WOF celebrates 17 years of success Working on Fire Mpumalanga firefighters assist their FPA in suppressing a fire. Working on Fire Mpumalanga General Manager, Ovie Sehlabela, cuts a cake during Working on Fire’s 17 Years of Partnerships for Success celebrations. Working on Fire Mpumalanga firefighters assist their FPA in suppressing a fire. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 27 October 2020 The programme celebrated its seventeenth year of existence in September, with the theme being “17 Years of Partnerships for Success”, to celebrate the strong relationship the programme has with its partners, which has seen it being named one of the best Expanded Public Works Programme. The 2020 Winter Fire Season is in the latter stages, and the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries Working on Fire (WOF) firefighters in Mpumalanga, working with various Fire Protection Associations (FPA’s), suppressed a total of 58 veld and forest fires during the month of September 2020.According to WOF’s provincial communications officer, Amanda Mthembu, the fires recorded were all successfully contained, and mop-up operations conducted. “We dispatched a total of 17 out of 24 teams to assist their FPA’s and local municipalities in fire suppression operations this month, with fewer fires recorded than in August, as the season is drawing to a close,” Mthembu said. In addition to the ground crews dispatched to extinguish these fires, WOF, Umphuluzi Fire Protection Association (UFPA) and Lowveld Escarpment Fire Protection Association (LEFPA) aerial resources provided aerial firefighting assistance and flew over 70 hours during these fire suppression operations. “The novel COVID-19 pandemic has made operations difficult, but as an essentialservice, we have had to adjust and continue with our world-renowned Integrated Management Services, ” Mthembu added. WOF continues to partner with various provincial government departments, municipalities, private and public landowners, in attempts to minimize the dire effects of veld and forest fires. The programme celebrated its seventeenth year of existence in September, with the theme being “17 Years of Partnerships for Success”, to celebrate the strong relationship the programme has with its partners, which has seen it being named one of the best Expanded Public Works Programme. < Previous Article Next Article >

Brackenfell Boys maak hulle harte oop 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 February 2021 Die doel agter die pret was om alles wat hulle insamel vir die kinderhuis te skenk. Die Brackenfell Boys, naamlik Pieter Pretorius, John Whatley, Ruan Prinsloo en LC Macfarlene, het begin met eenvoudige en snaakse uitdagings op hulle sosiale bladyse, insluitend Instagram. Die vier manne het op Saterdag, 13 Januarie, by die Game verkeerslig gestaan en geld ingesamel. Elkeen van hulle moes hul eie inisiatief uitdink om geld in te samel. Hulle het vanaf 10:00 tot 11:00 die gemeenskap vermaak, en het ‘n volle R5200 ingesamel. Die doel agter die pret was om alles wat hulle insamel vir die kinderhuis te skenk. “Die Brackenfell Boys wil vir elke persoon wat ‘n bydrae gemaak het dankie sê, ons wardeer dit opreg uit ons harte uit.” Op die foto verskyn die trotse Brackenfell Boys wat die gemeenskap vermaak het om geld in te samel vir die kinderhuis. Op die foto staan (v.l.n.r) Ruan Prinsloo, Pieter Pretorius, LC Macfarlene en John Whatley. < Previous Article Next Article >

WOF Mpumalanga assists in 63 fires during July 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The Winter Fire Season officially began on 1 June 2021, and WOF Mpumalanga has recorded a total of 128 fires thus far. “We urge the community at large to practice caution and not start unnecessary fires as we are expecting windy and dry weather conditions, which fuel a runaway veld or forest fire,” Mthembu added. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Working on Fire Mpumalanga teams and the Forest Support Programme (FSP) teams assisted partners in combating numerous fires during July, while navigating the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Injaka FSP team was the busiest team in July, and was dispatched numerous times to the fireline to assist the Lowveld Escarpment Fire Protection Association (LEFPA). The Ermelo team, who are partnered with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, were deployed several times and in one call out, the team lived up to WOF objectives of Saving Lives when they managed to prevent housing structures from catching flames at an informal settlement in their region. The month of July saw an increase in fires due to extreme weather conditions, which contributed to the high Fire Danger Index (FDI). A total of 63 fires were recorded, and no injuries were reported. According to Working on Fire Mpumalanga Provincial Coordinator, Gert van der Westhuizen, this is an increase from June, where teams assisted in 43 fires. “WOF Mpumalanga and FSP teams remain on high alert, because we are approaching the halfway mark of the fire season. We are expecting a lot of teams to be dispatched to assist partners in August because it is a windy month,” said WOF Mpumalanga Communication Officer, Amanda Mthembu. Besides fire suppression operations, WOF Mpumalanga and FSP teams are also hard at work conducting various Integrated Fire Management Services (IFMS), which include Prescribed Burns and raising awareness in their communities with Fire Awareness educational workshops and door-to-door campaigns. The Winter Fire Season officially began on 1 June 2021, and WOF Mpumalanga has recorded a total of 128 fires thus far. “We urge the community at large to practice caution and not start unnecessary fires as we are expecting windy and dry weather conditions, which fuel a runaway veld or forest fire,” Mthembu added. < Previous Article Next Article >

Merino Mall offers construction progress sneak peak 1/8 Share GK CRONJE 31 May 2022 You may view walkthrough videos, as well as more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. On Tuesday, 24 May 2022, the management of the Merino Mall offered a tour of the construction site to the community of Ermelo, guided by site safety officers. The community, as well as local schools were invited to join them on the day, where all aspects of the mall’s construction were explained, and any questions answered by professionals on site who are involved in the project. The mall, which is slated to open on 27 October 2022, has the majority of Ermelo excited beyond measure. The single-storey, fully-enclosed mall, which has a gross leasable area (GLA) of 27 000m², will house a total of ninety stores, and 1743 parking bays. The mall sports a total of approximately 32 000 floor tiles used, 600 kilometers of bricks laid, 750 employed individuals and steel which weighs a total of 200 elephants. The management has also stated that due to the trees removed during construction, of which most were invasive plants, a total of 275 new trees will be planted in and around the mall. New retailers to Ermelo, which will be based in the mall, are Crazy Plastics, @Home, Dis-Chem, PNA, Cape Union Mart, Queenspark, The Cross Trainer, Old Khaki, Crazy Pets, Refinery and a Burger King drive-thru. Additionally, other stores include, but are not limited to Pick n Pay, Footgear, Spitz, Markham, Tip Top Tailor, Mr Price Sport, Mellin’s iStyle, Capitec, Media Store, Nedbank, Identity, Jet, Sheet Street, Pick n Pay Liquor, Studio 88, Sportscene, Tasko Sweets, Mr. Price Home, Pick n Pay Clothing, Soviet, Checkers, Dis-Chem, Truworths, Ackermans, Crazy Store, Computer Den, Side Step, Tekkie Town, Total Sports, Foschini, Computer Den, FNB, King Pie, Checkers Liquor, Miladys, Woolworths, Mr. Price, PEP, Torga Optical, Oasis Water, The Fix, ASJ, Sneaker Factory, Bingo, Boesmanland Biltong, PEP Home, Exact and Clicks. You may view walkthrough videos, as well as more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Calls for provincial hospital CEO’s head to roll 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 August 2022 One resident stated that patients fear to visit the hospital, as many patients who visit allegedly succumb to unknown reasons. On Monday, 15 August 2022, a group of distraught employees of the Ermelo Provincial Hospital, joined by community and union members, staged a demonstration at the gate of the hospital. The group called for the removal of the CEO, who allegedly runs the hospital into the ground with rampant mismanagement and staff shortages. “There are no surgeon available, meaning that no operations can be performed. There has been no surgeon for the past three months, which is unacceptable. There is a serious lack of management structure withing the hospital. The pharmacy does not have a manager, and therefore cannot operate efficiently. There are so many vacancies available, but they remain unfilled. The mortuary is in a state of decay. Residents have an uphill battle to claim, or even find their beloved deceased. It’s a travesty,” one said. The issue of the mortuary has long since been an issue, that seemingly goes unresolved, despite statements from authorities claiming otherwise. The absolutely grisly state of the hospital has on various occasions bore tales of shock and horror. One resident stated that patients fear to visit the hospital, as many patients who visit allegedly succumb to unknown reasons. “If you go the Ermelo Provincial Hospital, you are called a ‘braai pakkie’ by the community members. The reason for this being that you are admitted, and soon after placed lifeless in the fridge, ready for cremation or the grave. We would rather visit clinics that the hospital, as it is a building of death and horror,” he stated with distraught seriousness. Despite the serious concerns raised by the public and various experts, and the fact that the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill has yet to be passed through Parliament, the deputy director-general for the Department of Health, Nicholas Crisp, revealed that 44 positions would be advertised for the NHI Scheme in August. Government has approved this travesty at a cost of R30 million, and plans to allocate more resources to in 2023/24 to fund a staff of 120 people. This is nothing but a travesty, as the state of provincial hospitals are dire, and instead of government allocating funds to improve the situation, millions, if not billions, are blown on irrelevant projects, cadre employment and unfinished constructions. At the time of publication, the hospital management was unavailable for comment. < Previous Article Next Article >

MECs Majuba and Shongwe visit Cebisa School 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 18 August 2022 The suspect is a fellow student, and has since been arrested on a farm between Ermelo and Breyten. Following the gang-related fatal stabbing of a student at Cebisa Secondary School in Wesselton on Tuesday, 16 August 2022, the eyes of the country are on the government to take action. Mpumalanga education MEC, Bonakele Majuba, condemned the incident, and also conveyed his sincere condolences to the bereaved family. “Regrettably, the stabbed learner succumbed to his injuries at Ermelo Provincial Hospital. It is alleged that the learners belonged to different troublesome gangs in the township,” the department said in a statement. The suspect is a fellow student, and has since been arrested on a farm between Ermelo and Breyten. MEC Majuba visited the school on this morning, together with Mpumalanga Community Safety and Security MEC, Vusi Shongwe, and other officials, who rendered psychosocial assistance to all who are affected by the incident. During the visit, it was also announced that an imbizo will be hosted at the Wesselton Stadium on 28 August 2022. The imbizo will commence at 11:00. The imbizo will be led by MEC Shongwe, where gang violence and school safety will be discussed. < Previous Article Next Article >

NPSS tackles GBV issues 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 Featuring representatives from SPAR, and the inspirational motivational artist that leads others by example, WarriorRic (Ricardo Gressel),the event aimed to bring a halt to the violence. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the scholars was all ears as they were addressed by the speakers. In an effort to raise awareness and support in light of the rising surge of gender based violence (GBV) in South Africa, Netherland Park Secondary School (NPSS) launched a hard-hitting campaign on Thursday, 22 April 2021. The campaign was especially aimed to stem the tide of violence in Ermelo and surrounding areas. Featuring representatives from SPAR, and the inspirational motivational artist that leads others by example, WarriorRic (Ricardo Gressel),the event aimed to bring a halt to the violence. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the scholars was all ears as they were addressed by the speakers. The staff and management of NPSS expressed their extreme gratitude towards all who contributed to the day. “NPSS would like to thank Me. Marlene Gunter and SPAR for sponsoring the day. Without our incredible speakers, Warrior Ric (Ricardo Gressel) and his team, Ms. Jeana Motsamai (CMR Ermelo) and her colleagues, Pastor Mzi Dyule, Dr. J. du Plessis and all the other speakers from the department of correctional services, as well as Mr. Brian Zwane, who shared his life story in a heartfelt manner, this day would also have been impossible. You may view more photo and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ex-Liggie graduates 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 12 January 2021 Raeesa graduated as a Dentist in 2020 with the highest distinction, summa cum laude. Raeesa Seedat, an ex-Liggie, graduated as a Dentist in 2020 with the highest distinction, summa cum laude. Raeesa is currently the community service dentist at the Ermelo Provincial Hospital. “Congratulations, we are very proud of you.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Kiette Rekenmeesters verwelkom NJ Robbertse 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 13 September 2022 Myburgh en Robbertse Inc is ook ‘n SAICA opleidingskantoor wat klerke die geleentheid bied om hulle klerkskap te voltooi by die firma. NJ Robbertse, ‘n welbekende onder die Erries, het in 2012 gematrikuleer by Ermelo Hoërskool. In 2013 het hy aangesluit by Vos Steyn Labuschagne Inc, waar hy sy klerkskap begin doen het, en dan het hy ook sy BCompt Rek graad deeltyds begin studeer deur UNISA. In 2015 het hy sy BCompt Reg graad geslaag (Cum Laude) by UNISA. In 2017 het hy sy Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Science by UNISA geslaag, wat geag word as jou STR, wat jou toelaat om jou raadseksamens te skryf by SAICA. Hy het sy raadseksamens geslaag by SAICA, en in Maart 2020 is hy geregistreer as ‘n CA (SA) by SAICA. NJ het sy MCom Taxation graad by die Universiteit van Pretoria begin studeer in 202,1 en het in Augustus 2022 die kursus voltooi. Hy wag huidiglik vir sy resultate, maar ons is doodseker dat hy dit lag-lag sal slaag. Hy was vir 8 jaar indiens gewees by Vos Steyn Labuschagne Inc. Hy het vir 8 maande die pos bekleë as Groep Finansiële Rekenmeester vir die Ernst Groep. NJ was ‘n klein rukkie buite die praktyk gewees, waar daar ‘n ongelooflike geleentheid op sy pad gekom het. Die geleentheid het oor sy pad gekom om saam met Henriette Myburgh ‘n direkteur te wees by die firma Kiette Rekenmeesters, waar hul saam besluit het dat die firma se naam verander nou na Myburgh & Robbertse Inc. Hy het die geleentheid met beide hande aangegryp, en is betrokke by die firma vanaf 5 September 2022. Myburgh en Robbertse Inc is ook ‘n SAICA opleidingskantoor wat klerke die geleentheid bied om hulle klerkskap te voltooi by die firma. Myburgh en Robbertse Inc bied ook die volgende funksies aan: Maandelikse verwerking van: Bankstate en rekonsiliasies, Krediteure en rekonsiliasies, Salaris berekeninge, Uitreiking van salarisstrokies, PAYE, UIF & SDL bereken en opgawes indien (EMP201), Maandelikse U-filing indien, BTW bereken, rekonsilieer en opgawes indien (BTW201). Hul bied ook hulp aan met Bestuurstate: Maandeliks, 2-Maandeliks, Kwartaalliks asook Halfjaarliks. Ons bied ook hulp en advies met: Maandelikse verwerking van finansiële inligting, Payroll, BTW, Stelsels, Implementering en verbetering van rekeningkundige stelsels, Inkomstebelasting, Ontleding en vertolking van finansiële state, Registrasies, Invoere dokumentasie en Uitvoere dokumentasie. Ons help ook met bereken, opstel en indiening van: Jaarliks: Finansiële jaarstate, Jaarliks: Vergoedingskommissaris (COIDA/RMA), 6-Maandeliks: Salaris rekonsiliasies (EMP501), 6-Maandeliks: Voorlopige belastingopgawes (IRP6), Inkomstebelastingopgawes (IT12/IT14), CIPC opgawes, vraelyste en verslae indien. Myburgh en Robbertse Inc bied ook spesiale dienste aan met boedelbereddering asook testamente. Hul kan jou ook help met Registrasies: Maatskappye, Trusts, BTW, Vergoedingskommissaris, UIF, Inkomstebelasting en PAYE en dan bied hulp ook hulp aan met Sekretariële dienste vir Maatskappye. Besoek gerus Myburgh en Robbertse Inc, en geniet ‘n heerlike koppie koffie saam met hul vriendelike personeel by 47 Genl Hertzog Straat, of kontak hul gerus by 017 811 4596 / WhatsApp 071 642 9339, terwyl hul jou adviseur met jou besigheid of persoonlike dienste. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Multi-million Rand white elephant 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Circa 2016, Msukaligwa Local Municipality took it upon themselves to erect a fence surrounding the Pet Dam, which would have been part of the supposed reform of the Pet Dam and surroundings. The BetaView fence, which is over 700 meters long, was erected amidst severe disgust and disapproval from the community, and at a staggering cost. Concerns have also been raised regarding the dubious quality of the fence erected. According to BetaView, their products carry a warranty of ten years against corrosive elements. The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. However, nothing has come of the touted reform project, and the fence has since been left to rust away, being systematically vandalized and damaged. The fence has fallen victim to sever lack of maintenance, with no attempt at maintenance and upkeep from MLM. The point of the fence is now moot, as the fence has been extensively damaged in several sections, and at this time, serves no other purpose than being an eyesore to residents, travelers and tourists. < Previous Article Next Article >

Madumane hitmaker 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 21 September 2021 Jaded is thoughtful and considered in his responses when we sit down to talk about his music and how he plans to carry this momentum to drive a meaningful and long-lasting career. Thabang Fortune Nhlapho, who is professionally known as Jaded Gluck, was born in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, the son of Gcebile Nhlapho (his late mother) and was raised by his grandmother Nomvula Soko. Jaded Gluck has six siblings, Thembelihle (his sister), Mashaba (his sister), Nomcebo (his sister), Calvin (his brother) and Lucky (his brother). He attended Cebisa Secondary School, where he was an athlete and partook in various sports. 2021 is set to be a particularly special year for Jaded Gluck. In the 4 years since he decided to devote himself to his music, the South African artist has managed to consistently ship out hit after hit along with, while staying in tune with a cult-like fanbase that has driven the rapid growth of both his music and his credibility. He explains that his connection to the people who support him comes from a deeply personal place of understanding what it’s like to be them.“First and foremost, I know what it feels like to be a fan. With that knowledge, my approach to how I treat people comes from what I wish was treated like,” he shares candidly. Jaded is thoughtful and considered in his responses when we sit down to talk about his music and how he plans to carry this momentum to drive a meaningful and long-lasting career. The he 21-year-old decided to move in Johannesburg in July 2021, and after 2 weeks he recorded a hit single with Mayestra (friend and roomate), called Madumane. He explains that if he had any chance of making it in the music industry, it was not going to take off for him in Ermelo. “Joburg is where it’s at, man. The fact that people are now starting to hear more of my music and what I can do, is a direct result of me deciding to stay over here”. Jaded Gluck lets us in on the fact that as of now, he is making beats and recording every single day. His breakout hit for 2021 was ushered in with the release of Madumane, a AmaPiano-fueled, heavy log drum, that flung him into the spotlight in a matter of days. < Previous Article Next Article >

Lakesh Maharaj, new president of Phoenix Rotary Club 1/0 Share SH HATTINGH 25 August 2020 The Phoenix Rotary Club hosted their Induction Dinner on Friday, 21 August, at Makou Restaurant. The club members enjoyed the evening, where Janine Cirigliano, the outgoing president, announced the new commitee. Lakesh Maharaj was announced as the new president, with Lawrence Wood as the secretary. The club also welcomed Michael and Libby Hagemann as the new members. “Congratulations to everyone, the community looks forward to work with the new committee.” < Previous Article Next Article >