MBCF invites members to join the cause 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 November 2020 “People have been accepting the unacceptable for far too long, and unfortunately there are no quick fixes. But what is important is to start”. The legal council for the Msukaligwa Business and Community Forum (MBCF), Mr. Andreas Peens, recently joined in a meeting with members of the MBCF committee in Ermelo. It is with great excitement that the announcement has been made that membership forms are now available to interested parties. During the meeting, Mr. Peens discussed immediate and long term legal strategy, and gave feedback on the matter of the application to stop the NMD load shedding currently being implemented by Eskom and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). The case will be heard in court on 12 November 2020. He also discussed the next urgent steps of addressing sewerage, water, rubbish removal and environmental issues in town. Furthermore, the issue of incorrect municipal accounts, accounts not being received by businesses and residents, and the system being offline at the municipality for weeksat end, were also discussed. Mr. Peens indicated that a document will be made available to the MBCF that can be distributed to its members in order to help them lodge a dispute with regards to irregular water and electricity accounts. This will prevent MLM from suspending services to businesses and residents until the irregularity has been resolved. Members also addressed the current frustration at the licensing office, where only 50 renewal applications are being processed per day. Also on the cards was the fact that the municipality allegedly refuses the installation of prepaid electricity meters at business premises, to which Mr. Peens relayed some insightful strategy in resolving the challenges going forward. He explained that addressing the service delivery issues mentioned will provide viable results for all the residents, but it can be a lengthy process. “People have been accepting the unacceptable for far too long, and unfortunately there are no quick fixes. But what is important is to start”. To support the MBCF cause, donations can be made to Msukaligwa Business and Community Forum, Standard Bank, account number 031064701, Ermelo branch, with branch code 052844. Kindly remember to use your cellphone number as reference. Business owners and residents who would like to become members, can do so by completing the membership form. Membership costs entail R25 per household, and R100 per business, per month. For more enquiries, please contact 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >

Don’t fall victim to employment scams 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 24 July 2021 The scammer then proceeds to lure vulnerable and desperate job seekers to pay a fee, where the scammer claims to then provide employment from the institution in question. The SAPS, along with various other key roleplayers, have issued a warning to residents regarding employment scams at municipalities. “It has come to the attention of the authorities that several people have been duped into paying scammers for supposed employment at various government institutions, mainly focused on local municipalities. Please be advised that no money should be paid in order to be appointed to a company or institution,” the SAPS has warned. The scam is especilly rife in Mpumalanga, where a large number of individuals have already been duped into paying for employment opportunities that are advertised, or in some cases, do not exist at all. The modus operandi of the scammers involve commenting on official social media posts from municipalities and institutions, claiming that they are employed of contracted by the human resources department of said companies. In some cases, fake social media accounts are also created, with scammers then claiming to be municipal officials. The scammer then proceeds to lure vulnerable and desperate job seekers to pay a fee, where the scammer claims to then provide employment from the institution in question. However, no employment exists, and the victim is duped out of his or her hard earned money. The SAPS would like to reiterate that no company will charge a fee to interview or appoint new recruits. Residents are advised to follow the indicated application procedure as indicated by the institution in question, or to contact the human resources department directly via the institution’s website or official communication channels. < Previous Article Next Article >

On 19 June 2020, Thulani Ndhlovu (2) was reported missing in Extension 5, eMzinoni, Bethal. According to the mother, Thulani was last seen on the morning of the day of disappearance, when he was playing in the street. A missing child case was opened, and is under investigation. If anyone has seen Thulani, please contact the SAPS on 017 647 9665. Toddler sought Toddler sought 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 June 2020 Thulani was last seen on the morning of the day of disappearance, when he was playing in the street. On 19 June 2020, Thulani Ndhlovu (2) was reported missing in Extension 5, eMzinoni, Bethal. According to the mother, Thulani was last seen on the morning of the day of disappearance, when he was playing in the street. A missing child case was opened, and is under investigation. If anyone has seen Thulani, please contact the SAPS on 017 647 9665. < 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 >

Merino Mall baanbrekerseremonie ‘n reuse sukses 1/9 Share GK CRONJE 3 August 2021 Die ontwikkelaars is daartoe verbind om 'n winkelsentrum te bou met die vermoë om die kleinhandellandskap in Ermelo nog jare te oorheers en versterk. Volgens verteenwoordigers van die groepe is hierdie projek ‘n langtermyn belegging. Met groot opgewondenheid en styl ter ere aan Ermelo, was die baanbrekerseremonie van die grootskaalse konstrukieprojek deur die Moolman Groep en Abland aangebied op Dinsdag, 27 Julie 2021. Die Ermelo skouterrein is deur Moolman Group en Abland Ontwikkelaars geïdentifiseer as 'n uitstekende ligging vir die ontwikkeling van 'n plaaslike winkelsentrum. Die perseel, geleë op die hoeke van die snelweë N2 en N11, en naby die N17, is ook binne loopafstand van die Ermelo CBD. Volgens die Moolman Groep brei Ermelo se ekonomiese aktiwiteit uit na die noorde, verby Breyten, en dit maak hierdie perseel die ideale ligging vir 'n plaaslike winkelsentrum. Geen ander formele plaaslike winkelsentrum van hierdie skaal bestaan binne 'n radius van 100km van Ermelo af nie. Die ontwikkelaars is daartoe verbind om 'n winkelsentrum te bou met die vermoë om die kleinhandellandskap in Ermelo nog jare te oorheers en versterk. Volgens verteenwoordigers van die groepe is hierdie projek ‘n langtermyn belegging, waar die Moolman groep hand in hand sal stap met Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit. Die grond word op ‘n termyn van 60 jaar verhuur aan die groep, waar die lokale Sesman Kommitee sal baat uit die opbrengs. Gerugte dat die grond verkoop is aan die ontwikkelaars is dus ongegrond. Die ontwikkeling, wat na raming 60 weke sal vat om te voltooi, sal bestaan uit 'n volledig omheinde winkelsentrum van ongeveer 30 000 m², met die geleentheid vir toekomstige uitbreiding. Die anker huurders is bekendgestel as Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks, Crazy Plastics en Dischem. Ander attraksies sluit in Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki. The Cross Trainer, Queenspark, Refinery, Truworths, Identity, Mr. Price Clothing, Home- en Sport, Jet, Ackermans, Foschini, Sport Scene, Total Sports, PEP- en PEP Home, Studio 88, The Fix, Exact, Markham, Miladys, Tekkie Town, @Home, Sheet Street, Crazy Store, Nedbank, Capitec, FNB en vele meer. Die ontwikkeling sal 'n gekombineerde mark bedien wat bestaan uit die plaaslike inwoners, sowel as honderde pendelaars wat na- en deur Ermelo reis vanaf omliggende plattelandse en klein dorpies in die streek. Meer foto’s en video’s van die seremonie is beskikbaar op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sgt. Thabang Mokwana, spokesman for Carolina Police, stated that a man from Carolina, who raped his children, aged seven and 11, has been sentenced to life in prison. The incidents occurred between 6 June 2017 and 22 August 2017, with the 44-year-old man being arrested on 22 August, and the children taken to a place of safety by a social worker. A teacher noticed a sudden change in the child’s performance and behavior at school, and interviewed her out of concern that something may be wrong. According to Sgt Mokwana, the child told the teacher that she and her older sister was sexually abused by their father, and the school reported the case to the police. Sgt Gloria Zulu, Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) member interviewed the children’s mother after the father was arrested, and discovered that the mother knew that her husband was sexually abusing the children, but failed to report the matter to the police. Subsequently, the mother was sentenced to five years imprisonment for failing to report the abuse. Both sentences were handed down by the Carolina Regional Court on 24 August 2020. “This sentence will serve as deterrence, especially during this time when gender base violence (GBV) is a concern in the country,” Sgt Mokwana concluded. Carolina man sentenced to life behind bars for rape Carolina man sentenced to life behind bars for rape 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 According to Sgt Mokwana, the child told the teacher that she and her older sister was sexually abused by their father, and the school reported the case to the police. Sgt Gloria Zulu, Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) member interviewed the children’s mother after the father was arrested, and discovered that the mother knew that her husband was sexually abusing the children, but failed to report the matter to the police. Sgt. Thabang Mokwana, spokesman for Carolina Police, stated that a man from Carolina, who raped his children, aged seven and 11, has been sentenced to life in prison. The incidents occurred between 6 June 2017 and 22 August 2017, with the 44-year-old man being arrested on 22 August, and the children taken to a place of safety by a social worker. A teacher noticed a sudden change in the child’s performance and behavior at school, and interviewed her out of concern that something may be wrong. According to Sgt Mokwana, the child told the teacher that she and her older sister was sexually abused by their father, and the school reported the case to the police. Sgt Gloria Zulu, Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) member interviewed the children’s mother after the father was arrested, and discovered that the mother knew that her husband was sexually abusing the children, but failed to report the matter to the police. Subsequently, the mother was sentenced to five years imprisonment for failing to report the abuse. Both sentences were handed down by the Carolina Regional Court on 24 August 2020. “This sentence will serve as deterrence, especially during this time when gender base violence (GBV) is a concern in the country,” Sgt Mokwana concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo morsjorse se dae is getel 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 1 December 2020 Inwoners kan dan die foto's stuur, gepaard met die tyd, datum en area waar die morsjors betrap is, via WhatsApp na 071 885 2505. Onwettige rommel storting is 'n vinnig groeiende probleem in Ermelo en die omliggende gebiede, met inwoners wat doodluiters te lui is om hul rommel uit te neem vir kolleksie vanaf die munisipaliteit, of om uit te ry na die stortingsterrein. As gevolg van hierdie morsjorse, is Ermelo en die omliggende areas gesaai met allerlei rommel, tuinvullis en boumateriale wat onwettig gestort word. Ontwikkelaars en kontrakteurs word ook onder die loep geneem, met allerlei bourommel wat in die nabye areas van nuwe ontwikkellings doodeenvoudig net in die veld gestort word. Alhoewel Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) se spanne konstant rommel verwyder en optel, verloor hul die stryd, siende dat inwoners hul nie traak aan die munisipale wette nie. ‘n Groot seer oog is die berugde Chris de Villiers Straat, wat skynbaar ‘n gunsteling area onder rommelstrooiers is. Honderde plastieksakke met huishoudelike rommel word weekliks gestort in hierdie area, en kontrakteurs is ook lief daarvoor om hul mourommel daar te stort. Die nuwe inisiatief deur die Hoëveld Toerisme Streeksorganisasie mik egter om hierdie onwettige dade hok te slaan, en het die hulp van inwoners nodig om die projek ‘n sukses te maak. Die organisasie versoek dat inwoners wat morsjorse gewaar wat rommel stort op enige area buite die stortingsterrein, ‘n foto neem van die morsjors, en indien moontlik, die registrasie nommer van hul voertuig. Inwoners kan dan die foto'ss stuur, gepaard met die tyd, datum en area waar die morsjors betrap is, via WhatsApp na 071 885 2505. Dié organisasie, in samewerking met die nodige owerhede, sal dan die skuldige persoon opspoor, en forseer om die rommel te verwyder, asook om ‘n area van 50 meter om die stortingsarea skoon te maak en op te ruim. Indien die skuldige persoon versuim om die area skoon te maak, sal verdere stappe geneem word, wat kan lei tot moontlike kriminele aanklagte, siende dat dit teen die wet is om onwettig rommel te stort. Die tyd het aangebreek dat die inwoners van Ermelo moet hande vat en saamstaan, om te verhoed dat die dorp verder verbrokkel en agteruit gaan. < Previous Article Next Article >

With tax season in full swing, scammers are pulling out all the stops in attempt to swindle victims out of funds, personal information and more. A large number of phishing reports have been brought to the attention of SARS, who has duly responded. Phishing is a scam WhatsApp, SMS or e-mail that attempts to steal your money, or your identity, by getting you to reveal personal information such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords. You will often be redirected to websites that pretend to be legitimate. In the case of SARS phishing scams, members of the public are randomly sent an SMS or e-mail with false content, often made to look as if these e-mails were sent from SARS. These are in fact fraudulent e-mails aimed at enticing unsuspecting taxpayers to part with personal information such as bank account details. SARS has issued a warning to the public to refrain from opening or responding to e-mails from unknown sources, even if they seem threatening. Beware of e-mails that ask for personal, tax, banking and eFiling details such as login credentials, passwords, PINs, and credit or debit card information, etc. SARS will never request your banking details in any communication that you receive via post, e-mail or SMS. However, for the purpose of telephonic engagement and authentication purposes, SARS will verify your personal details. Importantly, SARS will not send you any hyperlinks to other websites, even those of banks. In addition, SARS does not send *.htm or *.html attachments. Lastly, SARS will never ask for your credit card details. To report or to get more information on phishing, please send an email to phishing@sars.gov.za or call the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870. Beware of SARS phishing scam Beware of SARS phishing scam 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 July 2022 SARS has issued a warning to the public to refrain from opening or responding to e-mails from unknown sources, even if they seem threatening. With tax season in full swing, scammers are pulling out all the stops in attempt to swindle victims out of funds, personal information and more. A large number of phishing reports have been brought to the attention of SARS, who has duly responded. Phishing is a scam WhatsApp, SMS or e-mail that attempts to steal your money, or your identity, by getting you to reveal personal information such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords. You will often be redirected to websites that pretend to be legitimate. In the case of SARS phishing scams, members of the public are randomly sent an SMS or e-mail with false content, often made to look as if these e-mails were sent from SARS. These are in fact fraudulent e-mails aimed at enticing unsuspecting taxpayers to part with personal information such as bank account details. SARS has issued a warning to the public to refrain from opening or responding to e-mails from unknown sources, even if they seem threatening. Beware of e-mails that ask for personal, tax, banking and eFiling details such as login credentials, passwords, PINs, and credit or debit card information, etc. SARS will never request your banking details in any communication that you receive via post, e-mail or SMS. However, for the purpose of telephonic engagement and authentication purposes, SARS will verify your personal details. Importantly, SARS will not send you any hyperlinks to other websites, even those of banks. In addition, SARS does not send *.htm or *.html attachments. Lastly, SARS will never ask for your credit card details. To report or to get more information on phishing, please send an email to phishing@sars.gov.za or call the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo has reached that time of the month where the amount of road accidents rapidly increase. During the last week, a series of motor vehicle accidents kept the emergency busy, racing from one scene to the other. During all this racing up and down, there were two serious accidents, where in both accidents there were two fatalities. Accidents and pay weekend walk hand in hand Accidents and pay weekend walk hand in hand 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 30 June 2020 During the last week, a series of motor vehicle accidents kept the emergency busy, racing from one scene to the other. Ermelo has reached that time of the month where the amount of road accidents rapidly increase. During the last week, a series of motor vehicle accidents kept the emergency busy, racing from one scene to the other. During all this racing up and down, there were two serious accidents, where in both accidents there were two fatalities. < Previous Article Next Article >

Power Hour Motivations Movement hosts footy tournament 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 26 April 2022 "We invited men and boys to the stadiums, because they are labeled in a bad stigma of abusing alcohol, drugs and women." With an electric atmosphere, the Easter Weekend Soccer Tournament was showcased from 15-18 April 2022 at AJ Swanepoel Stadium. The event, organized by Power Hour Motivations Movement (PHMM) NGO founder, Ntokozo “Bro Ntosh” Sithole, in association with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Msukaligwa Local Football Association (MLFA) proved to be a massive success. The tournament was moved from Thuthukani Sports Grounds to AJ Swanepoel Stadium due to the wet weather conditions. PHMM is an NGO based in Ermelo, making a difference in many lives on the daily. During the tournament, sixteen teams participated in 4 matches per day, during all four days of the Easter Weekend. The teams were extremely excited, and had boundless fun during the event, with supporters that came in numbers to the stadium, braving the finicky weather. In a surprise part of the tournament, the Local Pastors and Ermelo Fleet met lock-heads as a Cut-In-Razors for the final: Abagcotshwa versus Ermelo Taxi Association (ETA), where the ETA won the Cut-In-Razors with 1-2. The tournament also featured prizes to end off the tournament, proudly sponsored by PHMM. The finalists were given a brand new soccer jersey to compete in, wearing it in the competition (each soccer kit per team). The winner received a trophy, and 18 gold medals, with the runner-up receiving 18 silver medals. Teams received their prizes with pride and joy. The final match of the tournament was Davel Juniors against Zone 8, with Zone 8 from Ermelo emerging as victors with a score of 3-1. “The objective of the tournament was to decrease crime rate over the long weekend. I have challenged the SAPS to hand over the long weekend crime stats to me. Unfortunately, I haven’t received any thus far, and that is a clear indication that the impact of the tournament was massive. We invited men and boys to the stadiums, because they are labeled in a bad stigma of abusing alcohol, drugs and women. We were making noise to say that there are still good men out there, and that there are men who stand against the stigma given to men as abusers in GBV,” Sithole said. “PHMM has a motto that says ‘Developing a Mentality to see Greatness in the midst of the Worst’... We still believe that we can change the status quo in our township and greater Ermelo around men.” You may view more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Met die reënseisoen wat sterk oppad is, is die kanse dat die oppervlak van die roete dit gaan maak tot volgende jaar hierdie tyd redelik skraal. Kommer oor gerehabiliteerde Wessel Weg 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 28 September 2021 Met die reënseisoen wat sterk oppad is, is die kanse dat die oppervlak van die roete dit gaan maak tot volgende jaar hierdie tyd redelik skraal. Motoriste en besighede het ‘n sug van verligting laat val rakende die onlangs gerehabiliteerde Wessel Weg, want die pad was voorheen 'n volslae nagmerrie vir verbruikers. Na ‘n uitermatige lang gespoeg en spartel tussen Burlec Electrical en Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM), het ‘n hofbevel die munisipaliteit egter forseer om die roete te herstel, asook om die onkostes te dra wat aangegaan was deur Burlec Electrical. Alhoewel meeste heel tevrede en dankbaar is dat die oppervlak van die roete nou glad en nuut is, is daar egter bekommernis vanaf die publiek en besighede in die area. Die afrondingswerk van die roete laat veel te wense oor, en laat rooi ligte flits oor die duursaamheid van die oppervlak. Die stormafvoer geute is geensins geïnstalleer nie, en die kante van die roete is ‘n ramp wat wag om af te speel. Met nadere ondersoek kan daar opgemerk word dat die dikte van die teer op die oppervlak oneweredig is, en op sekere areas ‘n skamele 1cm dik is. Met die reënseisoen wat sterk oppad is, is die kanse dat die oppervlak van die roete dit gaan maak tot volgende jaar hierdie tyd redelik skraal. Verdere kwessies wat geopper word is die afrondings van die roete wat na die ingange van besighede lei. Die rand van die roete, waar die randstene en afvoer geute veronderstel is om te wees, ins slegs ‘n onbegaanbare sloot, soveel so dat afleweringsvoertuie aan die oorkant van die pad moet parkeer om voorraad af te laai. Motoriste en kliënte wat kleiner voertuie besit se kanse is min om deur die sloot te kom tot by die parkeer areas. Verder is daar ook kommer uitgespreek oor die opruiming van die area. Die puin van die herboude rybaan is doodluiters in die nabye veld gestort, gepaard met verskeie ander rommel items en boumateriaal wat gebruik was deur die kontrakteurs. Die Tribune ePaper het navraag rakende die kwessies gerig aan die verteenwoordiger van MLM, Mandla Zwane. Teen perstyd het Zwane egter versuim om terugvoer te verskaf. < Previous Article Next Article >

ACSU, die woord wat op almal se lippe hang. ACSU beheerkamer is op Maandag, 1 Junie, ongeveer 09:47 geskakel om te vra vir hulp van ‘n kliënt wat geroof is. ACSU se reaksie lede het blitsvinnig by die toneel opgedaag. Die eienaar van die besigheid wat geleë is in die industriële area het kontant, asook hout goedere vervoer in ‘n wit Nissan bakkie. Die eienaar was gestop langs die pad by die treinspoor in die industriële area, waar daar vier mans, waarvan een gewapen was, beveel het dat hy uit die voertuig moet klim. Die vier mans het binne in die bakkie gespring gevlug met die vrag, sowel as ‘n groot bedrag kontant. Niemand is beseer tydens die voorval nie, en geen verdagtes was teen tye van pers vasgtrek nie. ACSU reageer blitsvinnig ACSU reageer blitsvinnig 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 2 Junie 2020 ACSU se reaksie lede het blitsvinnig by die toneel opgedaag. Die eienaar van die besigheid wat geleë is in die industriële area het kontant, asook hout goedere vervoer in ‘n wit Nissan bakkie. Die eienaar was gestop langs die pad by die treinspoor in die industriële area, waar daar vier mans, waarvan een gewapen was, beveel het dat hy uit die voertuig moet klim. ACSU, die woord wat op almal se lippe hang. ACSU beheerkamer is op Maandag, 1 Junie, ongeveer 09:47 geskakel om te vra vir hulp van ‘n kliënt wat geroof is. ACSU se reaksie lede het blitsvinnig by die toneel opgedaag. Die eienaar van die besigheid wat geleë is in die industriële area het kontant, asook hout goedere vervoer in ‘n wit Nissan bakkie. Die eienaar was gestop langs die pad by die treinspoor in die industriële area, waar daar vier mans, waarvan een gewapen was, beveel het dat hy uit die voertuig moet klim. Die vier mans het binne in die bakkie gespring gevlug met die vrag, sowel as ‘n groot bedrag kontant. Niemand is beseer tydens die voorval nie, en geen verdagtes was teen tye van pers vasgtrek nie. < Previous Article Next Article >