lohan van Niekerk, beide o/9, AJ van Niekerk (o/11), Carlo van Staden en WP Human (beide o/13) en Teghan Breytenbach (o/15) het puik presteer, en bewys dat harde werk en dedikasie sappige vrugte werp. Woldermar het brons verower in die Presidente afdeling onder 42KG. AJ het silwer huistoe geneem in die o/11 vrystyl onder 55KG, WP palm brons in vir die o/13 vrystyl onder 57KG, asook 5de plasing in die Presidente afdeling. Laastens, maar nie die minste nie, het Teghan die stoeiers ore aangesit in die o/15 Griek Romyns onder 68KG met brons, en neem ook 4de plek in met die vrystyl afdeling. Die Ermelo Stoeiklub nooi graag alle belangstellendes om navraag te doen en betrokke te raak by dié sport. Alle ouderdomsgroepe is welkom om aan te sluit. < Previous Article Next Article >