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She has been invited to an academic camp that aims to help students gain an even better understanding of mathematics, physical and life sciences, and enable them to solve exercises and problems themselves. Exceptional Errie-learner hand picked Sinethemba Dlamini, a Grade 12 learner of EHS. Sinethemba Dlamini, a Grade 12 learner of EHS. 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 13 October 2020 She has been invited to an academic camp that aims to help students gain an even better understanding of mathematics, physical and life sciences, and enable them to solve exercises and problems themselves. Sinethemba Dlamini, a Grade 12 learner of EHS, has been selected by the Mpumalanga Education Department to acknowledge and celebrate her exceptional achievement in mathematics and physical science. She has been invited to an academic camp that aims to help students gain an even better understanding of mathematics, physical and life sciences, and enable them to solve exercises and problems themselves. To effectively do this, high profile facilitators have been appointed to help the learners at the camp. “Congratulations, Sinethemba! Hoërskool Ermelo is really proud of you, and we wish you the best of luck.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Fruitless expenditures such as renaming of council buildings should be the very last thing on the list of fiscal worries at MLM. Outrage as MLM sets to rename council buildings 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 17 November 2020 Fruitless expenditures such as renaming of council buildings should be the very last thing on the list of fiscal worries at MLM. Ermelo as a whole united in an angry front against the recent stint pulled by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), as the municipality set forth a call for proposed name changes for council owned buildings. MLM, which is under severe financial strain due to being grossly indebted with nearly all service providers, rustled a whole cage of feathers with this proposal. As all wards, settlements and towns withing the MLM governance area suffer on a daily basis with electrical interruptions due to the NMD implemented due to the mountain of debt owed to Eskom, this is viewed as the peak of wasteful expenditure. Roads are riddled with potholes and sinkholes, with MLM claiming financial constraints as the reason for the deterioration. Substations and junction boxes are left to rot without maintenance, no doors, many of them have high voltage cables that are jerry-rigged in the most unsafe of fashion. Water supply is erratic at best, with many households left days on end with extremely low water pressure, dirty water supply, or no water supply at all. The majority of Ermelo is shrouded in darkness as streetlights are left in a dilapidated and non-functional state, with no action from MLM. Once again financial constraints are cited as the culprit. Refuse removal is another cause of concern, with residents resorting to illegal dumping as the refuse collection schedule is often disregarded. The municipal billing system is a shambles, with residents and businesses receiving unfathomably skyhigh accounts for water and electricity, as MLM employees use estimates as a yard stick for usage, which is not only illegal, but highly unethical. Businesses are threatened with a cut-off of services should they fail to pay the excessively high bills that MLM thumbsucks without any readings, and many businesses and residents have water meters that are buried beneath shrubbery and grass, proving theat MLM does indeed not take readings on a regular basis as is expected of them. Pre-paid customers are also getting the short end of the stick, as the lack of processing of accounts on part of MLM results in penalties incurred due to “arrears”, which are actually not in arrears. As a result, the amount of prepaid units received by paying customers are greatly reduced, as purchase slips cite all manner of excuses as to penalize residents without any rhyme or reason. In light of the above, fruitless expenditures such as renaming of council buildings should be the very last thing on the list of fiscal worries at MLM, who should rather focus the little available finances they have on basic service delivery, which is clearly lacking at this point. At the time of publication, MLM failed to respond to enquiries regarding this matter. < 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 >

TLU bied 2021 Jongboer-konferensie aan 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 Danie Bester, Jongboer van die Jaar 2020, het ‘n informatiewe toespraak gelewer aan ander jong boere, en sy kennis gedeel met die boere gemeenskap. Die TLU-SA het op Vrydag, 7 Mei 2021, hul 2021 Jongboer Konferensie aangebied, waar talle besprekings plaasgevind het oor die toestand van die landbousektor in die land. As gevolg van die pandemie, kon slegs ‘n beperkte aantal boere en besoekers die konferensie te Pretoria bywoon. Die TLU het egter ‘n Zoom-skakel beskikbaar gestel vir diegene wat virtueel wou deel wees van die konferensie. Die konferesnie, gelei deur Henna du Plessis, Jongboer Komitee Voorsitter, en Henry Geldenhuys, TLU SA President, was gestaaf as ‘n groot sukses. Danie Bester, Jongboer van die Jaar 2020, het ‘n informatiewe toespraak gelewer aan ander jong boere, en sy kennis gedeel met die boere gemeenskap. Hou die volgende publikasie dop vir ‘n volledige verklaring deur die TLU rakende die konferensie. < Previous Article Next Article >

Cecilia kort hulp met veloorplantings 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 10 November 2020 Cecilia sterk baie goed by haar suster aan, maar moet nou veloorplantings ondergaan, wat ‘n groot bedrag gaan beloop. Die gesin beskik nie oor ‘n mediese fonds om te help met al die mediese onkostes nie. Cecilia Earle, ‘n jarelange inwoner van Ermelo, was op Donderdag, 8 Oktober 2020 betrokke in ‘n tref en trap ongeluk met ‘n swaar motorvoertuig. Cecilia sterk baie goed by haar suster aan, maar moet nou veloorplantings ondergaan, wat ‘n groot bedrag gaan beloop. Die gesin beskik nie oor ‘n mediese fonds om te help met al die mediese onkostes nie. Enige persoon wat meer inligting wil hê is welkom om Sue-Marie by 082 734 0867 te skakel. Die trust fonds is as volg: PWG Prokureurs, Eerste Nasionale Bank, Ermelo, Takkode: 270344. Die tjek-rekeningnommer is 52180048278. Barmhartige samiritane moet asseblief E745/Earle gebruik as verwysing. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced their concern that officials are increasingly being implicated in cable theft. More than ever, Eskom employees and SAPS officers, as well as owners of scrapyards, are being investigated as part of an organizec cable theft syndicate in Mpumalanga. During the course of last week, a detective from eMalahleni, and a former Eskom employee were among four people arrested for the possession of chrome worth R60 000, which was presumably stolen. Allegedly, a SAPS vehicle was used to transport the chrome. In July 2022, four scrapyard owners from Middelburg and eMalahleni were arrested when R200 000 worth of Eskom stolen property, which includes cables, pylons and copper, were found in their respective scrapyards. In March 2022, Eskom security officers and a police officer were among 14 arrested by the Hawks in eMalahleni when a large amount of cables were confiscated. Cable theft sets back the South African taxpayer R7 billion a year. Not only does it disrupt the supply of electricity, but it also has a significant effect on the economy, resulting in loss of income and job losses. At this stage, Mpumalanga cannot afford to lose any more jobs. The 51 000 job losses in the first quarter of 2022 is testament to how local business and the economy has been crippled. The DA has called on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the syndicate and, in accordance with the Second Hand Goods Act, ensure a maximum sentence to those who are found guilty of cable theft. Cable theft is crippling the country Cable theft is crippling the country 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 The 51 000 job losses in the first quarter of 2022 is testament to how local business and the economy has been crippled. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced their concern that officials are increasingly being implicated in cable theft. More than ever, Eskom employees and SAPS officers, as well as owners of scrapyards, are being investigated as part of an organizec cable theft syndicate in Mpumalanga. During the course of last week, a detective from eMalahleni, and a former Eskom employee were among four people arrested for the possession of chrome worth R60 000, which was presumably stolen. Allegedly, a SAPS vehicle was used to transport the chrome. In July 2022, four scrapyard owners from Middelburg and eMalahleni were arrested when R200 000 worth of Eskom stolen property, which includes cables, pylons and copper, were found in their respective scrapyards. In March 2022, Eskom security officers and a police officer were among 14 arrested by the Hawks in eMalahleni when a large amount of cables were confiscated. Cable theft sets back the South African taxpayer R7 billion a year. Not only does it disrupt the supply of electricity, but it also has a significant effect on the economy, resulting in loss of income and job losses. At this stage, Mpumalanga cannot afford to lose any more jobs. The 51 000 job losses in the first quarter of 2022 is testament to how local business and the economy has been crippled. The DA has called on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the syndicate and, in accordance with the Second Hand Goods Act, ensure a maximum sentence to those who are found guilty of cable theft. < Previous Article Next Article >

GSDM acknowledged receipt of the enquiry, but yet again failed to submit a reply. Mr. Zwane, MLM spokesman stated via telephonic conversation that the issue is being investigated by the technical team. However, no further information, or what plans of environmental reform are, have been made known. A copy of the information, photos and videos have also been submitted to Carte Blanche, and response is awaited. MLM, DEA and GSDM turns blind eye to environmental pollution 1/55 Share GK CRONJE 22 September 2020 GSDM acknowledged receipt of the enquiry, but yet again failed to submit a reply. Mr. Zwane, MLM spokesman stated via telephonic conversation that the issue is being investigated by the technical team. However, no further information, or what plans of environmental reform are, have been made known. A copy of the information, photos and videos have also been submitted to Carte Blanche, and response is awaited. Residents and businesses familiar with the ongoing sewage spillage in the vicinity of Oosthuizen Street is in for a even bigger shock. While Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has replaced a section of sewerage line, the damage is already done, and raw sewage continues to pollute the environment and underground water sources. Residents of Wesselton Extension 5 have to make do with the raw sewage flowing past their dwellings, along with a wide range of garbage, animal carcasses and other debris floating in the sewage. The looming summer rain season will surely make matters exponentially worse, as many of the storm drains in Ermelo are either clogged, or confusingly, connects with residential and business sewerage lines. The spillage, which has been ongoing since 2016, have to date, seen no tangible action from authorities, and have been polluting the environment on a unprecedented scale for four consecutive years. When the blockage and overflow was initially brought to the attention of MLM in mid-2016, the iron should have been struck while it was hot, and the issue would have been resolved. Instead, the spillage was left to be, much to the dismay of surrounding businesses, who suffer on a daily basis with immense stench. In May 2018, both MLM and Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) was informed of the ongoing spillage, to which no response was received from either institution. Between 2018 and 2019, MLM teams were reportedly spotted unblocked the line thrice, unfortunately haphazardly so. By ignoring the larger issue of obstructions further along the sewerage line, as well as the origin of the offending objects lodged in the line, continued spilling is experienced within mere days after apparent unblocking. To date, attempts to involve COGTA in resolving this issue has also yielded no results. Birds, other wildlife and stray cattle feasts on the daily smorgasbord of excrement gushing from the sewerage lines, and cattle herders plod through the soggy marsh of sewage. The large-scale environmental contamination holds immense health risks to animals, and especially residents, facing the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. While authorities preach about hygiene, cleanliness and sanitizing, this overflow is a slap in the face of the community. Sewage contains a wide variety of dissolved and suspended impurities, and domestic sewage is also very likely to contain disease-causing microbes. The surrounding water sources that this massive pool and overflow of sewage in turn pollutes has a far-reaching impact. Residents who have to traverse this much, and stray cattle who return home to their owners, contaminated, poses a major risk of causing illness such as e-coli, diarrhea and hepatitis A, due to bacteria and viruses present in sewage effluent. Gastrointestinal disorders have been linked to sewage pollution, with viruses implicated as the cause. Pollutants can also seep down and affect groundwater deposits, potentially ending up in the taps of residents. Aside from the immense health risks this sewage overflow poses, the issue is further aggravated by the fact that the surrounding businesses suffer loss in clientele due to the constant, unbearable stench that lingers in the air, as one of the overflows is but mere meters from their shopfronts. The Tribune has, in light of the unimaginable environmental impact, approached, amongst others, AfriForum, VF Plus, Ermelo Business Association and Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries (DEA) formerly the Department of Environmental Affairs, for input and potential solutions. Worryingly, no parties submitted replies at the time of publication. GSDM acknowledged receipt of the enquiry, but yet again failed to submit a reply. Mr. Zwane, MLM spokesman stated via telephonic conversation that the issue is being investigated by the technical team. However, no further information, or what plans of environmental reform are, have been made known. A copy of the information, photos and videos have also been submitted to Carte Blanche, and response is awaited. After numerous attempts, the Tribune managed to obtain a contact e-mail for an official at the DEA supposedly responsible for tending to such issues. The e-mail address supplied, however, returned an error. Further attempts to contact the DEA has resulted in being sent from one phone extension to another, ultimately leading to nowhere. To see a video footage of the overflow and the devastating effect it has had on the environment, videos are available on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < 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 spill contravenes several statutory requirements, as stated by AfriForum in their 2014 summons. In terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence. 12 Years of Vaal River pollution 1/19 Share GK CRONJE 13 July 2021 The spill contravenes several statutory requirements, as stated by AfriForum in their 2014 summons. In terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence. “There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. As Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) fails to deliver on services across multiple levels of their management structure, the quote seems fitting. The Vaal river, a source of water for approximately 19 million South Africans, has been slated as polluted “beyond acceptable levels”, impacting on natural ecosystems and endangering the people's health. Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. The investigation by the SAHRC followed media reports that raw sewage from various water management works from several municipalities had been leaking into the Vaal River. MLM is no exception, and is, in fact, one of the major contributors to the pollution of the Vaal River. The constant flow of raw sewage from President Fouché Avenue, the field between Oosthuise and Joubert Streets, as well as a constant flow of raw sewage from the informal settlements along the outskirts of the N17. However, the issue of MLM’s blatant disregard of environmental impact is nothing new. In 2014, Municipal Manager at the time, Mr M.W. Zungu, the Head of the Water Department, Mr B. van der Merwe, and the Director of Technical Services, Mr S. Magudulela, received a summons, whilst performing in their capacity as managers of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, in connection to the blocked sewage drains in the vicinity of the Pet Dam. The raw sewage, which, to this very day, still overflows into the creek, deposits a quantity of >1 000 000 E. Coli per 100ml of water. This contravenes several statutory requirements, as stated by AfriForum in their 2014 summons. In terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence. However, no heed has been, or is paid by MLM. In 2014, stated that Rand Water has appointed contractors to see to the general maintenance of the sewer network. The purpose of the work being done at this site was to flush the bulk sewer lines so that proper water inflows at the sewer work can be measured. This is part of the Water Demand Management Project that has been launched. Birds, other wildlife and stray cattle feasts on the daily smorgasbord of excrement gushing from the sewerage lines, and cattle herders plod through the soggy marsh of sewage. The large-scale environmental contamination holds immense health risks to animals, and especially residents, facing the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several half-hearted attempts from MLM to remedy the issue has yielded no results or solution to the issue, and was done to quell the barrage of complaints from residents and businesses. The overflow from all the abovementioned sites connect directly to the Klein Drinkwater stream. This stream flows through several farms an small holdings to eventually contaminates the Vaal River with thousands of kiloliters of raw sewage per month. The overflow from the field in Camden Avenue contaminates the entire field between Mauritz Read Street and President Fouché Avenue, where cattle often graze and residents cross by foot. This sewage then flows towards the field between President Fouché Avenue and Wes Street, where it contributes to the shocking amount of sewage that overflows from the manholes and dilapidated sewerage network in this area. Instead of finding a solution to the overflow of raw sewage from the manholes in President Fouché Avenue, MLM has opted to brazenly dig trenches to redirect the sewage towards the middle of the field in an attempt to make the overflow less noticeable. However, this is of little comfort to residents in this area, as well as the local school, who have to suffer in the unsanitary environment and gagging stench, day in, and day out. This combined, constant stream of raw sewage then flows directly into the Pet Dam, which overflows into the creek between Oosthuise and Joubert Streets. There, it is joined by the overflow of the manhole in yet another field, which flows past the informal settlements and towards the Klein Drinkwater stream. Despite the raw sewage, the Klein Drinkwater stream is contaminated beyond all recognition by refuse, sanitary pads, tyres and all manner of other refuse being tossed in the stream by nearby residents. The Democratic Alliance of Mpumalanga (DA) has announced that they will write to COGTA MEC, Busisiwe Shiba, asking her to capacitate and help municipalities spend their infrastructure grant as residents are struggling with service delivery because of old and dilapidated infrastructure. “The recent Auditor-General report has mentioned that despite there being huge infrastructure backlogs in all municipalities across Mpumalanga, municipalities are still failing to utilize grants given by national government for the purposes provided. Over the past couple of years, Msukaligwa Local Municipality has become synonymous with infrastructure issues relating to water shortages, sewage leaks that run into the rivers and onto land, and issues around power outages. Numerous infrastructure backlogs resulted in a failure of the municipality to provide water to the residents of Sheepmoore, Skaapruiz and parts of Lothair and Breyten. In addition to the above, dilapidated sewage systems have resulted in sewage spills across the municipality, and the resultant pollution of land and the water systems such as the Vaal River. It is from this perspective, the DA condemns the municipality’s underspending of the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant by 95% as reported on by the Auditor-General in the 2019/20 audit of local municipalities,” the DA stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

EN Building Supplies Ermelo kondig wenner aan 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 23 Junie 2020 EN Building Supplies Ermelo het ‘n kompetisie geloots in samewerking met Dulux, waar jy enige Dulux produkte kon koop vir R1 000 of meer, en kwalifiseer om ‘n patio verwarmer te wen. EN Building Supplies Ermelo het ‘n kompetisie geloots in samewerking met Dulux, waar jy enige Dulux produkte kon koop vir R1 000 of meer, en kwalifiseer om ‘n patio verwarmer te wen. Martin du Preez, of beter bekend as Mossel van Azucron, was die gelukkige wenner van die verwarmer. Op die foto verskyn Mossel, saam met Cornelius van der Merwe van EN Building Supplies. < Previous Article Next Article >

The incredible story Ismail Joosub 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 January 2021 “My achievements, however long and laborious, made me a better man. Ultimately fate will define my future, but I wouldn’t mind securing a seat in the Union Buildings.” Ismail Joosub, a 21-year-old local marvel, has quite a story to share with the world. Born into a long line of high-achievers, his family migrated from India in the 1930’s. Ismail’s grandparents moved to South Africa, and founded a fabric store whilst enduring the hardships of South Africa in that era. Ismail bears the namesake of his grandfather, and touts his grandmother as the matriarch of the family, contributing with support and council to his successes in life. Ismail’s family, however, continued the success in Ermelo by the acquisition of various properties, with hard work and honest labor being the main focus. His family were given no free reign, and accomplished their success themselves through sheer dedication. Ismail remembers himself as a shy kid, being more observant than vocal. He attended Ermelo Primary School Grades 1 through 7, and his academical focus brought with it great achievements, with Ismail being at the top of the class throughout his attending years. Ismail featured in the media on various occasions, and strangely, already had an idea in primary school as to the aim of his life, and was fascinated with power and men in suits. Ismail also expressed great interest in geopolitics within different geographical locations. His life took a turn in Grades 5 and 6, when one of his English teachers inspired him, and his mother subsequently encouraged him, to enter oratory competitions. Placing first in this competition, Ismail burst out of his shell with extraordinary confidence. He participated on provincial level speeches, and was chosen as the best orator in Mpumalanga, having a voice compared to Barack Obama. Exuding confidence, Ismail was accepted to both local high schools, but ultimately settled on Ligbron as a choice because of their technological advancements and offerings. He flew through his high school career with ease, placing top in all academic events. From there, there was no stopping Ismail, and he was awarded as second best orator in the country, and continued to climb even higher. Still keeping an eye on the global political ethos, and nurturing his passion for international law, Ismail sees his role model and influence as Henry Kissinger, President Richard Nixon’s security advisor and expert in international affairs and foreign policy. Reading books by the dozen, Ismail decided in Grade 9 to put spirituality first. He became involved on the Islamic scene, and set out on the gargantuan task of memorizing the Quran. This proved to be a grueling task due to school pressure and his various other commitments, but he continued searching for the meaning of life. “This endeavor shaped my political and legal views , the meaning of justice and the impact of religion. In Grade 11, I stepped away as the winner of all my oratory competitions. In Grade 12, I started making friends... powerful friends,” Ismail gleamed. “These included powerful men and women from the political, legal and business fields. Most importantly, my family plays a crucible role in the man I am today, especially paying honor to my father. He guided me, and counselled me on how to succeed and rise in life’s ranks. My father supported and understood me, as he still continues to support my directive in life.” Ismail said. “Ultimately, law is the choice I’d rather make, instead of politics. Law affords me the chance to make a difference in the justice issues in South Africa. Law runs in the family blood, with two of my family members in the top 10 lawyers in the country.” he said. Enrolling in the University of Pretoria in 2018, which features the best law faculty on the continent. Although enjoying the university’s challenges, Ismail had issues blending in with the hustle and bustle of Hatfield. He felt that he was not doing enough, not making as big a difference as he would have liked. Ismail decided to join the Muslim Student Association (MSA) as a key role player, and aimed on making a difference for Muslim students. He also joined the SRC to ensure that all Muslim rights were equally covered. “Delving deeper into law and legal philosophy, I joined the Law House, rising in ranks, and serving on four subcommittees in the same year. Through hard work and dedication, I passed my first year cum laude, and during my second year in 2019, I was honored with the merit of the Golden Key award, which recognises the top 15% of students in the faculty. Although having ties with Ministers in Government and Leaders of various political organizations, I still have no official political affiliation, but continue to contribute value to the functioning of various bodies on campus.” Ismail said, now on the edge of his seat. “2019 was a magical year for me. Having ties with key players, everyone knew my name, and I was touted as the next president of the country. I also have a massive social media following, airing opinions on geopolitical issues. I’ve been giving my insights for over two years, and was part of the executive council of the debate team. My second year of law brought about big life decisions, accompanied by a stellar academic record. Prevailing options are either a masters in international law, or advocacy, because of my ability to speak well, drawing massive crowds when I speak.” Ismail smiled. “I have a great interest in diplomacy, was in contact with many ambassadors on international affairs, and was on my way up. However, the COVID-19 pandemic cut short the dream ride, as all affairs are on halt, but I am still determined to make a change. I helped my father in property affairs during the lockdown period, and did terrifically well in business management during the 2020 lockdown, whilst still building and strengthening contacts. I started long length articles on various sites, and am still polishing my oratory skills. Despite the pandemic, my academic year finished with seven distinctions in law, whereafter I received a call in October 2020, from the African Union. In a brilliant twist of fate, I am now the Vice President and Media and Marketing Officer of the AU Student Commission, and may now practice my influence in real life, and online. Having the best interest of Africa at heart, I am looking at the implications of any and all events. I will be investigating human rights violations, and will be working to let liberty shine as a beacon.” Ismail said. “I have recently been contacted by some of the biggest law firms on the continent, including Werksmans Attorneys and Norton Rose Fulbright. “My achievements, however long and laborious, made me a better man. Ultimately fate will define my future, but I wouldn’t mind securing a seat in the Union Buildings.” Ismail said with a humble smile. “I sit here as an avid admirer of Churchill and many others, and would like to be remembered as someone who contributed positively for the advancement of humanity. That’s what I’m working towards, and I do believe that there will be a meteoric rise in my future, and I will work toward the betterment of all South African life.” < Previous Article Next Article >

“Mamma, jy los ‘n groot leemte” 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 29 June 2021 Graag wil ons dankie sê vir Dr. van der Poel, Dr. Olivier, Life Care Response en Avbob vir hul hulp en bystand. Anna-Marie du Plessis, (63) gebore op 14 Mei 1958, is Donderdag, 24 Junie 2021, skielik oorlede as gevolg van komplikasies met COVID-19. Anna-Marie het saam met haar man, Sakkie du Plessis, na Ermelo verhuis in 1987, waar sy werksaam was by Louis Botha Makelaars. Daarna het sy begin as administrasie klerk by Gert Sibande Kollege, en was tot 2017 daar werksaam. Sy het ‘n baie groot vriende kring gehad in Ermelo, wat mekaar altyd bygestaan het deur dik en dun. Haar gesin gee graag die volgende hulde blyk: “Liewe Mamma, daar is nie woorde om ‘n ma te beskryf soos jy. Mamma was altyd daar vir ons deur dik en dun. Mamma het ons bygestaan, en was altyd bereid om te help. Mamma het altyd oorvloei met liefde. Rus nou sag by Jesus se voete, mamma. Gee vir Pa en sus ‘n drukkie van ons af. Ons sê nie totsiens nie, maar tot ons mekaar weer sien. Lief vir Mamma.” Graag wil ons dankie sê vir Dr. van der Poel, Dr. Olivier, Life Care Response en Avbob vir hul hulp en bystand. Anna-Marie word oorleef deur haar twee seuns, Frikkie en Hendrik, skoondogter, Corné, kleindogter Zanlie, en haar skoonseun Corrie, en kleinseun Corrie Jnr. < Previous Article Next Article >