An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) COSATU displays power on day of action 1/3 Share GK Cronje 11 Oktober 2022 An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) On Friday, 7 October 2022, members of the SACP and COSATU braved the sweltering heat to partake in the national strike and day of action. An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), where a memorandum was handed over and signed. However, upon arrival at MLM, the crowd did not have any inclination of entertaining the mayor, Cllr Nkosi’s speech. Instead she was booed and did not present a statement. The group expressed their solidarity with workers and residents suffering under the current leadership and economic climate. The group expressed concern over employers who fail to adhere to labour laws and the stipulated remuneration increases and unnecessary retrenchments. Furthermore, the firm directive to fight corruption, nepotism, load shedding, load reduction, gender based violence, gender pay gaps, and to assert the Collective Bargaining Agreements. The also lamented the slow implementation of law enforcement and prosecution of criminals. Lastly, lifestyle audits of officials are demanded, and that politically exposed be banned from doing business with the state. Many other issues have also been raised, to which the recipients of the memorandum has 14 days to reply to. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mirror Trading International collapses, R5B worth of bitcoin lost 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 CEO, Johann Steynberg, fled the country with over R5 billion worth of investors’ bitcoin. BTC Global, better known as Mirror Trading International, was a bitcoin investment scam that ran from mid-2017 to early 2018. It claimed to offer clients a way to invest in a trading pool managed by a “master trader”, Steven Twain. Social media was flooded with recruitment posts, with many of the posts being flogged by residents in and around Ermelo, hoping to get rich quick. Many residents in Ermelo and surroundings foolishly touted MTI as the golden goose of the ages, and condescendingly looked down upon those who saw it as a scam. A reported 27 000 people were scammed by BTC Global, including South Africans, Americans, and Australians. MTI went through a few iterations, but its surge in growth came after it adopted a multilevel marketing referral system and switched away from more conventional “copy trading” to purportedly using an automated trading program, or “bot”. Several warnings were issued from official bodies, including the Texas State Securities Board, Canada’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers, and South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). South Africans, however, decided to look the other way. In its warning from August last year, the FSCA recommended that people withdraw their money from MTI as soon as possible. “Mirror Trading International is another example of why the industry must spread the word that algorithmic trading platforms promising unrealistically high returns are nearly always scams. When cryptocurrency exchanges and other services learn of these scams and receive their cryptocurrency addresses, they should discourage users from sending funds to those addresses or at least warn them that financial losses are highly likely.” cryptocurrency observer and venture capitalist, Dovey Wan, said in a statement. This follows the final collapse of MTI after its CEO, Johann Steynberg, fled the country with over R5 billion worth of investors’ bitcoin. According to the South African common law, liquidators are in a position to claim money back from participants of this illegal scheme. < Previous Article Next Article >

Nomsa is proud semi-finalist in Mrs. SA pageant 1/1 Share GK CRONJE To vote for Nomsa, and help her to achieve her dreams in the pageant, you can send an SMS, with her name, Nomsa Mokoena to 35959. In a prestigious pageant, where only the best of the best advance, 49-year-old Standerton resident Nomsa Jennifer (Nkutha) Mokoena has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the competition. Born in Soweto, Nomsa grew up playing soccer, and sees herself as a born dancer. Nomsa used to be a choreographer, teaching young models the ropes, and sharing her love for dancing. Many of these models went on to feature in Sowetan pageants. As mother of eight children, Nomsa taught her daughter and little sister the ins and outs of modeling. Nomsa is a fun, loyal, passionate, loving and energetic person, and is married to Sipho Charles Mokoena. “We’re in a passionate and loving relationship, and Sipho always pushed me to be the best that I could be. He was the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams by entering the pageant.” Nomsa said, clearly smitten. Being selected for the Mrs. South Africa pageant is an achievement of note, as only 100 women are selected to enter. Sponsors and sessions are hosted and presented at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng, with the entrants and contestants of Mrs. SA focusing on charity work en empowerment. Nomsa is a graduate in journalism, and also dabbled in public relations, business management, shorthand, bookkeeping, and desktop publishing, but decided to enter the field of interior decoration. Nomsa plied her trade in the East Rand, but thirsted for more. Surprisingly, Nomsa entered civil construction under the umbrella of Women In Construction, and launched her own company with her daughter. At this time, Nomsa is a successful, self-employed business woman. “My main motivation for entering the Mrs. SA pageant is to help the community, and to pave the way for me to fulfill my dreams in helping the needy.” Nomsa beamed. “I am honored to fulfil my obligations set forth by the Mrs. SA pageant. For now, my own charity work includes a unique elderly day care in Gauteng, established by my mother and I . We provide daily meals, assist them in visiting wellness centres, and provide attention where necessary. I would like to thank my husband for allowing me to be me, as many other husbands would not be so supportive. I love him so much, and I love his selfless heart. I would also like to thank my children for their support.” To vote for Nomsa, and help her to achieve her dreams in the pageant, you can send an SMS, with her name, Nomsa Mokoena to 35959. < Previous Article Next Article >

Lizelle Lee is a cricketing powerhouse 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 15 March 2022 Cricket is a simple sport at its core. A ball is delivered. Someone with a bat 20.12m away has to hit it... and few hit it harder than Lee. South Africa’s Proteas find themselves in an unfamiliar position heading into the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand. For the first time in 14 global tournaments, they harbour realistic ambitions of lifting the trophy. “We wouldn’t be going if we didn’t all believe we could actually do it,” says Lizelle Lee, the team’s destructive opening batter who was recently recognized as the best 50-over player in the world by the International Cricket Council (ICC). “We spoke about this in camp. We all agreed that there was no point in going if we didn’t intend to come back as champions. We know it’s never been done before, but we want to make history as the first South African team to win a World Cup.” South Africans have conquered the world before. The men’s Under-19 team, captained by Aiden Markram and coached by Ray Jennings, in 2014 became the first side to win a major final. But no senior squad has done it. This group is unburdened by a history of failing when it mattered. The South African women’s side, under-resourced in every metric compared with their male counterparts, have long fought for equality in the country’s third most popular sport. All too often they’ve been regarded as an afterthought, contesting untelevised games in near-empty stadiums. “When I was growing up, I didn’t even know there was a South African women’s team,” says Lee, who grew up in Ermelo, and will be turning 30-years-old in April. “It just wasn’t something I was conscious of and I know a lot of other girls will tell you the same thing. It wasn’t on TV. You didn’t see games advertised. I played because I loved the game. I didn’t play for fame or money or recognition.” The dial shifted in 2013 when insurance firm Momentum joined as a title sponsor and helped Cricket South Africa (CSA) fund full-time contracts for six players. That number increased over the years, there are currently 15 centrally contracted players with CSA, but changes in other facets have been slow. The team was constantly playing catch-up with the more advanced cricket ecosystems in Australia and England, which together have won 16 of the 18 global showpieces since 1973. “Those countries are so far ahead,” says Lee, who has been a mainstay in the Australian Women’s Big Bash League, and has played for Somerset and Surrey in England. “Women players are given a much bigger platform there. I’m more recognised when I walk around there than I am in South Africa. But it is changing.” Lee credits CSA for ‘promoting the women’s game’ but the players have advanced their own cause on the field. By the time the T20 World Cup in Australia came into focus in January 2020, Lee could look around a dressing room studded with match-winners. “It’s not that it happened all of a sudden, because we’d been working hard for a few years,” she says. “But now we have superstars all around, genuine world-class players.” By winning the ICC ODI’s Women’s Cricketer of the Year award for 2021, she joins an elite list that includes all-time greats Stefanie Taylor of the West Indies, England’s Sarah Taylor, New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and Australian duo Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry. That’s easy enough to understand. Cricket is a simple sport at its core. A ball is delivered. Someone with a bat 20.12m away has to hit it... and few hit it harder than Lee. She’s officially the best woman in 50-over cricket. And if she can hit enough balls with enough force, she may also be a World Cup champion. - Daniel Gallan, New Frame < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Die infame inbreker, Thando, is omstreeks 10:30 op 18 Maart 2022, weerens deur Paul Koen van ACSU vasgetrek. ‘N Pensionaris paartjie in Fourie Straat het alarm gemaak nadat hul honde verdag opgetree het. Die inwoners het ondersoek ingestel, en opgemerk dat Thando in hul motorhuis in ‘n bondeltjie lê in ‘n poging om weg te kruip. Dié was besig om die inwoners helderoordag te beroof. Die inwoners het dadelik die motorhuis se deur toegetrek met Thando vasgevang binne, en ACSU in kennis gestel. Verskeie items was op Thando se persoon gevind, onder andere ‘n elektriese boor. Die inwoners het egter aan die Tribune gesê dat dit die derde keer is wat die einste Thando hul beroof het, selfs nadat hulle haar gehelp het met kos, klere en komberse toe sy kom aanklop het ‘n paar maande gelede. “Dié skurk het al voorheen drie keer by ons ingebreek. Sy het ons al rot en kaal besteel. Sy het ons karavaan se vensters oop forseer en skoonskip gemaak met al die inhoud. Klere, LP gas bottels, eetgerei, noem dit, en sy het dit weg gedra. Sy het ons kampstoele gesteel, wat R1500 elk kos. Mens kan sien dat sy mak is met die gereg, en dat sy niks oorkom as sy gevang word nie. Sy kom keer op keer terug en besteel inwoners, en kom weg daarmee. Genoeg is genoeg, ek gaan ‘n saak maak teen haar. Iewers moet iemand met haar plan maak,” het die inwoners laat hoor. Die SAPD is in kennis gestel, en voor hul aankoms het Thando haar eie ontlasting begin eet in ‘n poging om arrestasie te fnuik. Die inwoners het egter aangedring om ‘n diefstal saak te open, en Thando is gevolglik gearresteer. Dié einste Thando word verbind met dosyne gevalle in Ermelo Oos, waar sy inwoners rot en kaal besteel. Sy is oor die algemeen kenmerkend kaalvoet, en haar onaangename reuk loop haar vooruit. Sy dra alles weg van waarde, vanaf tuingereedskap, gas bottles, tuinslange, tot en met solar liggies. Sy is ook al op heter daad betrap, waar sy ‘n woonhuis se vensters oopforseer het, en besig was om ‘n skootrekener, gepaard met alle toebehore, sorgvuldig op te pak. Flink reaksie van ACSU het gesorg dat sy nie ontsnap nie. Thando se familie woon in Amersfoort, waarheen sy al verskeie kere geneem is, net vir haar om terug te keer Ermelo toe om haar kriminele leefstyl voort te sit. Sy is ook al by ‘n rehabilitasie sentrum ingeboek, waarna sy egter haar uit die voete gemaak het. Tydens die bogenoemde voorval was Thando reeds uit op borg, waar sy aangekla was van ‘n soortgelyke misdaad. Nadat Thando op Vrydag gearresteer was, het die Tribune informasie ontvang dat die SAPS haar na bewering vrygelaat het. Die Tribune het navraag gerig aan die SAPD woordvoerder, en teen perstyd was geen terugvoer ontvang nie. Sien meer foto’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. Reeks-inbreker Thando loop rieme styf Reeks-inbreker Thando loop rieme styf 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 22 March 2022 Sy is ook al by ‘n rehabilitasie sentrum ingeboek, waarna sy egter haar uit die voete gemaak het. Die infame inbreker, Thando, is omstreeks 10:30 op 18 Maart 2022, weerens deur Paul Koen van ACSU vasgetrek. ‘N Pensionaris paartjie in Fourie Straat het alarm gemaak nadat hul honde verdag opgetree het. Die inwoners het ondersoek ingestel, en opgemerk dat Thando in hul motorhuis in ‘n bondeltjie lê in ‘n poging om weg te kruip. Dié was besig om die inwoners helderoordag te beroof. Die inwoners het dadelik die motorhuis se deur toegetrek met Thando vasgevang binne, en ACSU in kennis gestel. Verskeie items was op Thando se persoon gevind, onder andere ‘n elektriese boor. Die inwoners het egter aan die Tribune gesê dat dit die derde keer is wat die einste Thando hul beroof het, selfs nadat hulle haar gehelp het met kos, klere en komberse toe sy kom aanklop het ‘n paar maande gelede. “Dié skurk het al voorheen drie keer by ons ingebreek. Sy het ons al rot en kaal besteel. Sy het ons karavaan se vensters oop forseer en skoonskip gemaak met al die inhoud. Klere, LP gas bottels, eetgerei, noem dit, en sy het dit weg gedra. Sy het ons kampstoele gesteel, wat R1500 elk kos. Mens kan sien dat sy mak is met die gereg, en dat sy niks oorkom as sy gevang word nie. Sy kom keer op keer terug en besteel inwoners, en kom weg daarmee. Genoeg is genoeg, ek gaan ‘n saak maak teen haar. Iewers moet iemand met haar plan maak,” het die inwoners laat hoor. Die SAPD is in kennis gestel, en voor hul aankoms het Thando haar eie ontlasting begin eet in ‘n poging om arrestasie te fnuik. Die inwoners het egter aangedring om ‘n diefstal saak te open, en Thando is gevolglik gearresteer. Dié einste Thando word verbind met dosyne gevalle in Ermelo Oos, waar sy inwoners rot en kaal besteel. Sy is oor die algemeen kenmerkend kaalvoet, en haar onaangename reuk loop haar vooruit. Sy dra alles weg van waarde, vanaf tuingereedskap, gas bottles, tuinslange, tot en met solar liggies. Sy is ook al op heter daad betrap, waar sy ‘n woonhuis se vensters oopforseer het, en besig was om ‘n skootrekener, gepaard met alle toebehore, sorgvuldig op te pak. Flink reaksie van ACSU het gesorg dat sy nie ontsnap nie. Thando se familie woon in Amersfoort, waarheen sy al verskeie kere geneem is, net vir haar om terug te keer Ermelo toe om haar kriminele leefstyl voort te sit. Sy is ook al by ‘n rehabilitasie sentrum ingeboek, waarna sy egter haar uit die voete gemaak het. Tydens die bogenoemde voorval was Thando reeds uit op borg, waar sy aangekla was van ‘n soortgelyke misdaad. Nadat Thando op Vrydag gearresteer was, het die Tribune informasie ontvang dat die SAPS haar na bewering vrygelaat het. Die Tribune het navraag gerig aan die SAPD woordvoerder, en teen perstyd was geen terugvoer ontvang nie. Sien meer foto’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

The election of Cllr. Sekhonde follows a vacancy created by the passing of late Cllr. Mangaliso Joshua Nkosi in July 2020. In her acceptance speech as the new elected Speaker of Council, Cllr. Sekhonde appreciated the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon her to provide political and administrative leadership to Council. GSDM elects new speaker 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 August 2020 The election of Cllr. Sekhonde follows a vacancy created by the passing of late Cllr. Mangaliso Joshua Nkosi in July 2020. In her acceptance speech as the new elected Speaker of Council, Cllr. Sekhonde appreciated the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon her to provide political and administrative leadership to Council. The Acting Municipal Manager of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), Mr. Ephraim Thabethe, convened the sitting of the Council of GSDM on 14 August 2020, and presided over the election of the new Speaker of Council, Cllr. Busisiwe Sekhonde. The election of Cllr. Sekhonde follows a vacancy created by the passing of late Cllr. Mangaliso Joshua Nkosi in July 2020. In her acceptance speech as the new elected Speaker of Council, Cllr. Sekhonde appreciated the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon her to provide political and administrative leadership to Council. “These are the big shoes left by the late Cllr. Joshua Nkosi, but I trust that we will continue working together and that we will remain as united as we have been,” said Cllr. Sekhonde. Prior to the new role, Cllr. Sekhonde served as a Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community and Social Services. The election of the new Speaker was conducted virtually, and was conducted in line with Section 36, 37 and 39 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 1998 (Act 117 of 1998). < Previous Article Next Article >

The Balfour Regional Court, on 5 February 2021, sentenced Henry Nwagu (38), a Nigerian national, and Noluvoyo Sali (32), after they were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Secunda, assisted by members of Secunda Crime Intelligence, Secunda SAPS and Secunda bike squad. The arrests took place on 9 February 2015 during a search and seizure operation at Toon Van Der Heever Street in Secunda. Upon the arrival at the house, the team found a fully equipped and operational drug lab. There were chemicals, ephedrine, weighing scales, fans, big fridges, cash and drugs valued at an estimated R380 000. The total value of the equipment and chemicals was estimated at R1.5 million. In 2019, Sali was released on bail pending sentencing, while Nwagu remained in custody. Nwagu was sentenced to 27 years direct imprisonment on charges of manufacturing of drugs, dealing and possession of drugs, being an illegal immigrant. Nwagu was found to be having four passports, two Lesotho passports and two Nigerian passports. Sali was also sentenced to 27 years direct imprisonment on charges of manufacturing of drugs and dealing and possession of drugs. Both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms, and the court forfeited the cash and the equipment to the state. The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the team and judiciary for the successful conviction, and hopes it will serve as warning to those who are still involved in these type of crimes.   Drug syndicate busted by Hawks Drug syndicate busted by Hawks Noluvoyo Sali. Henry Nwagu. Noluvoyo Sali. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 10 February 2021 The total value of the equipment and chemicals was estimated at R1.5 million. The Balfour Regional Court, on 5 February 2021, sentenced Henry Nwagu (38), a Nigerian national, and Noluvoyo Sali (32), after they were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Secunda, assisted by members of Secunda Crime Intelligence, Secunda SAPS and Secunda bike squad. The arrests took place on 9 February 2015 during a search and seizure operation at Toon Van Der Heever Street in Secunda. Upon the arrival at the house, the team found a fully equipped and operational drug lab. There were chemicals, ephedrine, weighing scales, fans, big fridges, cash and drugs valued at an estimated R380 000. The total value of the equipment and chemicals was estimated at R1.5 million. In 2019, Sali was released on bail pending sentencing, while Nwagu remained in custody. Nwagu was sentenced to 27 years direct imprisonment on charges of manufacturing of drugs, dealing and possession of drugs, being an illegal immigrant. Nwagu was found to be having four passports, two Lesotho passports and two Nigerian passports. Sali was also sentenced to 27 years direct imprisonment on charges of manufacturing of drugs and dealing and possession of drugs. Both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms, and the court forfeited the cash and the equipment to the state. The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the team and judiciary for the successful conviction, and hopes it will serve as warning to those who are still involved in these type of crimes. < Previous Article Next Article >

Two immigration officers and an assistant director from Department of Home Affairs in Ermelo were arrested on Tuesday, 9 November. The trio allegedly demanded money from foreign national shop owners in Ermelo, as from January 2021, claiming that they are illegally in the country. The complainant reported the matter to the SAPS, and an investigation was launched by the Anti Corruption Unit. An operation was conducted, where the three suspects were arrested after receiving trap money, and it was found in possession of the suspects. The three suspects made their first appearance before the Magistrate's Court in Ermelo on Wednesday, 11 November on the charge of corruption. The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has been adamant that the SAPS will do everything in their power to root out corruption in the province. “No one is above the law. Anyone found to be in breach of the law will be arrested irrespective of the position he or she holds. Mpumalanga must be a crime free province;” she said, while applauded the sterling work by the SAPS. The three suspects, Khulekani Innocent Zulu (27), Yolande Pretty Ngomane (39) and Mavis Minah Mthetwa (48) appeared before the court, and the case had been postponed to 10 December 2021. The suspects were granted bail of R2500 each. Corrupt Home Affairs trio nabbed Corrupt Home Affairs trio nabbed 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 17 November 2021 The trio allegedly demanded money from foreign national shop owners in Ermelo, as from January 2021, claiming that they are illegally in the country. Two immigration officers and an assistant director from Department of Home Affairs in Ermelo were arrested on Tuesday, 9 November. The trio allegedly demanded money from foreign national shop owners in Ermelo, as from January 2021, claiming that they are illegally in the country. The complainant reported the matter to the SAPS, and an investigation was launched by the Anti Corruption Unit. An operation was conducted, where the three suspects were arrested after receiving trap money, and it was found in possession of the suspects. The three suspects made their first appearance before the Magistrate's Court in Ermelo on Wednesday, 11 November on the charge of corruption. The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has been adamant that the SAPS will do everything in their power to root out corruption in the province. “No one is above the law. Anyone found to be in breach of the law will be arrested irrespective of the position he or she holds. Mpumalanga must be a crime free province;” she said, while applauded the sterling work by the SAPS. The three suspects, Khulekani Innocent Zulu (27), Yolande Pretty Ngomane (39) and Mavis Minah Mthetwa (48) appeared before the court, and the case had been postponed to 10 December 2021. The suspects were granted bail of R2500 each. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sy behaal ‘n brons medalje in die Street Dance-kompetisie. Na aanleiding van hierdie uitstaande prestasies wat Johnke behaal het, is sy gekies om deel te wees van ‘n ABS-produksie, Danslyn 2020, wat verskyn op kykNET. Errie dans plek los in Danslyn 2020 1/1 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 18 Augustus 2020 Sy behaal ‘n brons medalje in die Street Dance-kompetisie. Na aanleiding van hierdie uitstaande prestasies wat Johnke behaal het, is sy gekies om deel te wees van ‘n ABS-produksie, Danslyn 2020, wat verskyn op kykNET. 'n Graad 9-leerder van Hoërskool Ermelo, Johnke Prinsloo, het tydens die inperkingstyd deelgeneem aan SDS- (Solo Dance Schoolsport), SDL- (Solo Danca Latina), asook Street Dance-kompetisies. Die plekke vir die kompetisies is behaal na die beoordeling van video’s wat die deelnemers ingestuur het. Johnke verower 12 goue medaljes, drie silwer medaljes, drie brons medaljes, ses vierde plekke, een vyfde plek en drie sesde plekke in die Solo Dance School sport-kompetisie. Die kategorieë waaraan sy deelgeneem het, sluit onderandere Hip Hop, Performing Arts, Solo Latin, Rhythm & Movement, Cha Cha, R&M en Street Fixture in. In die Solo Dança Latina-kompetisie behaal sy vyf goue medaljes, twee silwer medaljes, drie brons medaljes en twee vierde plekke. Die kategorieë waaraan Jonhke tydens dié kompetisie deelgeneem het is Energy, Samba, Jive, Bhangra, Jazz, Spanish, Cha Cha, Slow Style, Ballet en Paso Doble. Sy behaal ‘n brons medalje in die Street Dance-kompetisie. Na aanleiding van hierdie uitstaande prestasies wat Johnke behaal het, is sy gekies om deel te wees van ‘n ABS-produksie, Danslyn 2020, wat verskyn op kykNET. Baie geluk, Johnke. Die Erries is trots op jou. Mag jou hart en voete saam dans op die ritme van jou sukses. Baie geluk, Johnke. Die Erries is trots op jou. Mag jou hart en voete saam dans op die ritme van jou sukses. < Previous Article Next Article >

Pollution on the daily irks business owners 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 19 April 2022 "And it’s not just here. Look around Ermelo, there’s refuse lining every street.” Business owners in Ennis Street are having a hard time with pollution of all kinds right on their shopfront’s doorsteps. Near-daily gatherings of individuals in this area cause the roadway, sidewalks and parking areas of surrounding businesses to become the ultimate party site. Large pile of glass bottles have been spotted on the sidewalk, with the refuse bin, ironically, being nearly empty. The roadway, sidewalks and parking area of the surrounding businesses are littered with a myriad of empty liquor bottles, food containers and shards of glass from bottles being shattered in drunken stupor. “It’s really troubling to see that this issue is ongoing, with no reprieve from authorities or law enforcement. My shopfront and parking area is littered daily with bottles, glass shards, other refuse, and even human feaces. I have to clean this area, and I don’t even sell liquor,” an irate business owner told the Tribune. “I’m not the only one. Look at the entire area here. It’s unacceptable. My customers have to drive on eggs when visiting my shop to avoid the shards of glass slicing their tyres. It’s making everything more difficult than it needs to be. And it’s not just here. Look around Ermelo, there’s refuse lining every street.” While on scene, the Tribune noticed two municipal employees gingerly cleaning the shard-strewn road, and picking up a large amount of liquor bottles lining the street and sidewalk. An enquiry will be sent to Msukaligwa Local Municipality, and the response published in the next publication. See more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

ESKOM to switch off overloaded networks during peak 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 Illegal connections will result in communities staying for days without electricity, as parts and resources are not always available. The replacement of a 20 MVA power transformer costs anything between R100 000 and R7.3 million, which is untenable,’ Eskom stated. This after reporting a significant rise in network overloading as a result of illegal connections and bypassed meters, Eskom has decided to take drastic measures. Due to inability of municipalities to control illegal connections, provide equitable electricity to all residents in a safe manner, and honor payment agreements to the power utility, load reduction measures have been put in place. The power utility said in a that illegal activities on their network results in damage to the electricity infrastructure through explosions in overloaded transformers and mini-substations. In response to the problem, Eskom will switch off overloaded networks during peak periods, and power will be switched back on after the peak loading period. “Should Eskom’s infrastructure be damaged due to illegal connections, for the safety of the network and the public and its infrastructure, Eskom will only replace the transformer once the illegal connections have been removed and it is safe to energise the area. This will result in communities staying for days without electricity, as parts and resources are not always available. The replacement of a 20 MVA power transformer costs anything between R100 000 and R7.3 million, which is untenable,’ Eskom stated. Introduced in mid-May this year, load reduction is when power is switched off in neighborhoods where illegal connections cause overload and damage infrastructure. < Previous Article Next Article >