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Mall construction still on the cards A 3-D render of the planned Merion Mall in Ermelo. A 3-D render of the planned Merion Mall in Ermelo. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 22 September 2020 In January 2020, the Moolman Group was granted the go-ahead for the construction project. The Moolman Group has confirmed that the project is now codenamed Merino Mall, and planning have now been put in motion. In early 2015, residents learned with great excitement of a planned shopping center, Plateau Mall, which was to be built in Voortrekker Avenue, where the Showgrounds is currently located. The project would be managed by the Moolman Group, a well-known developer with many successful projects on their roster. This flagship construction project, touted as a 30,000m² development, would see a completion date of April 2020, and which would house many new chain stores, immediately made a big splash in the community. Unfortunately, over time, the excitement disappeared into the mist of uncertainty, after no indication of any building process was visible. The community also abuzz with rumours of alleged political influence that played a role in the objections. However, the allegations could not be substantiated, and the dust settled over time. After the events, the planning was quietly swept under the rug by officials, hoping that the Plateau Mall would die a silent death. However, in 2019, a silent war still raged on the courtrooms between Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and the Moolman Group. Hoping that the Moolman Group would abandon the construction, even though all legal channels and supporting documentation were in order, it turns out that the Moolman Group’s legal team still had a few aces up their sleeve. After an extensive court battle, the Moolman Group emerged victorious after obliterating the faux obstacles and reasons for the disapproval of the project from MLM. In January 2020, the Moolman Group was granted the go-ahead for the construction project. The Moolman Group has confirmed that the project is now codenamed Merino Mall, and planning have now been put in motion. They have made great strides in improving their relationship with MLM. At this point in time, with the information available, the construction is expected to commence in mid- to late 2021, and will take an approximate 18 month period to complete. As the only location lacking a regional mall within its immediate vicinity, Ermelo residents are sure to rejoice when the Merino Mall finally comes to pass. < Previous Article Next Article >

Alcohol sale now allowed under National Alert Level 3 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 In terms of the regulations, the sale of liquor at any licensed premises or through e-commerce delivery is permitted from Monday to Thursday, between 09:00 and 17:00, the transportation and distribution of liquor to licensed premises is permitted, the consumption of liquor at the place of sale is prohibited, the sale of liquor is prohibited on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays, and no special or events liquor licenses may be approved for the duration of the national state of disaster. Under National Alert Level 3, all licensed liquor outlets, including shebeens and taverns, will be able to sell alcohol on a takeaway basis. Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Mr. Pat Ngomane, emphasized that the sale of alcohol by licensed outlets will be permitted for consumption off the licensed premises only. This follows the release of the regulations for Alert Level 3 by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. “Under Alert Level 3, all licensed liquor outlets including shebeens and taverns, will be allowed to sell liquor but only for consumption off the licensed premises. By off-consumption, we mean people will only be allowed to buy liquor to take home to consume at their private residences. Therefore, consumption in premises will be strictly prohibited. I must stress that only licensed outlets, whether licensed to sell for on-consumption or off-consumption, will be allowed to sell liquor but for consumption off the licensed premises only. Level 3 regulations suspend the on-consumption condition for the outlets licensed as such and permit them to sell for off-consumption as well, during lockdown Alert Level 3. Licensees must therefore adhere to the rules and regulations, as well as all safety measures, as provided. I must add that outlets with liquor licenses that expired during the lockdown period will also be permitted to sell, but all those with licenses that expired or lapsed long before the lockdown are prohibited from operating”, explained MEC Ngomane. In terms of the regulations, the sale of liquor at any licensed premises or through e-commerce delivery is permitted from Monday to Thursday, between 09:00 and 17:00, the transportation and distribution of liquor to licensed premises is permitted, the consumption of liquor at the place of sale is prohibited, the sale of liquor is prohibited on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays, and no special or events liquor licenses may be approved for the duration of the national state of disaster. The offices of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) will remain closed until further notice, as the return to operations guidelines are being implemented. In the meantime, enquiries or submission of all documents can be forwarded via email to licensing@mer.org.za . Licensees and their customers are also reminded that the validity of licenses can be verified free of charge by using the SMS service offered by the MER or via portal on www.meronline.org.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Jacobs leads new-look Springbok Women side Catha Jacobs will lead the Springbok Women’s side in their friendly against England Under-20 on Sunday, after Stanley Raubenheimer decided to hand 12 players their first start of the November tour for the match in London. Catha Jacobs will lead the Springbok Women’s side in their friendly against England Under-20 on Sunday, after Stanley Raubenheimer decided to hand 12 players their first start of the November tour for the match in London. 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 26 November 2021 Jacobs, who came off the bench as a lock replacement in Vannes and at flank in Cardiff, said she will enjoy the extra time on the field and will take the captaincy in her stride. Blue Bulls Women's scrumhalf Rumandi Potgieter and EP Queens prop Monica Mazibukwana are the only uncapped players included in the starting team, while all of Donelle Snyders, Bernice Strydom, Micke Gunter and Sanelisiwe Charlie will play for the first time on tour as Raubenheimer opted to use all the members of the squad, including Tanya Scholtz, who is set to run out in the Green and Gold as the only uncapped player on the bench. Simamkele Namba, Jakkie Cilliers, Ayanda Malinga, Ziyanda Ngohlekana and Lerato Makua have seen action off the bench in the opening two matches of the tour – the Tests against France in Vannes and last weekend in Cardiff, where the Springbok Women took on Wales. Chumisa Qawe and Sizo Solontsi are the only players who will start for a third week in a row, while Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Jacobs also earned Test caps against both France and Wales and will play in their third match on tour. “When we secured the match against England's U20s, we decided to give some of our younger players in the group the chance to show their worth and to gain some match experience on tour,” Raubenheimer explained. “This match will be a valuable opportunity to stake a claim for future selections, which will of course include the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year. “A couple of the players are coming back from injury, others have worked hard as non-playing squad members and there are those who have not played for this team in a while. They all now get the opportunity to play and show the coaching staff that they have what it takes to make the trip to New Zealand next year.” Raubenheimer had a simple message to the new players – to go out and express themselves. “Some of them have made it into this team because of their good performances in our provincial competitions, while others have played for us before, but got injured and are coming back into contention,” the coach said. “I can tell all of them to just continue with the good things they have done in the past which gained them selection. It will be interesting to see how they cope with the higher intensity and less space and time at this level, but there is only one way to find out and that is by playing against quality opposition like we will this weekend.” Jacobs, who came off the bench as a lock replacement in Vannes and at flank in Cardiff, said she will enjoy the extra time on the field and will take the captaincy in her stride. “The team spirit has been developing nicely over the last couple of weeks as the players got to know each other better and started to bond, so from that perspective, the tour already proved to be a success,” said Jacobs. “We are also learning a lot, each of our opponents offered a different style and Sunday the same will apply against England. We are learning to adapt to all the changes, and I think we are doing well in that regard. “There are also enough experienced players in core positions to help me in the leadership department, so it will be an exciting time for all concerned.” The match, which kicks off at 15:00 (SA time), will be live streamed on www.springboks.rugby . “Congratulations Catha, the Liggies are very proud of you.” - Content supplied. < Previous Article Next Article >

Department of Education rewards excellent top achievers LB Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left) and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality (right). EHS Leandri Viviers from Hoërskool Ermelo with (f.l.t.r): Mr. PP Magagula - District Director, Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality. LB Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left) and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality (right). 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 8 February 2022 The following four schools receive the awards for 100% pass rate in 2021: George Hofmeyer, Chief CJ Nkosi Secondary School, Morgenzon Landbou Akademie and Highveld Muslim. The Mpumalanga Department of Education hosted the annual Gert Sibande District Grade 12 Award Ceremony at the District Municipality on Friday, 4 February. These awards are aimed at honoring the top achievers and schools in the Gert Sibande District for their hard work in 2021. The following four schools receive the awards for 100% pass rate in 2021: George Hofmeyer, Chief CJ Nkosi Secondary School, Morgenzon Landbou Akademie and Highveld Muslim. The best teachers in large enrollment content subjects are: Hoërskool Ermelo - Ms. E Fourie for Maths Literacy, 100% pass rate and 9 distinctions, Ligbron Academy for Technology - Ms SE van Zyl for Mathematics, 100% pass and rate 18 distinctions, as well as Ms. M. Bosman for Physical Science, 100% pass rate and 18 distinctions. The top ten learners in the Gert Sibande District are: Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with 1705 marks, Chenelle Roux from Hoërskool Hoogenhout with 1701 marks, Grace Thanjan form Hoërskool Secunda with 1693 marks, and Leandri Viviers from Hoërskool Ermelo with 1689 marks. Busisiwe Vemba, a learner from Ligbron Academy for Technology, was awarded for best overall learner in the District. Netherland Park Secondary School received an award for outstanding academic performance (90 - 100%) over 3 consecutive years, with an average of 93.5% for 2019, 94.6% for 2020 and 95.7% for 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Thursday, 29 September 2020, the Carolina Regional Court Sentenced Mayibila Anna Skhumbuso (36) to five years direct imprisonment for culpable homicide. The sentence came after Skhumbuso was arrested by the Carolina SAPS on 4 January 2020 for the death of Vusi Petros Msibi . According to the Msibi was reported missing in November 2019. During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. Skhumbuso pleaded guilty to killing the deceased in self defense by hitting him with an iron while they were embroiled in a quarrel, and stated that she was too scared to report the matter to the police. Magistrate Cloete stated that although the accused has shown regret and remorse for her actions, she should not have withheld the matter from authorities. Carolina woman sentenced for culpable homicide Carolina woman sentenced for culpable homicide 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 6 October 2020 During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. On Thursday, 29 September 2020, the Carolina Regional Court Sentenced Mayibila Anna Skhumbuso (36) to five years direct imprisonment for culpable homicide. The sentence came after Skhumbuso was arrested by the Carolina SAPS on 4 January 2020 for the death of Vusi Petros Msibi . According to the Msibi was reported missing in November 2019. During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. Skhumbuso pleaded guilty to killing the deceased in self defense by hitting him with an iron while they were embroiled in a quarrel, and stated that she was too scared to report the matter to the police. Magistrate Cloete stated that although the accused has shown regret and remorse for her actions, she should not have withheld the matter from authorities. < Previous Article Next Article >

GMM skuld Rand Water 'n astronomiese bedrag van R314 miljoen, en het herhaaldelik versuim om betalingsooreenkomste na te kom. GMM inwoners in groot waterverknorsing 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 24 November 2020 GMM skuld Rand Water 'n astronomiese bedrag van R314 miljoen, en het herhaaldelik versuim om betalingsooreenkomste na te kom. Die feit dat Govan Mbeki Munisipaliteit (GMM) inwoners totaal en al gefaal het ten opsigte van dienslewering sit dwars in die krop van alle inwoners en besighede onder die GMM-dienslewerings gebied. Watertoevoer na die GMM gebied is met bykans 60% gesny, nadat GMM weereens nie hul betalingsooreenkoms nagekom het aan Rand Water nie. Nadat inwoners grootskaalse amok gemaak het ten opsigte van GMM se swak diensleweing, beskuldig GMM nou vandale vir die beskadiging van verskillende pompstasies, wat die situasie glo vererger omdat water nie in en uit die waterreservoirs gepomp kan word nie. Inwoners en besighede val egter nie vir hierdie veskoning nie, aangesien die toevoer al vir ‘n aantal jare agteruit gegaan het, en tans op die drumpel van totale afsluiting is. GMM skuld Rand Water 'n astronomiese bedrag van R314 miljoen, en het herhaaldelik versuim om betalingsooreenkomste na te kom. Gebiede op hoë vlak word veral grootliks geraak. Die negatiewe verkleuring van water sal die gemeenskappe van eMbalenhle, Leandra, Kinross, Evander, Secunda, Trichardt, Bethal en eMzinoni beïnvloed, aangesien die waterdruk onvoldoende is. Rand Water het ook 'n terugbetalingsvoorstel wat op 24 Augustus ingedien is, van die hand gewys. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die afgelope naweek was ‘n baie besig naweek vir die nooddienste. Daar het verskeie botsings op verskillende paaie plaasgevind. Die meeste van die oorsake van die botsings is bloot die rede dat daar geen ag gegee word aan die padreëls en spoedgrens nie. Roekelose bestuur eis die tol Roekelose bestuur eis die tol 1/0 Share SH HATTINGH 25 August 2020 Roekelose bestuur laat nooddienste skarrel Die afgelope naweek was ‘n baie besig naweek vir die nooddienste. Daar het verskeie botsings op verskillende paaie plaasgevind. Die meeste van die oorsake van die botsings is bloot die rede dat daar geen ag gegee word aan die padreëls en spoedgrens nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Saturday, 20 August 2022, Ermelo CPF members, 303 Security, Kunene Security, ACSU, AfriForum Buurtwag and Sinqobile Equestrian Security Services partook in a community security patrol, following the learner that passed away at Cebisa School. The funeral was held on Saturday, where all the members assisted the family to ensure that the funeral could proceed without incident. After the funeral, all the different security units took part in patrol through town, as well as informal settlements, to make sure that Ermelo is safe. During the night, there was another patrol, where different taverns, shebeens and party places in town where searched for any drugs, underage drinking, and to ensure that all the establishments close at the times that are stipulated on their liqour license. At some establishments, there were weapons found, and suspects were arrested on possession of dangerous weapons charges. Emelo SAPS and CPF members would like to thank all roleplayers that were involved in this patrol, to make sure that Ermelo is clean and safe. A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag, for a well served lunch and dinner during the patrol. You can view more photos and videos on Ermelo CPF Facebook page. Ermelo CPF members keep the streets safe Ermelo CPF members keep the streets safe 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 23 August 2022 A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag. On Saturday, 20 August 2022, Ermelo CPF members, 303 Security, Kunene Security, ACSU, AfriForum Buurtwag and Sinqobile Equestrian Security Services partook in a community security patrol, following the learner that passed away at Cebisa School. The funeral was held on Saturday, where all the members assisted the family to ensure that the funeral could proceed without incident. After the funeral, all the different security units took part in patrol through town, as well as informal settlements, to make sure that Ermelo is safe. During the night, there was another patrol, where different taverns, shebeens and party places in town where searched for any drugs, underage drinking, and to ensure that all the establishments close at the times that are stipulated on their liqour license. At some establishments, there were weapons found, and suspects were arrested on possession of dangerous weapons charges. Emelo SAPS and CPF members would like to thank all roleplayers that were involved in this patrol, to make sure that Ermelo is clean and safe. A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag, for a well served lunch and dinner during the patrol. You can view more photos and videos on Ermelo CPF Facebook page. < Previous Article Next Article >

COSATU nationwide protest against corruption 1/18 Share GK CRONJE 7 October 2020 COSATU has stated that the corruption and nepotism that consumes the ANC has caused it to betray the working class citizen. The march follows the rampant corruption and looting of COVID-19 funds, and the government’s failure to honor a 2018 wage agreement in the public sector. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has mobilized its members to join in a nation-wide socio-economic strike against corruption, retrenchment, gender-based violence, unemployment and attacks on collective bargaining. The protest in supported by NEDLAC, according to COSATU. The protest takes place on 7 October 2020, which also happens to be the Global Day For Decent Work. Although little heed has been paid, workers have been asked to stay at home rather than congregate in the streets amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. COSATU states that this will be a new form of striking whereby people stay at home, and not congregate in the streets for their own safety. COSATU has stated that the corruption and nepotism that consumes the ANC has caused it to betray the working class citizen. The march follows the rampant corruption and looting of COVID-19 funds, and the government’s failure to honor a 2018 wage agreement in the public sector. Read more in next week's publication of the Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. Next of kin sought Next of kin sought 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Woensdag, 14 Julie 2021, was daar ‘n groot vergadering gehou by die Ermelo Inn, wat die gemeenskap kon bywoon om te beplan hoe om Ermelo te beskerm teen geweldadigers wat ons dorp wil kom vernietig. Ongeveer 100 inwoners van Ermelo het die vergadering bygewoon en saam gestaan. Op dié aand het die lede van die gemeenskap omstreeks 20:00 by die Ermelo SAPD stasie bymekaar gekom, en daar was die reëlings aan almal deur gegee, en ook die missie van die projek. Die lede was in gedeel in verskeie groepe, waar elke ingang van die dorp gemoniteer was deur lede. Elke voertuig wat die dorp wou in- of uitgaan was deursoek, asook aangevra waarheen hul oppad was. Natuurlik, na die inperkingstyd van 21:00 wat niemand meer buite hul wonings mag wees nie, moes daar ‘n permit wees wat bewys dat die persoon essentiële dienste lewer. Ermelo Buurtwag, Spartan Team, ACSU, SAPD, Afriforum asook die Ermelo Taxi Association het almal saam hande gevat. Daar was ook patrollie deur die dorp, asook deur die woonburte gery om te verseker dat almal veilig by hulle huise is. Seattle Coffee het ook hande gevat, en het vir die lede wat patrollie ry en buite in die koue was, ‘n koffie asook ‘n verversing gegee om hul dank te wys. Kol. Ngcobo, Stasie Bevelvoerder, het Woensdag aand aan die Tribune gesê die missie is dat Ermelo veilig bly, en dat hul verseker dat daar geen verdraagsaamheid van enige aard teenoor wetsoordtreders is nie. “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Kyk gerus op die Tribune Ermelo se Facebook blad vir meer foto’s, asook video’s. Ermelo gemeenskap staan saam en beveilig Ermelo Ermelo gemeenskap staan saam en beveilig Ermelo 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 20 July 2021 “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Op Woensdag, 14 Julie 2021, was daar ‘n groot vergadering gehou by die Ermelo Inn, wat die gemeenskap kon bywoon om te beplan hoe om Ermelo te beskerm teen geweldadigers wat ons dorp wil kom vernietig. Ongeveer 100 inwoners van Ermelo het die vergadering bygewoon en saam gestaan. Op dié aand het die lede van die gemeenskap omstreeks 20:00 by die Ermelo SAPD stasie bymekaar gekom, en daar was die reëlings aan almal deur gegee, en ook die missie van die projek. Die lede was in gedeel in verskeie groepe, waar elke ingang van die dorp gemoniteer was deur lede. Elke voertuig wat die dorp wou in- of uitgaan was deursoek, asook aangevra waarheen hul oppad was. Natuurlik, na die inperkingstyd van 21:00 wat niemand meer buite hul wonings mag wees nie, moes daar ‘n permit wees wat bewys dat die persoon essentiële dienste lewer. Ermelo Buurtwag, Spartan Team, ACSU, SAPD, Afriforum asook die Ermelo Taxi Association het almal saam hande gevat. Daar was ook patrollie deur die dorp, asook deur die woonburte gery om te verseker dat almal veilig by hulle huise is. Seattle Coffee het ook hande gevat, en het vir die lede wat patrollie ry en buite in die koue was, ‘n koffie asook ‘n verversing gegee om hul dank te wys. Kol. Ngcobo, Stasie Bevelvoerder, het Woensdag aand aan die Tribune gesê die missie is dat Ermelo veilig bly, en dat hul verseker dat daar geen verdraagsaamheid van enige aard teenoor wetsoordtreders is nie. “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Kyk gerus op die Tribune Ermelo se Facebook blad vir meer foto’s, asook video’s. < Previous Article Next Article >