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Op Woensdag, 3 Maart, het Hoërskool Ermelo die jaarlikse akademiese prysuitdeling aangebied waar die Graad 8-11 leerders van 2020 beloon is vir hul akademiese prestasies gedurende ‘n uitdagende jaar. EHS-leerders word beloon by prysuitdeling 1/8 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 Op Woensdag, 3 Maart, het Hoërskool Ermelo die jaarlikse akademiese prysuitdeling aangebied waar die Graad 8-11 leerders van 2020 beloon is vir hul akademiese prestasies gedurende ‘n uitdagende jaar. Op Woensdag, 3 Maart, het Hoërskool Ermelo die jaarlikse akademiese prysuitdeling aangebied waar die Graad 8-11 leerders van 2020 beloon is vir hul akademiese prestasies gedurende ‘n uitdagende jaar. Die PAS Prokureurs-boekprys vir tweetaligheid in Graad 8 is aan JF Möller toegeken. JF het 90% vir Afikaans Huistaal en 86% vir Engels Eerste Addisionele Taal behaal. Die Graad 8-top tien vir 2020 is (genoem vanaf nommer 10 tot een): Rinus Louw (85,96%), Duan Hugo (86,67%), Katelyn Potgieter (86,89%), Lariné Strydom (88,49%), Riël Hugo (89,56%), Helené Lotz (90,50%), Hayley van der Walt (91,07%), JF Möller (92,70%), Kayleigh Moore (93,01%). Laasgenoemde ontvang ook ‘n EHS-Duxmedalje as die toppresteerder in Graad 8. Raees Tikly receives the Highveld Tribune floating trophy for best learner in Arts and Culture Grade 9 (99%), as well as the Wikus Cloete book prize for bilingualism in Grade 9. He obtained 93% for both English Home Language and Afrikaans First Additional Language. Die top tien vir 2020 se Graad 9-groep is (genoem vanaf nommer 10 tot een): Isabella Burgers (85,74%), Mia Steenkamp (85,77%), Zané du Plessis (87,29%), Inge Greyling (87,48%), Mienke Cloete (87,85%), Otto van Schalkwyk (90,25%), Altus Boshoff (91,89%), Isabelle Moussier (92,33%), Johan Strauss (95,25%), Raees Tikly (97,06%). As the top student in Grade 9, Raees also receives an EHS Dux medal. Vir die beste prestasie in Wiskunde en Rekeningkunde Graad 10, ontvang Danel Olivier die ABSA-wisseltrofee. Die NWU-boekprys vir tweetaligheid in Graad 10 word aan Lood Geldenhuys toegeken. Hy het 91% behaal in Afrikaans Huistaal, en 87% in Engels Eerste Addisionele Taal. 2020 se Graad 10-top tien is (genoem vanaf nommer 10 tot een): Walter van der Walt (83,33%), Elandri Swart (83,78%), Spesihle Maseko (84,59%), Jenna Oosthuizen (84,65%), Ilandri Nel (84,85%), Tobie Leibbrandt (85,86%), Carla Ferreira (87,53%), Dirk Maritz (87,94%), Danel Olivier (89,97%), Lood Geldenhuys (90,32%). Vir sy eerste plek op die top tien van Graad 10 ontvang Lood Geldenhuys ook ‘n EHS-Duxmedalje. In 2020 se Graad 11-groep ontvang Jana Fraser die Pfizer-wisseltrofee vir die beste leerder in Landbouwetenskappe en Landboubestuur, Graad 11 (89%). GJ Swanepoel word aangewys as die beste leerder in Graad 11-Wiskunde (93%) en hiervoor ontvang hy die IM Bekker-wisseltrofee. Die Highveld Office Supplies-boekprys vir tweetaligheid in Graad 11 word toegeken aan Leandri Viviers. Sy behaal 94% in Afrikaans Huistaal en 98% in Engels Eerste Addisionele Taal. Die Graad 11-top tien vir 2020 is (genoem vanaf nommer 10 tot een): Anke Kruger (79,74%), Lethu Dlamini (80,05%), Nadia Kluyts (80,66%), GJ Swanepoel (82,43%), Magha Greyling (87,16%), Eunika Snyman (87,79%), Anke de Kock (90,30%), Lana Herholdt (91,42%), Michaela van Rensburg (91,49%) en Leandri Viviers (95,63%). Anke de Kock, Lana Herholdt en Michaela van Rensburg ontvang elkeen ook ‘n EHS-medalje vir die sewe A-simbole wat elkeen behaal het in Graad 11. Leandri Viviers behaal agt A’s in Graad 11, en ontvang daarvoor ook ‘n EHS-medalje. Sy word ook aangewys as toppresteerder in Graad 11, waarvoor sy ‘n EHS-Duxmedalje ontvang. ‘n Groot toekenning wat vir die afgelope paar jaar aan ‘n oud-Errie oorhandig word, word bereken op grond van die finale matriekuitslae van die vorige jaar aan die matriekleerder wat die beste prestasie behaal in Wiskunde en Fisiese Wetenskappe saam. In die afgelope NSS-eksamen het Simoné Beyer 85 % vir Wiskunde en 88% vir Fisiese Wetenskappe behaal, 'n gemiddeld van 86.5% vir die twee vakke. Simoné ontvang ‘n kontantprys vir dié besondere prestasie. “Baie geluk aan elke leerder vir die toekennings wat julle ontvang het.” < Previous Article Next Article >

“Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op jou, Frané. Jou deursettingsvermoë en vasberadenheid is vir menige Erries ‘n voorbeeld om daagliks na te streef.” Errie verower drie eerste plekke tydens SA’s 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 8 June 2021 “Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op jou, Frané. Jou deursettingsvermoë en vasberadenheid is vir menige Erries ‘n voorbeeld om daagliks na te streef.” Frané Swart, Graad 11-leerder van Hoërskool Ermelo, het tydens die Suid-Afrikaanse Paralimpiese Spele uitstekend presteer. Dié geleentheid sou in 2020 plaasgevind het, maar weens die COVID-pandemie is dit uitgestel tot April 2021 in Port Elizabeth. Sy neem aan drie items deel: verspring, 100m en 200m. Frané stap weg met eerste plekke in al drie items. “Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op jou, Frané. Jou deursettingsvermoë en vasberadenheid is vir menige Erries ‘n voorbeeld om daagliks na te streef.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Claiming for damages suffered due to potholes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 30 November 2021 A report must be compiled by the department, authorizing reimbursement from insurance through the Asset Management Unit of the municipality. Widening, deep and hazardous potholes leave their mark on majority of the residential and central business district (CBD) streets in Ermelo, and the roads in the outer areas are also pitted with sink- and potholes. Several roads surfaces have been dug for water pipe repairs, and are thereafter not filled or repaired, some for several years. Enquiries and complaints from residents directed at Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) fail to receive satisfactory feedback. Although municipal departments state that they do the best they can with the few resources available to them die to financial constraints, these statements are nothing but salt in the wounds of motorists who suffer daily damage and unnecessary wear and tear on their vehicles due to the ghastly road conditions. Good news for frustrated motorists is that the maintenance of roads remains the responsibility of government, and that the government therefore is liable to cough up should a motorist suffer as a result of their failure to keep up with that responsibility. “There is a responsibility on the side of the authority to maintain roads and repair potholes. The question would be whether there was negligence on the part of the municipal authority in not repairing that pothole, thereby posing a clear and present danger to the road user,” Arrive Alive, road user watchdog, stated in a public informational post. “The road user would have to approach that specific municipal authority, and enquire from them which documentation to complete, and to whom to submit such a claim. This might unfortunately take more time and is also dependent on the efficiency of that municipal office. In the case of claims lodged, the motorist's ID document, driver's licence, car registration details, a signed declaration and three written quotes for repair are also required in order for the claim to be processed. The motorist should stop at the incident spot immediately, and may optionally report the matter to the local traffic police to get an incident report. Photos of the pothole that caused damage to your vehicle, as well as photos of the affected tyres or damaged areas should be taken immediately, including a photo or video of the street name. If anyone else witnessed you hitting the pothole or stopped to assist, take down their personal details. Claims should be lodged as soon as possible, as technical officers will be sent to the place of the incident to verify the cause of the incident, and the potholes or road conditions responsible for the damage suffered.” In order to get the swiftest response, the motorist must submit a description or report, photos of the pothole and tyres, and invoice or quotation to the relevant municipality, in this case Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s Public Works & Basic Service Department. Thereafter, a report must be compiled by this department, authorizing reimbursement from insurance through the Asset Management Unit of the municipality. Residents should take note that they can only claim for damages from either the municipality, responsible roads agency or your insurance company. You cannot submit a claim to both your personal insurance and the government organization. < Previous Article Next Article >

"They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying." SAHRC complaint lodged against Msukaligwa Local Municipality 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2021 "They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying." As many residents in Breyten, Chrissiesmeer and surrounding areas sit with dry taps for more than 60 days, a big hoopla has been made by the National Government regarding the Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme Project, which will be completed in 2024. David Mahlobo, deputy minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Cllr Muzi Chirwa, executive mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, and Agnes Mnisi, acting executive mayor of Msukaligwa Municipality, launched the project in Warburton. The grand announcement was even accompanied by a “water saving” theme, in which “valuing water” was the focal point. This project, touted to solve all the water supply issues faced by residents, was met with grim dissatisfaction from residents who struggle with constant water outages on a daily basis, most notably in Breyten. “I work at a mine near Breyten, and the useless municipality expects me to make do with no water for weeks on end. It is a struggle on a daily basis, and Msukaligwa Municipality just doesn’t care,” one resident stated. While residents suffer for weeks on end, a few good Samaritans have made their boreholes available for neighbors to utilize. The promised water tankers from Msukaligwa Local Municipality also rarely make their arrival. “If the tankers arrive to deliver water, it is during the day. We are all at work during daytime, a tanker arriving at a closed door helps bugger all. The municipality just talks a load of rubbish, and makes empty promises that they fail to fulfill,” an extremely irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Another resident lamented the constant barrage of alleged lies and tomfoolery from MLM with the greatest of disgust. “I have an entire folder of screenshots from messages that the municipality sends, filled with poor excuses promises they never deliver on. They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying. The stories that they fabricate are nowhere near the same as the stories that our ward councillors tell us,” another resident explosively stated. “The call centre is just another useless part of the municipality. All they feed us are lies upon lies, and the stories they make up doesn’t even remotely coincide with what the technicians and municipal speakers on the WhatsApp group tells us. They don’t even give us reference numbers, they don’t take our details. What is the use of a call centre, if they don’t answer the phones 99% of the time?” he barked angrily. Speaking to Msukaligwa Local Municipality, no tangible information have been forthcoming either. Apart from the copy and paste response that residents have come to expect by now, citing the usual scapegoats of lack of equipment, and the old faithful trump card stating lack of funds and a cut budget, no concrete plan of action has been made available. MLM stated that vandalism of infrastructure is the main culprit of the outages, amongst other issues faced. However, there has been no action taken to actively remedy the situation in Breyten. Instead, the project from the DWS is being used a show horse to appease the residents, instead of immediate action being taken. “What is this nonsense about a water pipeline upgrade. We don’t care about upgrades. They just use it to pretend that they’re doing something for residents. We are struggling with water right now. Some of us have been without water for 5 months, and now the municipality comes with a story of water supply in 2024. What will that water help us in two years? Must we then live without water for two years until the municipality decides that it wants to care about residents? It is a joke.” a resident from KwaZanele told the Tribune ePaper. A large collective or residents have had absolutely no water since February 2021, and it’s not getting any better. Empty promises and tall tales from Msukaligwa Local Municipality further frustrates residents, and a complete lack of response from ward councillors further fan the flames. While the project seems like a magnificent initiative from local authorities and national government, sadly, they have been forced to act on water shortages following a successful complaint by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The DA held a public meeting in Skaapruiz informal settlement, with a specific focus of addressing this community’s concerns over the lack of water and greater service delivery, whereafter the DA submitted a letter to the SAHRC, requesting the Commission to investigate the provision of water in Skaapruiz and Nyibe. Research from the 2016/2017 Integrated Development Plan revealed that residents in Sheepmoore, Lothair, Chrissiesmeer and other areas of Msukaligwa Local Municipality have also complained of a lack of water, and the DA has included these areas in the complaint to the SAHRC. Following the complaint, the DA was informed that the municipality planned, and took steps to ensure that water given to Skaapruiz in the form of tankers, would be increased to three times a week, and this provision would be further increased to five times a week in July 2020. It was also found that water demand in Sheepmoore exceeds what the municipal boreholes can supply. The construction of a 7.1km pipeline from the Usuthu Vaal pipeline to Sheepmoore, as well as various upgrades were proposed. In Lothair, MLM plans to resuscitate the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant project, and construct a pipeline between Breyten and Lothair. In Chrissiesmeer, there are plans to keep the reservoirs at 50% to maintain pressure. Speaking to Jane Sithole, the DA leader in Mpumalanga, she told the Tribune ePaper that further investigations would be focused on Breyten in particular, as the magnitude of the lack of water supply to residents is unacceptable. “The provision of water is a basic human right, and to expect residents to endure further hardships through failure of service delivery is unacceptable,” she stated. “The DA will investigate the supply issues in Breyten, and provide updates as to the progress.” she concluded. The Tribune ePaper lodged an enquiry with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, requesting a statement regarding the complaints with the SAHRC, and what Msukaligwa Local Municipality is doing to remedy the immediate situation to alleviate the plight of residents in Breyten and other areas. MLM replied with the following: “There's nothing untoward and/or unheard of in a constitutional democracy that a chapter nine institution, be it public protector or Human Rights Commission of South Africa, will from time to time intervene on behalf of the citizenry, and to issue out directives as and when they deem it necessary to any organ of state. This indicates the effectiveness of the chapter nine institutions.” The Tribune ePaper is working closely with Jane Sithole, and will provide updates as it becomes available. < Previous Article Next Article >

Former Minister of State Security, Bongani Thomas Bongo, and ten others appeared briefly in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Robert Burwise, Patrick Donald Chirwa, Harrington Sizwakhendaba Dhlamini, Blessing Mduduzi Singwane, David Boy Dube, Sipho Joel Bongo, Vusi Willem Magagula, Bongani Louis Henry Sibiya, Elmon Lawrence Mdaka, and Sibongile Mercy Mdaka were reported to the DPCI investigating team and were charged earlier this morning together with four companies and face 69 counts. The companies implicated are The Little River Trading 156 (Pty) Ltd, Broad Market Trading 204 (Pty) Ltd, Bongiveli CC, and Pfuka Afrika CC. The allegations are in connection with the R37.5 million sale and purchase of a farm Naauwpoort at Emalahleni by the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement (DoHS) ostensibly on behalf of eMalahleni Municipality. Some of the accused, acting in common concert and with common purpose, exploited the normal phenomenon of purchase of land by government by misrepresenting facts to the DOHS regarding ownership and true sale price of the farm Naauwpoort. The real owner of the farm, Petrus Johannes Van Tonder, was paid only R15 million for the farm from the R37.5 million. The money was paid into the trust account of Singwane Attorneys, in their capacity as conveyancer appointed by the department. Van Tonder paid R1.5 million commission to Pam Golding as estate agents for the transaction. Singwane, not instructed by the department, paid R22.5 million to Little River Trading, which enabled the accused to successfully steal the money. In another transaction, Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Fremax Farms for a portion of Rietspruit Farm for an amount of R10.5 million. However, Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit farm was valued at R1.6 million. Little River paid R1.5 million as deposit for the farm, and Bongiveli had to deliver a guarantee issued by a bank or financial institution for payment of the balance of the purchase price on or before 31 May 2011. In turn, some of the accused, as members of Pfuka Afrika CC, received commission of R4.5 million. In March 2011 the DOHS, Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement for Rietspruit Farm. When the said sale and purchase agreement was signed, Bongiveli was not the owner of the farm, and there was no approval of the departmental to purchase the farm. Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit Farm was valued at R1.6 million. In March 2011, the DOHS paid an R52 884 384.00 to Singwane. Subsequently, the law firm furnished Freemax with a guarantee of R15 661 018.59. The property was then transferred to Bongiveli from Msugalikwa Local Municipality, and the company became the owner of the farm. The farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. It is alleged that some of the accused received kickbacks of cash and cars, among others, from some of the entities involved in the transactions. The two Bongo brothers were released on R10 000 bail and they were warned to appear 4 March 2021. The court will resume shortly to hear the bail applications of the rest of the accused Bongo brothers out on bail Bongo brothers out on bail Bongani Bongo, one of the Bongo brothers, amongst 11 arrested for fraud. Rietspruit Farm, just outside Ermelo. Bongani Bongo, one of the Bongo brothers, amongst 11 arrested for fraud. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 October 2020 Rietspruit Farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. Former Minister of State Security, Bongani Thomas Bongo, and ten others appeared briefly in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Robert Burwise, Patrick Donald Chirwa, Harrington Sizwakhendaba Dhlamini, Blessing Mduduzi Singwane, David Boy Dube, Sipho Joel Bongo, Vusi Willem Magagula, Bongani Louis Henry Sibiya, Elmon Lawrence Mdaka, and Sibongile Mercy Mdaka were reported to the DPCI investigating team and were charged earlier this morning together with four companies and face 69 counts. The companies implicated are The Little River Trading 156 (Pty) Ltd, Broad Market Trading 204 (Pty) Ltd, Bongiveli CC, and Pfuka Afrika CC. The allegations are in connection with the R37.5 million sale and purchase of a farm Naauwpoort at Emalahleni by the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement (DoHS) ostensibly on behalf of eMalahleni Municipality. Some of the accused, acting in common concert and with common purpose, exploited the normal phenomenon of purchase of land by government by misrepresenting facts to the DOHS regarding ownership and true sale price of the farm Naauwpoort. The real owner of the farm, Petrus Johannes Van Tonder, was paid only R15 million for the farm from the R37.5 million. The money was paid into the trust account of Singwane Attorneys, in their capacity as conveyancer appointed by the department. Van Tonder paid R1.5 million commission to Pam Golding as estate agents for the transaction. Singwane, not instructed by the department, paid R22.5 million to Little River Trading, which enabled the accused to successfully steal the money. In another transaction, Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Fremax Farms for a portion of Rietspruit Farm for an amount of R10.5 million. However, Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit farm was valued at R1.6 million. Little River paid R1.5 million as deposit for the farm, and Bongiveli had to deliver a guarantee issued by a bank or financial institution for payment of the balance of the purchase price on or before 31 May 2011. In turn, some of the accused, as members of Pfuka Afrika CC, received commission of R4.5 million. In March 2011 the DOHS, Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement for Rietspruit Farm. When the said sale and purchase agreement was signed, Bongiveli was not the owner of the farm, and there was no approval of the departmental to purchase the farm. Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit Farm was valued at R1.6 million. In March 2011, the DOHS paid an R52 884 384.00 to Singwane. Subsequently, the law firm furnished Freemax with a guarantee of R15 661 018.59. The property was then transferred to Bongiveli from Msugalikwa Local Municipality, and the company became the owner of the farm. The farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. It is alleged that some of the accused received kickbacks of cash and cars, among others, from some of the entities involved in the transactions. The two Bongo brothers were released on R10 000 bail and they were warned to appear 4 March 2021. The court will resume shortly to hear the bail applications of the rest of the accused < Previous Article Next Article >

Die afgelope week was weer ‘n baie besige week vir die noodspanne. Daar het verskeie botsings op verskillende paaie plasgevind. Die meeste van die ongelukke was bloot gewees oor voertuig bestuurders nie genoeg rus in kry nie, en dan beheer verloor oor die voertuie. Die ander botsings wat op die N2, Piet Retief pad plaasgevind het was weens die verkeersligte wat nie werksaam was nie, en mense bloot nie dood stop by die verkeerslig nie. Op Donderdag, 10 September, ongeveer 10:30 het ‘n paartjie hul besigheid gaan doen by die munisipaliteit. Tydens hulle terugkeer na hul voertuig het hul gesien dat daar mense by hulle voertuig is wat hulle spaarband van die bakkie afhaal. Die paartjie het in hulle bakkie gespring, en die twee voertuie wat saam werk, ‘n Peugot bussie en ‘n Volkswagen Caddy, wat beide GP registrasie nommers het, agterna gesit. Die Peugot bussie het tot stilstand gekom waar hy teen twee ander voertuie vas gejaag het. Die Caddy het later gestop, waar die verdagtes probeer weg hardloop het, maar nie daarin kon slaag nie. Die bestuurder en insittende van die Peugot bussie het weg gehardloop. Twee van die vier verdagtes is gearresteer deur die plaaslike SAPD. Op Vrydag, 11 September, ongeveer 22:00, het ‘n botsing in Border Straat plaasgevind. Die bestuurder van ‘n Nissan NP300 bakkie is ernstig beseer en die passasier, 'n man van ongeveer 30 jaar oud, is oorlede na 'n botsing tussen dié bakkie en 'n Kia 1 ton trokkie. Die bestuurder van die Kia is nie beseer nie. Ermelo SAPD ondersoek tans 'n klag van strafbare manslag. ‘n Ongeluk is nie altyd net ‘n ongeluk nie ‘n Ongeluk is nie altyd net ‘n ongeluk nie 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 15 September 2020 Die bestuurder van ‘n Nissan NP300 bakkie is ernstig beseer en die passasier, 'n man van ongeveer 30 jaar oud, is oorlede na 'n botsing tussen dié bakkie en 'n Kia 1 ton trokkie. Die bestuurder van die Kia is nie beseer nie. Ermelo SAPD ondersoek tans 'n klag van strafbare manslag. Die afgelope week was weer ‘n baie besige week vir die noodspanne. Daar het verskeie botsings op verskillende paaie plasgevind. Die meeste van die ongelukke was bloot gewees oor voertuig bestuurders nie genoeg rus in kry nie, en dan beheer verloor oor die voertuie. Die ander botsings wat op die N2, Piet Retief pad plaasgevind het was weens die verkeersligte wat nie werksaam was nie, en mense bloot nie dood stop by die verkeerslig nie. Op Donderdag, 10 September, ongeveer 10:30 het ‘n paartjie hul besigheid gaan doen by die munisipaliteit. Tydens hulle terugkeer na hul voertuig het hul gesien dat daar mense by hulle voertuig is wat hulle spaarband van die bakkie afhaal. Die paartjie het in hulle bakkie gespring, en die twee voertuie wat saam werk, ‘n Peugot bussie en ‘n Volkswagen Caddy, wat beide GP registrasie nommers het, agterna gesit. Die Peugot bussie het tot stilstand gekom waar hy teen twee ander voertuie vas gejaag het. Die Caddy het later gestop, waar die verdagtes probeer weg hardloop het, maar nie daarin kon slaag nie. Die bestuurder en insittende van die Peugot bussie het weg gehardloop. Twee van die vier verdagtes is gearresteer deur die plaaslike SAPD. Op Vrydag, 11 September, ongeveer 22:00, het ‘n botsing in Border Straat plaasgevind. Die bestuurder van ‘n Nissan NP300 bakkie is ernstig beseer en die passasier, 'n man van ongeveer 30 jaar oud, is oorlede na 'n botsing tussen dié bakkie en 'n Kia 1 ton trokkie. Die bestuurder van die Kia is nie beseer nie. Ermelo SAPD ondersoek tans 'n klag van strafbare manslag. < 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 >

The SAPS and SACCW have issued warnings to shoppers of the infamous money roll scam. The scam, which has seen a downward spiral in popular use, has seen a resurgence as Christmas approaches, taking advantage of vulnerable victims. The modus operandi used in this scam is that the scammers throw a fake wad of cash on the floor, where an unsuspecting shopper will pick it up. The roll of money is actually rolled up paper, with a fake note rolled around paper to make it seem like a large amount of cash. The scammer will then accost the shopper by telling them that they also want a share of the money. The scammer will then persuade the victim to accompany them to a private location to share the money, whereafter they will rob the victim, often at knife- or gunpoint. Money roll scam resurfaces Money roll scam resurfaces 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 The roll of money is actually rolled up paper, with a fake note rolled around paper to make it seem like a large amount of cash. The SAPS and SACCW have issued warnings to shoppers of the infamous money roll scam. The scam, which has seen a downward spiral in popular use, has seen a resurgence as Christmas approaches, taking advantage of vulnerable victims. The modus operandi used in this scam is that the scammers throw a fake wad of cash on the floor, where an unsuspecting shopper will pick it up. The roll of money is actually rolled up paper, with a fake note rolled around paper to make it seem like a large amount of cash. The scammer will then accost the shopper by telling them that they also want a share of the money. The scammer will then persuade the victim to accompany them to a private location to share the money, whereafter they will rob the victim, often at knife- or gunpoint. < Previous Article Next Article >

Residents of Ermelo East are well versed with the name 'Thando', which often brings up feelings of anger and dismay. This barefoot female burglar, known as Thando by residents, neighborhood watch, SAPS and security companies, have been a thorn in the sides of residents in this area for years. Thando is recognized by her seemingly nervous demeanor, scruffy clothing, and most notably, her lack of shoes. She often approaches residents at filling stations during the day, begging for morsels or money, claiming to have children to feed. However, at night and during the early hours of morning, Thando transforms from what seems like a harmless down and out individual, to a cold and calculating burglar. She has a reputation of unmatched patience, where she spends hours canvassing properties to plot an escape route once she has the loot. Mostly focusing on items that are easily stolen, such as charcoal grills, gas bottles, gardening tools and any small items of value that can be hawked for a few Rands, Thando has been a major cause of frustration. While she mostly focuses on petty crime, which often carries little to no consequence from the law, she also occasionally attempts more serious burglaries. One resident in Ermelo East approached the Tribune ePaper, where Thando gained access to their resident by squeezing through a shockingly small space in the burglar bars. The occupants of the residence caught her red handed where she was busy carefully packing up a laptop and charger. Residents caught Thando after being alerted by her rank body odor. As the residents contacted ACSU, Thando pulled one of her old tricks out of the hat, and started smearing the walls and floor with her own faeces. When caught in the act or arrested, Thando appears and acts mentally deranged, often removing all her clothing, being able to defecate, urinate and vomit on command, and will attempt to bite anyone who comes close or tries to apprehend her. However, this resident isn’t fooled by Thando’s acting. “If she is truly mentally deranged or as unstable as she appears, she would not have time capacity to carefully and meticulously pack up a laptop and charger. Imagine if you have small children in your house, and they catch Thando in the act?” she stated. “What if she breaks into a residence and hurts your children when she panics? She is actually dangerous when confronted and cornered, despite her small build and nervous act. I appeal to all residents to do what I have done, and open a case with the SAPS if you are burgled by Thando. She gets away with a lot of her petty crime due to residents not bothering to open a case, or by feeling sorry for her when she turns of the waterworks and starts to apologize. She isn’t sorry, not by a long stretch. She needs to be taken care of by the law before the seriously hurts someone.” In a time when violence, murders and property crimes are at an all time high, residents are urged to take serious action and ensure that a case is lodged with the SAPS. Burglaries at residential and non-residential premises saw an increase of nearly 18% in 2021, and it’s not improving. Residents, especially in Ermelo East, are urged to ensure that valuable items, including gardening tools, are locked away when not in use, and that windows and doors are on latch at night or when you’re not at home. If you have a LPG geyser, ensure that your bottle is locked in a sturdy cage or harness to avoid it being stolen. Serial burglar 'Thando' still terrorizes Ermelo East Serial burglar 'Thando' still terrorizes Ermelo East 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 19 January 2022 Residents, especially in Ermelo East, are urged to ensure that valuable items, including gardening tools, are locked away when not in use, and that windows and doors are on latch at night or when you’re not at home. Residents of Ermelo East are well versed with the name 'Thando', which often brings up feelings of anger and dismay. This barefoot female burglar, known as Thando by residents, neighborhood watch, SAPS and security companies, have been a thorn in the sides of residents in this area for years. Thando is recognized by her seemingly nervous demeanor, scruffy clothing, and most notably, her lack of shoes. She often approaches residents at filling stations during the day, begging for morsels or money, claiming to have children to feed. However, at night and during the early hours of morning, Thando transforms from what seems like a harmless down and out individual, to a cold and calculating burglar. She has a reputation of unmatched patience, where she spends hours canvassing properties to plot an escape route once she has the loot. Mostly focusing on items that are easily stolen, such as charcoal grills, gas bottles, gardening tools and any small items of value that can be hawked for a few Rands, Thando has been a major cause of frustration. While she mostly focuses on petty crime, which often carries little to no consequence from the law, she also occasionally attempts more serious burglaries. One resident in Ermelo East approached the Tribune ePaper, where Thando gained access to their resident by squeezing through a shockingly small space in the burglar bars. The occupants of the residence caught her red handed where she was busy carefully packing up a laptop and charger. Residents caught Thando after being alerted by her rank body odor. As the residents contacted ACSU, Thando pulled one of her old tricks out of the hat, and started smearing the walls and floor with her own faeces. When caught in the act or arrested, Thando appears and acts mentally deranged, often removing all her clothing, being able to defecate, urinate and vomit on command, and will attempt to bite anyone who comes close or tries to apprehend her. However, this resident isn’t fooled by Thando’s acting. “If she is truly mentally deranged or as unstable as she appears, she would not have time capacity to carefully and meticulously pack up a laptop and charger. Imagine if you have small children in your house, and they catch Thando in the act?” she stated. “What if she breaks into a residence and hurts your children when she panics? She is actually dangerous when confronted and cornered, despite her small build and nervous act. I appeal to all residents to do what I have done, and open a case with the SAPS if you are burgled by Thando. She gets away with a lot of her petty crime due to residents not bothering to open a case, or by feeling sorry for her when she turns of the waterworks and starts to apologize. She isn’t sorry, not by a long stretch. She needs to be taken care of by the law before the seriously hurts someone.” In a time when violence, murders and property crimes are at an all time high, residents are urged to take serious action and ensure that a case is lodged with the SAPS. Burglaries at residential and non-residential premises saw an increase of nearly 18% in 2021, and it’s not improving. Residents, especially in Ermelo East, are urged to ensure that valuable items, including gardening tools, are locked away when not in use, and that windows and doors are on latch at night or when you’re not at home. If you have a LPG geyser, ensure that your bottle is locked in a sturdy cage or harness to avoid it being stolen. < 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 >

Dankie dat juffrou ons in juffrou Esti se hartjie hou, ons hou juffrou Esti vir ewig in ons hartjies vas. MLA verwelkom opgewonde leerders 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 23 February 2021 Dankie dat juffrou ons in juffrou Esti se hartjie hou, ons hou juffrou Esti vir ewig in ons hartjies vas. "My eerste tas, my eerste klas, Juffrou Esti pas ons mooi op. Alles wat ons nog gaan leer, het juffrou Esti klaar geleer. Ons leer om te tel, ons leer om te lees, Juffrou Esti leer ons om vir niks te vrees. Dankie Juffrou Esti, vir my eerste klas. Dankie dat juffrou ons in juffrou Esti se hartjie hou, ons hou juffrou Esti vir ewig in ons hartjies vas." < Previous Article Next Article >

DOH worried by rising COVID-19 infections 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 23 October 2020 The country was also warned that putting South Africa into a hard lockdown is still on the cards as a precautionary measure in a state of ignorance, as residents disregards COVID-19 regulations. South Africa’s health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, has expressed his worry and dismay following a steadily inclining rise in COVID-19 cases. South Africa's latest epidemiological reports shows an increase of 9.1% in new cases of COVID-19 over the past seven days, with an increase of 10.7% over the past two weeks. An increase in new cases has also been noticed in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng, and a shocking 42% increase in new infections in the Western Cape. “ As we emphasize that the risk of a COVID-19 resurgence is still high, we do not do it to instill fear. We, as government, has a responsibility to keep people informed when we notice trends. It would be irresponsible to ignore 'small ups and downs' that we see in some parts of the country.” Mkhize stated. He further says that the rate of new cases and deaths affects the recommendations to the National Command Council for dealing with issues concerning COVID-19 and regulations. “As we continue to monitor the development of a vaccine, our social behavior and our continuous adherence to health protocols and social distancing are the only weapons we have as a country. All of us must accept this responsibility, and encourage others to do the same.” he concluded. The country was also warned that putting South Africa into a hard lockdown is still on the cards as a precautionary measure in a state of ignorance, as residents disregards COVID-19 regulations. < Previous Article Next Article >