Search this site

Op Maandag, 3 Mei, ongeveer 18:00, het Oubaas de Jager, eienaar van ACSU in Ermelo, op ‘n WhatsApp groep ‘n boodskap ontvang dat die mense in Ermelo moet op die uitkyk wees vir ‘n wit Volkswagen Jetta, sowel as ‘n Polo. Die voertuie was betrokke by die Markham rooftog in Volksrust, waar hulle met verskeie selfone, asook kontant gevlug het. Die voertuie was op daardie stadium amper in Ermelo. Oubaas het al die nodige mense in kennis gestel om op die uitkyk te wees vir die voertuig. Die voertuie is gewaar ongeveer 10 kilometer buite Ermelo op die Amersfoort pad, waar hul teen ‘n hoë spoed gery het. Die voertuie was ongeveer 5 kilometer voor Ermelo opgemerk en is tot stilstand gebring, waar die insittendes van die Polo uit die voetuig gespring het en op ACSU se reaksie lede begin skiet het. Binne-in die Polo was vier insittendes. Tydens die voorval waar die insittendes begin skiet het, het lede van ACSU ook begin skiet uit selfverdediging. Na afloop van die skietvoorval, het ACSU lede later agtergekom het dat twee van die insittendes noodlottig gewond was, een ongedeerd was, en die ander persoon beserings opgedoen het. Die plaaslike SAPD, asook die SAPD van Voksrust, was blitsvinnig op die toneel. Al die nodige dienste was ontbied na die toneel. ACSU trek roof-sindikaat bende vas ACSU trek roof-sindikaat bende vas 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 11 May 2021 Na afloop van die skietvoorval, het ACSU lede later agtergekom het dat twee van die insittendes noodlottig gewond was, een ongedeerd was, en die ander persoon beserings opgedoen het. Op Maandag, 3 Mei, ongeveer 18:00, het Oubaas de Jager, eienaar van ACSU in Ermelo, op ‘n WhatsApp groep ‘n boodskap ontvang dat die mense in Ermelo moet op die uitkyk wees vir ‘n wit Volkswagen Jetta, sowel as ‘n Polo. Die voertuie was betrokke by die Markham rooftog in Volksrust, waar hulle met verskeie selfone, asook kontant gevlug het. Die voertuie was op daardie stadium amper in Ermelo. Oubaas het al die nodige mense in kennis gestel om op die uitkyk te wees vir die voertuig. Die voertuie is gewaar ongeveer 10 kilometer buite Ermelo op die Amersfoort pad, waar hul teen ‘n hoë spoed gery het. Die voertuie was ongeveer 5 kilometer voor Ermelo opgemerk en is tot stilstand gebring, waar die insittendes van die Polo uit die voetuig gespring het en op ACSU se reaksie lede begin skiet het. Binne-in die Polo was vier insittendes. Tydens die voorval waar die insittendes begin skiet het, het lede van ACSU ook begin skiet uit selfverdediging. Na afloop van die skietvoorval, het ACSU lede later agtergekom het dat twee van die insittendes noodlottig gewond was, een ongedeerd was, en die ander persoon beserings opgedoen het. Die plaaslike SAPD, asook die SAPD van Voksrust, was blitsvinnig op die toneel. Al die nodige dienste was ontbied na die toneel. < Previous Article Next Article >

EHS Groentjieskonsert sorg vir groot opwinding 1/11 Share SM HATTINGH 23 March 2022 “Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat ‘n deel gehad het aan sy/haar huis se Groentjieskonsert." Hoërskool Ermelo se jaarlikse Groentjieskonsert is ‘n eeu-oue tradisie wat jaar-na-jaar sorg vir groot opwinding, strawwe kompetisie en komiese vermaak. Die jaar 2022 se konsert was geen uitsondering nie. Die dag het oudergewoonte begin met die Graad 11-dirigente se aankoms. Nelstehuis se “FBI”-tema het die oggend afgeskop, gevolg deur die manne van Huis Veltman met hul “Money Heist”-tema. Dit was egter die Dorpies wat monde laat oophang het en die verbeelding aangegryp het met hul “Steampunk”-tema. Die leerders het daarna die geleentheid gehad om vir die eerste keer in drie jaar ‘n optog te hou, en hul gees deur die strate van Ermelo ten toon te stel. The climax of any Groentjies Day is the concert. The Grade 12 learners of each one of the Houses (Dorpshuis, Huis Veltman & Nelsthuis) had eight days to write an original story, build decor, design costumes and direct their Grade 8's into a unique concert. Each year the houses receive different themes. This year’s characters were based on the animation, Toy Story (Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Slinky Dog). The Errie value themes for the year were hard work and Errie heart. Each concert should also include a news bulletin and an advertisement. The instructions given to learners included that this year’s advertisement should link with 2022’s Grade 8 theme - From Seed-to-Sapling. Elke huis het hul uitstekend van hul taak gekwyt, en ‘n konsert van hoogstaande gehalte op die planke gebring. Die uitslae was as volg: Beste Dirigente - Dorpshuis, Beste Hulpdirigente - Nelstehuis, Beste Huisdans - Nelstehuis, Beste Tema-uitbeelding - Nelstehuis, Beste Advertensie - Huis Veltman, Beste Kostuums - Nelstehuis, Beste Dekor - Huis Veltman, Beste Groentjiesdans - Nelstehuis, Beste Humor in Storie - Huis Veltman, Beste Nuusberig - Nelstehuis, Beste Storieverteller - Joshua du Toit (Huis Veltman), Beste Akteur - Ruan Ludwig (Huis Veltman), Beste Aktrise - An-Euné van Niekerk (Nelstehuis), Beste gebruik van Verrassings-element - Huis Veltman, Meriete Toekenning - Clarissa Nel & Elané Nel (Dorpshuis), Beste Konsert - Huis Veltman en die Algehele Wenners - Huis Veltman. “Baie geluk aan elke leerder wat ‘n deel gehad het aan sy/haar huis se Groentjieskonsert. Die Erries het hierdie jaar weereens getoon dat alles wat hul doen, eenvoudig wêreldklas is.” Sien meer foto’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks) in Mpumalanga have arrested 16 people for damaging and stealing Transnet infrastructure, including railway tracks and transformers. “Suspects aged between 35 and 45 were arrested by members of the Hawks' serious organized crime investigation in Middelburg, together with Transnet investigators during an intelligence-driven operation,” said Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi. “The team followed up the information and found four trucks inside Mashcor Scrap metal dealer, still loaded with railway tracks,” said Sekgotodi. “During further investigation, the fifth truck loaded with transformers and palisade fencing, which was positively identified by Transnet officials, arrived. The railway tracks were stolen from the decommissioned line, while the transformers and palisade were stolen from the working substation. Sekgotodi stated that of the 16 people arrested, 14 of them are foreign nationals. They were duly charged for possession of suspected stolen property, theft and damaging of essential infrastructure. The owner of the scrap metal institution was traced, and also arrested. The Hawks have issued a stern warning to scrap metal recyclers in Mpumalanga, especially the Middelburg, Witbank, Secunda, Ermelo and Standerton areas, to be vigilant when accepting scrap metal, and not to become involved in dodgy dealings and illicit operations. There is a high rate of theft and vandalism of Transnet, Eskom and mining operation infrastructure, and recyclable metals are often the target of these criminals. While the prospect of a quick profit may be alluring, the risk is not worth the reward, as you will be investigated, arrested and charged accordingly. Hawks issue stern warning to scrap metal recyclers Hawks issue stern warning to scrap metal recyclers 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 While the prospect of a quick profit may be alluring, the risk is not worth the reward, as you will be investigated, arrested and charged accordingly. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks) in Mpumalanga have arrested 16 people for damaging and stealing Transnet infrastructure, including railway tracks and transformers. “Suspects aged between 35 and 45 were arrested by members of the Hawks' serious organized crime investigation in Middelburg, together with Transnet investigators during an intelligence-driven operation,” said Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi. “The team followed up the information and found four trucks inside Mashcor Scrap metal dealer, still loaded with railway tracks,” said Sekgotodi. “During further investigation, the fifth truck loaded with transformers and palisade fencing, which was positively identified by Transnet officials, arrived. The railway tracks were stolen from the decommissioned line, while the transformers and palisade were stolen from the working substation. Sekgotodi stated that of the 16 people arrested, 14 of them are foreign nationals. They were duly charged for possession of suspected stolen property, theft and damaging of essential infrastructure. The owner of the scrap metal institution was traced, and also arrested. The Hawks have issued a stern warning to scrap metal recyclers in Mpumalanga, especially the Middelburg, Witbank, Secunda, Ermelo and Standerton areas, to be vigilant when accepting scrap metal, and not to become involved in dodgy dealings and illicit operations. There is a high rate of theft and vandalism of Transnet, Eskom and mining operation infrastructure, and recyclable metals are often the target of these criminals. While the prospect of a quick profit may be alluring, the risk is not worth the reward, as you will be investigated, arrested and charged accordingly. < Previous Article Next Article >

Over the past few months, the issue of drug use and trafficking in Ermelo and surroundings has become more prominent, with various individuals shamelessly partaking in public displays of defiance in this regard. Most notable is the building at 31 Oosthuise Street, which has now turned into the place to be if you’re looking for a fix. Drug users and addicts openly inject themselves, and each other intravenously, many individuals can be seen snorting their lives away while slouching against the walls, and the pavement is bustling with shady drug deals and trafficking, in broad daylight. Drug addled users can be seen lounging against the walls or aimlessly staggering around the sidewalk and across the street, much to the frustration of oncoming traffic. Residents in this area have complained to authorities on many occasions, to no avail. Businesses in this area also complained that they have notified the SAPS of the illegal activity at this site, but to date, no palpable action has been taken. “I drive past this sight for sore eyes every morning, and my children are with me in the vehicle. I have to subject them to these issues, and it is completely uncalled for. How can they just be left to peddle and use drugs in public, without any repercussion,” an irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Upon enquiry with the SAPS Ermelo, Const. Msizane replied as follows: “ The SAPS has attempted to remove these individuals, but the issue is that the municipality must issue us with the by-laws and the way to deal with this matter. We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers. The SAPS can not make an arrest without any evidence, and even if we arrest them for being intoxicated, we do not have drug test kits on hand to provide as evidence to the court. These individuals have been given the option of rehabilitation in Delmas, but refused.” The Tribune ePaper referred this nonsensical response regarding the by-laws to Msukaligwa Local Municipality. As would be expected, Mr. Zwane, spokesman for the municipality, stated that the arrest of these individuals carry no connection with the by-laws of the municipality, and that the enforcement of the law remains the duty of the SAPS. Blind eye turned to public drug use Blind eye turned to public drug use 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 "We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers." Over the past few months, the issue of drug use and trafficking in Ermelo and surroundings has become more prominent, with various individuals shamelessly partaking in public displays of defiance in this regard. Most notable is the building at 31 Oosthuise Street, which has now turned into the place to be if you’re looking for a fix. Drug users and addicts openly inject themselves, and each other intravenously, many individuals can be seen snorting their lives away while slouching against the walls, and the pavement is bustling with shady drug deals and trafficking, in broad daylight. Drug addled users can be seen lounging against the walls or aimlessly staggering around the sidewalk and across the street, much to the frustration of oncoming traffic. Residents in this area have complained to authorities on many occasions, to no avail. Businesses in this area also complained that they have notified the SAPS of the illegal activity at this site, but to date, no palpable action has been taken. “I drive past this sight for sore eyes every morning, and my children are with me in the vehicle. I have to subject them to these issues, and it is completely uncalled for. How can they just be left to peddle and use drugs in public, without any repercussion,” an irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Upon enquiry with the SAPS Ermelo, Const. Msizane replied as follows: “ The SAPS has attempted to remove these individuals, but the issue is that the municipality must issue us with the by-laws and the way to deal with this matter. We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers. The SAPS can not make an arrest without any evidence, and even if we arrest them for being intoxicated, we do not have drug test kits on hand to provide as evidence to the court. These individuals have been given the option of rehabilitation in Delmas, but refused.” The Tribune ePaper referred this nonsensical response regarding the by-laws to Msukaligwa Local Municipality. As would be expected, Mr. Zwane, spokesman for the municipality, stated that the arrest of these individuals carry no connection with the by-laws of the municipality, and that the enforcement of the law remains the duty of the SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

New bank card suggested by the SARB 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 This should allow for cheaper transactions than those offered by institutions such as Visa and Mastercard. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) stated that it will conduct an assessment on the feasibility of establishing a domestic card scheme. The central bank said that the assessment will look at creating ‘white-label’ banking cards that can only be used in South Africa or neighbouring countries, which should allow for cheaper transactions than those offered by institutions such as Visa and Mastercard. “In South Africa, Visa and Mastercard have dominated the card scheme market. In 2019, approximately 48.8 million cards were in circulation in South Africa, and 5.6 billion transactions to the value of R2.1 trillion were processed,” the SARB said. “This is an increase in volume of 16.2% and in value of 15.6% compared to 2018. A card scheme is therefore a key component of the NPS.” The SARB said that most of unbanked South Africans have no immediate need for a card that can be used overseas. “This raises the question regarding the scope for developing white-label or locally branded cards as cheaper alternatives to the brands of the major card schemes, especially for consumers who do not enter into global internet transactions or use cards beyond the borders of South Africa or beyond the Southern African Development Community (SADC). SARB said. The Reserve Bank said that the success of a sustainable domestic card scheme would depend on the collective effort and support of card issuers, retailers, consumers, regulators, policymakers, and government departments. < Previous Article Next Article >

Tread carefully during heavy rainfall 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 February 2021 Emergency Services have urged residents and motorists to be cautious when flooding occurs, and rather to be safe than sorry. The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga says persistent heavy rain has left a trail of death and destruction in the province. The rainfall has damaged infrastructure, roads and at least 100 housing structures in various parts of Mpumalanga. At least eight people were killed in a heavy storm which moved through the province on Saturday. The department’s spokesperson, George Mthethwa, stated that the SAPS is still searching for five people who are presumed to have drowned. He said there is a search operation led by the police to recover those who have drowned and are still unaccounted for, including a 13-year-old boy who was riding a horse when he drowned in a river. “We have eight certified fatalities which occurred as a result of drowning in our rivers. We must say some have been horrendous. For example, in one incident, we had a mother who was trying to cross a local river while carrying a baby on her back. Unfortunately, she could not survive. We still have five missing persons, those who have drowned in the local rivers.” he stated. Other areas, including Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, and Nkomazi were severely affected. Two weeks ago Mpumalanga authorities reported that a five-year-old boy died after he was swept by floods, while in KwaZulu-Natal, a 14-year-old also died after drowning during heavy rainfall. The South African Weather Service has issued a yellow moderate level two warning as more persistent rainfall is expected to hit. Emergency Services have urged residents and motorists to be cautious when flooding occurs, and rather to be safe than sorry. Drive safely and responsibly, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and make sure you don’t drive on flooded roads. < 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 >

WOF contingent deployed to Canada 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The request for assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), which has, in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and South Africa, asked for firefighting assistance from the Working on Fire Programme (WOF) to assist with their fire management in Canada. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Working on Fire Programme deployed 109 firefighters and management to the province of Manitoba, in Canada, to assist with firefighting efforts on Tuesday evening, 10 August 2021. This is the Programme’s fourth deployment of firefighters to Canada. Working on Fire Mpumalanga proudly boasts with seven representatives in the WOF contingent. Led by Walter Khoza, Ground Operations Manager, Highveld region, the firefighting delegation consists of Sibusiso Ngobeni, Type 1 Crewleader of the Mlambongwane team, Sphilile Khumalo, a female firefighter from the Piet Retief team, Bongani Sifunda from the Barberton team, Siphesihle Makhubu from the Wakkerstroom team, and Sipho Mlotshwa from the Badplaas team. Prior to their departure, the firefighters and management underwent refresher training in Stone Ridge, Hekpoort, in Gauteng to ensure that they are fit and ready for the conditions expected in Canada. Canada has been experiencing record-breaking heat that is associated with dry weather. Large wildland fires are currently burning in the province of Manitoba, and extreme fire danger exists across the western provinces. The request for assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), which has, in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and South Africa, asked for firefighting assistance from the Working on Fire Programme (WOF) to assist with their fire management in Canada. The MOU provides for the exchange of Wildland Fire Management Resources between the two countries. The Working on Fire Programme is an Expanded Public Works Programme funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. It recruits young men and women from disadvantaged communities, and equips them with specialized veld and forestry firefighting skills. < Previous Article Next Article >

Alles in ag genome, getuig die verkiesing van die 2023 Errie-leierskorps van ‘n besondere groep leerders. EHS kondig leierrade vir 2023 aan 1/16 Share Content Supplied 30 August 2022 Alles in ag genome, getuig die verkiesing van die 2023 Errie-leierskorps van ‘n besondere groep leerders. 'n Tasbare gees van opwinding het op Donderdag, 25 Augustus, by Hoërskool Ermelo geheers ten tyde van die verkiesing en bekendstelling van 2023 se leierrade, naamlik die Errieraad, koshuisrade asook die graadverteenwoordigers. Leierskapsontwikkeling is vir Hoërskool Ermelo van kardinale belang, omdat dit 'n wesenlike bydrae lewer tot die vorming van leerders, veral met betrekking tot leerders se volwasse en beroepsgerigte lewe na skool. Om dié rede is dit vir die EHS van groot belang om leerders te onderskraag en aan hulle die nodige leierskapshulpmiddels te bied ten einde elke individu se leierskapstyl optimaal te ontgin en uit te bou. Hartlik geluk aan elke verkose leier. Die Erries staan bankvas agter julle en wens julle alle voorspoed toe met al die uitdagings wat 2023 aan jul gaan stel. Errieraad 2023: Dogters (alfabeties): Isabella Burgers, Mienke Cloete, Rebecca Cloete, Zané du Plessis, Luzaan Durand, Eliska Duvenhage, Inge Greyling, Simoné Jacobsz, Zanéke Ludick, Andraya Macheyo, Anzé Mentz, Nicole Meyer, Isabelle Moussier, Yoliswa Ndlangamandla, Lesedi Ntuli, Mia Steenkamp, Ancois van der Berg, Inge van der Walt, Jaclyn Venter, Caitlin Williams en Nqobile Zwane. Seuns (alfabeties): Adam Barnard, Rian Barnard, Ernst Bredenhann, Antoine Changuion, Adriaan Davel, Charlie du Plessis, Maritz Hancke, Zian Kotzé, Leo Luyt, Gideon Muteb-Mbak, Siphesihle Nkambule, Cobus Pretorius, Louis Rouillard, Johan Strauss, Raees Tikly en Bongamusa Vilakazi. Presidente: Mienke Cloete en Johan Strauss. Vise-presidente: Zané du Plessis en Raees Tikly. Sportvoorsitters: Jaclyn Venter en Bongamusa Vilakazi. Kultuurvoorsitters: Isabella Burgers en Leo Luyt. Sekretarisse: Eliska Duvenhage en Maritz Hancke. Penningmeesters: Inge van der Walt en Louis Rouillard. Hotelraadvoorsitter: Caitlin Williams. Dorpshuis-voorsitters: Inge Greyling en Ernst Bredenhann. Huis Veltman-voorsitter: Adriaan Davel. Nelstehuis-voorsitter: Mia Steenkamp. Koshuisrade: Dorpshuis Raad: Ernst Bredenhann, Inge Greyling, Anzé Mentz, Isabelle Moussier, Gideon Muteb-Mbak, Yoliswa Ndlangamandla, Njabulo Nkosi, Johan Strauss, Raees Tikly, Bongamusa Vilakazi en Nqobile Zwane. Graadverteenwoordigers: Simphiwe Kunene en AJ Ludick (Graad 9), Amori Prinsloo en Ruan Grobler (Graad 10) en Melissa Olivier en Njabulo Zwane (Graad 11). Huis Veltman Raad: Antoine Changuion, Adriaan Davel, Charlie du Plessis, Maritz Hancke, Zian Kotzé, Leo Luyt, Cobus Pretorius en Louis Rouillard. Graadverteenwoordigers: Dick Rouillard (Graad 9), Ulric Badenhorst (Graad 10) en Carel Jacobsz (Graad 11). Nelstehuis Raad: Isabella Burgers, Rebecca Cloete, Mienke Cloete, Zané du Plessis, Eliska Duvenhage, Simoné Jacobsz, Nicole Meyer, Mia Steenkamp, Inge van der Walt en Jaclyn Venter. Graadverteenwoordigers: Jani Uys (Graad 9), Elizma Swart (Graad 10) en Esmari Visagie (Graad 11). Alles in ag genome, getuig die verkiesing van die 2023 Errie-leierskorps van ‘n besondere groep leerders. Hoërskool Ermelo sien vol verwagting daarna uit om te sien wat hulle gaan vermag! - Inhoud en foto’s verskaf deur EHS < Previous Article Next Article >

Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves. 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 on 017 811 1274, the SAPS on 10111, or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW’s Theo Craven on 081 733 0032, immediately. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make identification and possible conviction or fining of the felon easier. The pictured fires were reported in Oosthuise Street, where the alleged arsonist has been identified. The case had been reported to the SACCW, who in turn dispatched the required services. Do not set fire to dry leaves and fields Do not set fire to dry leaves and fields 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 May 2021 The case had been reported to the SACCW, who in turn dispatched the required services. Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves. 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 on 017 811 1274, the SAPS on 10111, or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW’s Theo Craven on 081 733 0032, immediately. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make identification and possible conviction or fining of the felon easier. The pictured fires were reported in Oosthuise Street, where the alleged arsonist has been identified. The case had been reported to the SACCW, who in turn dispatched the required services. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. Msukaligwa Local Municipality embroiled in High Court showdown 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 24 May 2022 The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. On 31 March 2022, the former troika of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, consisting of Cllr Mahlalela (former Executive Mayor), Cllr Madini (former Speaker) and Cllr Buthelezi (former Whip) was ousted from council by means of an alleged unlawful motion of no confidence vote. This vote, which took place without a sufficient number of councillors present to partake, has shaken MLM to the foundation. The Tribune has received documents from an anonymous source detailing the strife at the municipality. The former troika has now taken their removal to the Middelburg High Court, seeking to challenge the legality and legitimacy of the vote of no confidence taken against them. The court application also seeks that the current acting troika, consisting of Cllr Nkosi (current Acting Mayor), Cllr Xaba (acting Speaker), and Cllr Sibeko (acting Whip) should have their appointments declared null and void, and set aside. Cllr Lisa, currently serving as the acting municipal manager, and the Department Of Cooperative Governance (COGTA), is also cited in the application. The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. The former troika seeks to continue their functions in the interim, and their halted benefits restored. The unfortunate side effect of the ongoing power struggle within the already embattled municipality is the further downward spiral of already stunted service delivery, further lack of upkeep and maintenance of the wards and areas within the municipal bounds, and overall lack of transparency on every front from the municipality. No direct answers relating to service delivery, and more, can be gleaned from the current management structure, and an overall lack of transparency towards the community, as well as serving councillors, has the Msukaligwa region’s community hot under the collar. The court and affidavits includes information that is not limited to the information pertaining to this article. The semi-urgent applicants seek that the court order be handled as soon as possible, as a matter of public interest, as it involves plenary powers. It states that rights such as Section 160 (3), Section 30 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, as well as Section 80, have been deprived from the former troika during the vote of no confidence. Section 80 states that committees must process items on an agenda, whereafter these items are processed and approved, and sent to council for deliberation. The Speaker has exclusive rights to convene, postpone or adjourn a council meeting, as stated in the Municipal Structures Act, Section 29. Only matters on the agenda may be deliberated, where the Speaker may rearrange the agenda items. In the event of no quorum (insufficient number of present members), the meeting must be suspended for no more than twenty minutes. Thereafter, if there is still no quorum, the Speaker may reschedule the meeting. Should the majority of council members wish to convene a council meeting, and the Speaker does not accede, the Municipal Manager may be approached. However, he/she must first request permission, in writing, from COGTA’s Executive Council. The above steps have, according to the applicants, not been lawfully taken, hence the application to have their vote and appointment ruled null and void. The applicants also state that the decisions taken by the current, illegitimate troika, can have serious financial implications, such as entering into contractual obligations. The applicants also state that Cllr Nkosi, as acting mayor, had appointed acting mayoral committee members (MMCs) at the Gert Sibande District Municipality offices, instead of the Msukaligwa Local Municipality offices. Furthermore, these appointments took place during a community protest on 28 April, where the Cllr Nkosi failed to address the community members. The applicants also states that the offices of the current troika are closed, prohibiting them from performing their vital appointed functions. Councillors, as well as the community, are unable to engage with the acting troika, as an unauthorized change of locks of the municipal building has been implemented. The applicants further claim that the acting troika is conducting unlawful activities. Actions taken by the acting troika, which are deemed unlawful due their appointment, includes the reinstatement of suspended directors, revoking security detail and petrol cards, as well as grounding the vehicles of the former troika members. These are but a few examples. The fact remains that the required quorum for a council meeting to proceed is twenty councillors. Msukaligwa Local Municipality has a total of thirty eight councillors, of which a mere sixteen were present during the vote of no confidence. This, in itself, is a contravention of the former troika’s rights as presented. Furthermore, the applicants state that the acting municipal manager, Cllr Lisa, engaged telephonically with one Mr. Ngubane, head of department at COGTA. According to Cllr Lisa, Ngubane recognized the meeting. However, the municipal act states that an application must be submitted in writing, which it was not. The court application is viewed by the applicants as a last resort, as they have been stonewalled attempting every other amicable resolution to the matter. COGTA did not respond to the matter at the time of publication. The Tribune has directed an enquiry to Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding this matter. This enquiry has, however, been ignored. < Previous Article Next Article >