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The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. Fire hydrant still a missing link The worksite, left as is after the hydrant was removed. The worksite, left as is after the hydrant was removed. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. More than 6 months ago, Msukaligwa Local Municipality teams removed a fire hydrant from its placement to repair a reported leak from this area. The relevant department has, however, failed to replace or reinstall the hydrant in its place of origin, instead opting to leave the worksite as it, not even returning the paving stones to its place. Ironically, the now defunct hydrant is but a few hundred meters away from the fire brigade’s building. Hopefully, one of the many surrounding buildings won’t be subject to a fire, and leave officials red-faced and struggling. < Previous Article Next Article >

Merino Mall - A boon for the community 1/31 Share GK CRONJE 1 November 2022 The vision for the mall includes making a meaningful contribution to the local economy on an ongoing basis. In this regard, it has also created 450 permanent job opportunities. After 15 months of construction and an even longer development period, Merino Mall opened its doors on 27 October to the community of Ermelo and surrounds in Mpumalanga. At 28,600m2, it has become the first shopping centre of its substantial size to be developed within a 100-kilometre radius in the area. The Merino Mall development is owned by Moolman Group and Abland and is located on the landmark 11-hectare site that has always been central to community life in the area, the former Ermelo Showgrounds. Positioned for local shoppers, as well as the many commuters travelling to and through Ermelo from surrounding rural and small towns in the region, Merino Mall is located on the corners of the N2 and N11 freeways, close to the N17 and within walking distance of the Ermelo CBD. According to the property developers, the small regional mall has been developed with the future of this mining and agricultural area in mind and with family and community at its heart. Sönke Moolman-Pautz, retail director at Moolman Group, comments, “When you add such an impressive mall to a great community, you have the perfect recipe for sustainable mutual success. We look forward to serving our shoppers and providing a safe and enjoyable place where everyone can meet and socialise.” Merino Mall’s curated retail mix comprises 90 stores with anchors Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and Clicks, as well as the first Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem in the area. Other retail firsts for Ermelo include Cape Union Mart, PNA, @Home, Queenspark, Old Khaki, Crazy Pets and Refinery. The shopping centre also has a fashion node, banking facilities and restaurants. Designed by MDS Architecture, the exterior of Merino Mall is inspired by the original showground barn structures, with the barn shape becoming a key design feature. The existing barn structure was retained and incorporated into the new building. The sandstone found on the site has also been used for several building features, including facades, reflecting its unique setting. While the architecture and design features pay tribute to the site’s history, the centre is modern and incorporates elements to ensure a sustainable operation. Merino Mall has its own solar photovoltaic (PV) plant that produces green energy and the mall can trade during load shedding. The property even has a sewer treatment plant that will recycle grey water back into the building to achieve water savings. Weaving local culture into the fabric of the mall, it features several artworks from local artists who participated in an art competition held by the developers. Shoppers will also be able to connect to the fast fibre Wi-Fi network. Merino Mall offers 1 743 parking bays in an on-grade, safe and secure parking area, with reserved parking for shoppers with special needs close to entrances. It also includes a taxi rank. Construction of Merino Mall began in July 2021, led by the main contractor Mike Buyskes Construction. The construction phase created 750 jobs, primarily for local contractors and workers. The vision for the mall includes making a meaningful contribution to the local economy on an ongoing basis. In this regard, it has also created 450 permanent job opportunities. As part of the development process, the mall’s owners opened an online jobs portal where local job seekers could register, and their applications were made available to the mall’s retailers. The portal was also used to employ within the centre management team and created a platform for service providers to tender for various contractual opportunities in and around the centre. During the construction period, a considerable challenge was the steep slope of the mall’s site, which required extensive bulk earthworks but resulted in the mall’s superb visibility and accessibility. Improvements were also made to its surrounding roads for all road users, making the mall easy to access. “We are delighted to open Merino Mall for the community of Ermelo. It is beautiful and convenient, with an exciting variety of retail and restaurants, a fun play area for children and a great experience for all. It complements, enhances and supports the retail offering in Ermelo, and we are confident it will be an excellent asset for its community,” says Merino Mall general manager Morgan Lee van der Walt. < Previous Article Next Article >

Beware of fuel tablet hoax 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 August 2022 "So, really it's a pyramid scheme and a scam more than anything else, unfortunately." Social media has exploded with the new ‘miracle tablet’ that claims to reduce your fuel consumption by up to 25%, while apparently boosting your engine’s efficiency. The B-Eco fuel tablets are manufactured by a company called Pro-One. The brand was co-founded by South African businessman Lawrence Kahn, and claims to approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. He said the pills save petrol by lowering the temperature at which the fuel burns. However, neither the brand, nor manufacturer can be located on the approval list of gasoline additives. The company’s ‘brand ambassadors’ are put to task selling the tablets, which are R100 per tablet. Research done by Sasol Fuels Application Centre has proven that the product is a waste of money, and may lead to the cancellation of your warranty due to the risks your engine is exposed to. Senior engineer and researcher, Adrian Velears, urges citizens to steer clear of this tablet, and knockoff tablets like these. “I don't think your manufacturer would approve it. They wouldn't honour your warranty if they knew you were putting such things in your car and something went wrong. So, from that point of view, it's not safe. It doesn't work at all. It's not only a matter of risk, it's a matter of they don't do anything. So, really it's a pyramid scheme and a scam more than anything else, unfortunately,” he stated. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, also released a statement regarding the tablet. “Besides the fact that local authorities have not tested these products as part of South Africa’s current emissions standards, they simply do not work. Consumers are advised to check with the manufacturers of their vehicles first before they inject any foreign properties into their tanks or engines. Vehicles are manufactured to specific standards, and they are supposed to use prescribed products approved by the manufacturer for the efficacy and longevity of the engine,” Mabasa said. “It is highly unlikely that the products South Africans are being sold can better fuel consumption. If they do, and do not contain the problematic ingredients mentioned, then South Africa has finally developed the product companies worldwide have been trying to develop for decades,” The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Chris Else besoek Ermelo Op die foto verskyn die organiseerders van die aand saam met Chris Else. Op die foto verskyn die organiseerders van die aand saam met Chris Else. 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 17 November 2020 Yolandie Terblanche, ‘n wel bekende in Ermelo, het die voorreg gehad om saam met Chris te sing. Die gemeenskap het die aand terdeë geniet. Chris Else het op Vrydag, 13 November, die gemeenskap kom vermaak met sy pragstem. Die funksie het plaasgevind by Holbank River Lodge, waar die mense heerlik saam gekuier het en gedans het tot laat, terwyl Chris die gemeenskap vermaak het met liedjies soos The Gambler en Amanda. Yolandie Terblanche, ‘n wel bekende in Ermelo, het die voorreg gehad om saam met Chris te sing. Die gemeenskap het die aand terdeë geniet. < Previous Article Next Article >

#SwartMaandag 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 27 October 2020 ‘n Hartroerende toespraak vanaf die TLU SA president, Henry Geldenhuys, het die verskeie moorde in Ermelo en die omgewing beklemtoon, en alle delnemende inwoners bedank vir hul teenwoordigheid. Inwoners het op Sondag, 25 Oktober 2020, aan ‘n georganiseerde konvooi teen misdaad, plaasaanvalle en moord deelgeneem. Plaaslike inwoners het met ‘n stadige rit deur Ermelo betoog om die voortdurende wrede aanvalle op boerderygemeenskappe uit te lig. Hierdie vreedsame stadige rit het deel uitgemaak van die Nasionale Swart Maandag-protesaksie, waar die visie is om die kalklig op die misdaadsyfer van Suid Afrika te konsentreer. Die byeenkoms, met verskeie sprekers, het die hartsnare geroer, en inspirasie gegee om samewerking met die SAPS te versterk. ‘n Hartroerende toespraak vanaf die TLU SA president, Henry Geldenhuys, het die verskeie moorde in Ermelo en die omgewing beklemtoon, en alle delnemende inwoners bedank vir hul teenwoordigheid. Hy het egter die feit betreur dat minder plaaslike inwoners deel was van die Swart Maandag protesaksie as wat verwag was. Op nasionale vlakke is druk ook op die presidensie geplaas om aksie te neem teen misdaad en moord in Suid Afrika. “Ons is vandag hier . “Ons is vandag hier #ForTheLoveOfA Agriculture, en #ForTheLoveOfFarmers. Ons is vandag hier in solidariteit met ons boere, plaaswerkers - swart en wit, hul kinders en hul gesinne. Boere en plaaswerkers leef in vrees in Suid-Afrika. Ons is vandag hier by die parlement omdat die president en LP's ontken dat boere en plaaswerkers aangeval en vermoor word. Meneer die president, word wakker en ruik die bloed van boere regoor Suid-Afrika. Meneer die president, ons harte bloei vir ons boere regoor Suid-Afrika. Meneer die president, ek was al op die toneel van plaasaanvalle. Meneer die president, dit is nie net aanvalle nie, dit is die wreedheid van hierdie misdade. Meneer die president, hierdie boere is eerlike, hardwerkende mans en vroue, en al wat hulle vra, is STOP plaasmoorde.” het Dr. Ivan Meyer, die Demokratiese Alliansie se federale voorsitter, aan die parlement gesê. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank doen 'n beroep op inwoners om seker te maak dat hulle egte geld het, en om eerder hul tyd te neem om die geld wat hulle gekry het, te bestudeer, as om met vervalsde note te eindig. Volgens die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank is dit 'n oortreding om selfs in besit te wees van sulke note, en moet enige persoon wat dit besit, bewustelik by die naaste polisiekantoor aanmeld. Daar is verskillende maniere om vals note te identifiseer, en word alles verduidelik deur 'n afbeelding op die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank-webwerf. Vervalsde geld is 'n vinnig-groeiende oortreding, en dit kan met 20 jaar gevangenisstraf en 'n stewige boete bestraf word as dit in besit geneem word of om hierdie note op te lewer. Ermelo is egter nie uitgesluit nie, en daar word telkens opgemerk dat misdagers wol oor die oë propbeer trek met vervalsde note. Die South African Community Crime Watch (SACCW) in Ermelo het ook ‘n waarskuwing uitgereik rakende die kwessie. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank spesifiseer 11 maniere om die verskil tussen 'n nagemaakte en 'n regte note te onderskei. Dit sluit in die watermerk, die geometriese vorms, die registrasie, die latente beeld, die unieke nommering, die verhoogde drukwerk, mikroletters, opties veranderlike ink en die diamantvorms. Die mees algemene vervalste note is R100 en R200 note. Wees waaksaam, wees slim, en wees agterdogtig oor enige aantekeninge om te verseker dat jy en jou besigheid aan die veilige kant van die wet bly. Veral met die feestyd wat binnekort aanbreek, word inwoners gemaan om op hul hoede te wees vir verdagte gedrag vanaf klante, en selfs vriende. Wees veral bedag op inwoners en kliënte wat uitermatige stywe rekeninge, of duur goedere betaal met kontant. In ‘n era van elektroniese transaksies en min mense wat met groot bedrae kontant rondloop, hetsy vir veiligheid of gemaklikheid, is dit beter om versigtig te wees, as om later jammer te wees. Wees waaksaam vir vervalsde note Wees waaksaam vir vervalsde note 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 24 November 2020 Volgens die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank is dit 'n oortreding om selfs in besit te wees van sulke note, en moet enige persoon wat dit besit, bewustelik by die naaste polisiekantoor aanmeld. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank doen 'n beroep op inwoners om seker te maak dat hulle egte geld het, en om eerder hul tyd te neem om die geld wat hulle gekry het, te bestudeer, as om met vervalsde note te eindig. Volgens die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank is dit 'n oortreding om selfs in besit te wees van sulke note, en moet enige persoon wat dit besit, bewustelik by die naaste polisiekantoor aanmeld. Daar is verskillende maniere om vals note te identifiseer, en word alles verduidelik deur 'n afbeelding op die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank-webwerf. Vervalsde geld is 'n vinnig-groeiende oortreding, en dit kan met 20 jaar gevangenisstraf en 'n stewige boete bestraf word as dit in besit geneem word of om hierdie note op te lewer. Ermelo is egter nie uitgesluit nie, en daar word telkens opgemerk dat misdagers wol oor die oë propbeer trek met vervalsde note. Die South African Community Crime Watch (SACCW) in Ermelo het ook ‘n waarskuwing uitgereik rakende die kwessie. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank spesifiseer 11 maniere om die verskil tussen 'n nagemaakte en 'n regte note te onderskei. Dit sluit in die watermerk, die geometriese vorms, die registrasie, die latente beeld, die unieke nommering, die verhoogde drukwerk, mikroletters, opties veranderlike ink en die diamantvorms. Die mees algemene vervalste note is R100 en R200 note. Wees waaksaam, wees slim, en wees agterdogtig oor enige aantekeninge om te verseker dat jy en jou besigheid aan die veilige kant van die wet bly. Veral met die feestyd wat binnekort aanbreek, word inwoners gemaan om op hul hoede te wees vir verdagte gedrag vanaf klante, en selfs vriende. Wees veral bedag op inwoners en kliënte wat uitermatige stywe rekeninge, of duur goedere betaal met kontant. In ‘n era van elektroniese transaksies en min mense wat met groot bedrae kontant rondloop, hetsy vir veiligheid of gemaklikheid, is dit beter om versigtig te wees, as om later jammer te wees. < Previous Article Next Article >

Kreatiewe dames geniet verfklas 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 14 July 2020 Al was die weer nie van die beste nie en die yskoue wind het om die hoeke gehuil buite, het die dames die dag terdeë geniet. Daar was heerlike koffie en tee bedien, asook smaaklike groentesop om die koue te trotseer. Op Saterdag,11 Julie, het Chalk Paint and Coffee Joint ‘n wonderlike kunsklas aangebied. Tydens die uiters interessante klas het die dames ‘n wasgoedmandjie geverf, en self versier met’n “waterslide” prent van hul eie keuse. Al was die weer nie van die beste nie en die yskoue wind het om die hoeke gehuil buite, het die dames die dag terdeë geniet. Daar was heerlike koffie en tee bedien, asook smaaklike groentesop om die koue te trotseer. < Previous Article Next Article >

The crime of arson is committed in a number of different ways in the South African context. However, what is common to all incidences of the crime is that it causes danger to property, wildlife and persons. Although the act of arson is classified as a crime against property, the crime also endangers the community. Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. The majority of arson crimes are classified as intentional, wilfully and maliciously. This means that the arsonist has the intent to cause damage upon starting the fire. It does not require targeted property to be damaged by the fire, and liability can attach even though the “wrong” property caught fire. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves, which is a common sight in Ermelo. The crime is typically classified as a felony, with instances involving a greater degree of risk to human life or property carrying a stricter penalty. The imprisonment term for a convicted crime relating to arson could be set up to seven years or more, and a fine of up to R250 000, and four years of probation. If you see a suspected arsonist in your ward or area, please contact ACSU, the SAPS or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW, immediately. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make conviction of the felon easier. Arson is a crime, and may land you in prison Arson is a crime, and may land you in prison 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 The imprisonment term for a convicted crime relating to arson could be set up to seven years or more, and a fine of up to R250 000, and four years of probation. The crime of arson is committed in a number of different ways in the South African context. However, what is common to all incidences of the crime is that it causes danger to property, wildlife and persons. Although the act of arson is classified as a crime against property, the crime also endangers the community. Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. The majority of arson crimes are classified as intentional, wilfully and maliciously. This means that the arsonist has the intent to cause damage upon starting the fire. It does not require targeted property to be damaged by the fire, and liability can attach even though the “wrong” property caught fire. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves, which is a common sight in Ermelo. The crime is typically classified as a felony, with instances involving a greater degree of risk to human life or property carrying a stricter penalty. The imprisonment term for a convicted crime relating to arson could be set up to seven years or more, and a fine of up to R250 000, and four years of probation. If you see a suspected arsonist in your ward or area, please contact ACSU, the SAPS or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW, immediately. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make conviction of the felon easier. < Previous Article Next Article >

Easter fun at reimagined Veltman Park 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 If you’d like to get involved in this project, feel free to contact Maryke on 079 917 4306, or Silvija on 082 905 7272. The Msukaligwa Business & Community Forum (MB&CF) recently unveiled their plans to rehabilitate the dilapidated Veltman Park in De Bruin Street. The organization aims to repair and add many features that had been lost over years of neglect, and the fun-filled egg hunt showed off the potential of the park. Laughter and excitement filled the air on Saturday, as Veltman Park crawled with eager Easter egg hunters. The MB&CF envisions a safe and peaceful area where residents can enjoy themselves without the hooliganism and drunken tomfoolery of unruly and lawless residents. Ben Greyling of Sakuma Engineering had offered to construct new playground equipment, with Neil Mattieson of Tidius Garden Services tending to the shrubbery. Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club and various other roleplayers are involved in the project, who will be thanked in an upcoming article that will detail the plans for the park. The MB&CF had also categorically stated that it has measures that will be put in place to prevent loitering and public drinking in the park, and to ensure that it is a safe area for children to enjoy themselves. If you’d like to get involved in this project, feel free to contact Maryke on 079 917 4306, or Silvija on 082 905 7272. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op 16 April, laatmiddag, het ‘n botsing plaasgevind tussen drie voertuie by die Border- en Smuts Straat kruising. Dié wat betrokke was by die botsing het genadiglik ernstige beserings vrygespring. Volgens ooggetuies het die bestuurder van ‘n taxi die stopteken by die kruising verontagsaam, waarna ‘n vragmotor in die sy van die taxi ingeploeg het. Die derde voertuig is ook beskadig tydens die botsing, toe leë houtpalette van die vragmotor af getuimel het en op die neus van die voertuig beland het. Die botsing het weereens die wettelose gedrag van taxi bestuurders in Ermelo in die kollig gestel, waar daar op ‘n daaglikse basis geen ag getoon word aan verkeersreëls nie. Ermelo verkeersdepartement, ACSU, SAPS, Igagu Ambulansdiens, Van Wettens Insleepdiens en All-Star Insleepdiens was spoedig op die toneel, sowel as ‘n groot skare wat die spektakel aanskou het. Botsing nadat taxi bestuurder stopteken verontagsaam Botsing nadat taxi bestuurder stopteken verontagsaam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Die botsing het weereens die wettelose gedrag van taxi bestuurders in Ermelo in die kollig gestel, waar daar op ‘n daaglikse basis geen ag getoon word aan verkeersreëls nie. Op 16 April, laatmiddag, het ‘n botsing plaasgevind tussen drie voertuie by die Border- en Smuts Straat kruising. Dié wat betrokke was by die botsing het genadiglik ernstige beserings vrygespring. Volgens ooggetuies het die bestuurder van ‘n taxi die stopteken by die kruising verontagsaam, waarna ‘n vragmotor in die sy van die taxi ingeploeg het. Die derde voertuig is ook beskadig tydens die botsing, toe leë houtpalette van die vragmotor af getuimel het en op die neus van die voertuig beland het. Die botsing het weereens die wettelose gedrag van taxi bestuurders in Ermelo in die kollig gestel, waar daar op ‘n daaglikse basis geen ag getoon word aan verkeersreëls nie. Ermelo verkeersdepartement, ACSU, SAPS, Igagu Ambulansdiens, Van Wettens Insleepdiens en All-Star Insleepdiens was spoedig op die toneel, sowel as ‘n groot skare wat die spektakel aanskou het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Prism Training Centre - Waar liefde en geduld 'n verskil maak 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 13 September 2022 Vrugte en groente en ander nie bederfbare kos is ook welkom. Prism Training centre is ‘n nie-winsgewende skool in Ermelo wat kinders met spesiale behoeftes akkomodeer. Die skool beskik oor buitemuurse aktiwiteite soos perdeterapie, swemklasse, musiekterapie en ook rekenaarvaardigheidsklasse. Daar is tans 8 leerders van verskeie ouderdomme in die skool. Van die leerders in die skool verg meer aandag as van die ander leerders en elke een se spesiale behoeftes word in voorsien. Die skool is in 2020 gestig deur Mev. Gerda Smuts, ñ oud-onderwyseres en kunstenaar. Haar liefde vir kinders kan gesien word in haar passie en geduld waarmee sy die kinders by haar sentrum hanteer. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die Tribune het Mev. Smuts gesê “ Die is my kinders, ek is so lief vir hulle. My eie kinders sê al dat ek liewer is vir my skool se kinders, maar elke liewe kind in die skool het ‘n baie spesiale plekkie in my hart”. Die skool beskik oor ‘n speelgrond vir die kinders met verskeie klimrame, bande en ‘n sandput. In die klas word die leerders volgens hulle spesiale behoeftes gestimuleer op baie kreatiewe maniere. Hulle bou legkaarte, lees, tel en doen ook skoolwerk. Die skool doen graag ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap vir skenkings van boeke, legkaarte, skryfbehoeftes of enige ander donasies. Vrugte en groente en ander nie bederfbare kos is ook welkom. Die skool is geleë by Simon Bekker Straat 6 en Mev. Gerda Smuts kan gekontak word op 084 427 9730. Vir enige kontant donasies kan die volgende bankbesonderhede gebruik word, FNB Bank, Gold Business Account, Rekening Nommer: 63012398061, Takkode: 210835. < Previous Article Next Article >

Be part of the change for the Pet Dam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 23 November 2021 “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory." If you’ve ever driven past the Pet Dam and thought to yourself how the dam could have regressed to such a sad state, now is your time to shine and actively make a difference. Ford Ermelo, also known as 24 Motors, have taken it upon themselves to launch an initiative to rehabilitate the dam, to get it clean, and to keep it clean. However, the full cooperation of the community and all walks of life is needed to make the rehabilitation project a reality. Speaking to Hein van Niekerk, dealer principal at 24 Motors, the rehabilitation project will be launched as soon as necessary steps have been taken, and all roleplayers are on board, including Msukaligwa Local Municipality. “Working hand in hand with BlueGreen Water Technologies and other key players, our main aim will be to rehabilitate the Pet Dam, ensuring a better future for fauna and flora in and around the dam. Furthermore, the unpleasant smell that constantly lingers in the area of the Pet Dam will also be something of the past, he stated. “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory. Gone will be the days of pollution and unsightly refuse bobbing in the water. We are in the process of getting all stakeholders involved, and would like to work hand in hand with Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Their input and assistance will be invaluable to the project, as they have the machinery and the means to unblock stoppages from the sewerage network and storm drains. Unblocking the sewerage network is of paramount importance, as regular and efficient flow to waste away from the Pet Dam will be the main variable in keeping the pollution at bay. We humbly invite all stakeholders who would be interested, as well as community members and businesses who wish to make a difference, to get involved in the project. Only by working together in unity will we be able to move forward.” BlueGreen Water Technologies sport groundbreaking, approved algaecides, approved for use in bodies of water without damaging the environment or degrading the water quality. In fact, Jurgens van Loggerenberg, director of the Africa division of the company, has told the Tribune ePaper that all hope is not lost for the Pet Dam. Quite the opposite, as from the commencement of treatment, the Pet Dam will be sparkling and boasting significantly improved water quality in approximately four months. “We can make quick work of the polluted Pet Dam with our cutting-edge technology. However, cooperation and assistance from the community, municipality and all stakeholders will be of utmost importance. Ermelo holds a special place in my heart, and it pains me to see the Pet Dam degraded from a previous state of magnificence. We call on all who wish to get involved in the project to roll up their sleeves and actively take part in the betterment of the Pet Dam. We can easily accomplish the rehabilitation if we work in unison,” he said. BlueGreen has an outstanding track record when it comes to rehabilitation of water bodies. Most recently, BlueGreen’s cutting-edge technology was used to eradicate toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, in water bodies without leaving a trace in the water. In March this year, BlueGreen introduced its innovative Lake Guard solution to Setumo Dam, in collaboration with Sedibeng Water, with breathtaking results. Similar grand success has also been noted at Roodeplaat Dam, which is unrecognizable following the rehabilitation. If that’s not enough, the success at Setumo Dam follows directly on the heels of BlueGreen winning the ‘Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year’ award at the 2021 Global Water Awards. If you would like to know more about the project, and how to get involved in this landmark program, you may contact Janice de Jager on 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >