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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 >

'n Dekade van stank vir dank 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 12 October 2021 Gesagsfigure van MLM laat veel te wense in terme van dienslewering, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede wat deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het. Met die munisipale verkiesing wat op 1 November 2021 plaasvind, staan munisipaliteite en politiese partye regoor die land paraat met goue beloftes en groot sprake van opgeknapte dienslewering en verandering in die land se chaotiese toestand. In Ermelo is dit egter ‘n heel ander storie. Terwyl die land se munisipaliteite benoude spronge gee, en soveel oënskynlike dienslewering as moontlik probeer lewer voor die verkiesing, gee Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM) nie ‘n dooie duit om nie. Inwoners van President Fouché Straat is warm onder die kraag nadat verkiesingsplakkate opgerig was in die area, terwyl die mense wild en wakker uitswaai vir slaggate, en rou riool die velde vol vloei. “Dit is skandelik, hulle het geen skaamte, en geen trots nie;” het ‘n hoogs ontstoke inwoner aan die Tribune ePaper gesê. “Die manne wat die plakkate kom opsit het hier naby my huis, sal mos nou met hulle bakkie deur die riool ry, agter op die bakkie staan en die plakkate teen die boom vas sit, en dan nog lag oor hoe die rou riool spat terwyl hul deur dit ry. In wat se wêreld is dit ‘n grap? Hoe laag moet jy daal om te lag oor dienslewering wat gefaal word deur die bank, terwyl jy jouself weer in ‘n leierskap posisie probeer inwurm? Ek weet nie waar gaan ons dorp, en ons land opeindig nie. Skandelik, dit is al woord wat ek aan kan dink.” Ten spyte van die rioolprobleem wat al vir meer as ‘n dekade inwoners dwars in die krop steek, keur MLM steeds nuwe bouprojekte, bouplanne en uitbreidings links en regs goed, terwyl die omgewing, die fauna en flora, sowel as die inwoners aan die kortste end trek. Die vervalle rioolstelsel in President Fouchélaan en die omliggende wyke draai afwaarts op ‘n daaglikse basis, met munisipale bestuurders uit drie, en binnekort die vierde verkiesing, se beloftes wat steeds nie nagekom word nie. Die impak op die natuurlewe en vleilanddiere, veral die reiers wat Ermelo altyd verfraai het, is kommerwekkend. Die konstante riool besoedeling in hierdie area het die Pet Dam, wat altyd die tuiste van hierdie voêls was, so erg besoedel dat nie boom wat hulle nes gemaak het in, gevrek en verdor het. Die reiers het met die verdorring ook hulself skaars gemaak, en talle van die voêls is dood aangetref. Die impak van die besoedeling is ook bewys deur honderde visse in die Pet Dam wat gevrek het in 2016. Dié besoedeling, direk veroorsaak deur rou riool vanaf President Fouchélaan en die area tot bo Camdenlaan, is doodluiters onder die mat ingevee. Die kwansuise water toetse wat gedoen sou word deur die munisipalitiet en die Gert Sibande Distrik, se resultaat het nooit die lig van dag gesien nie. Alhoewel die Tribune ePaper telkens navrae gerig het aan MLM rakende die besoedeling en die water toetse, het die munisipale woordvoerder en relevante departemente absoluut geen reaksie, en geen terugvoer verskaf nie. Navrae word bloot geignoreer deur die munisipaliteit. Afgesien van die rioolstorting wat na die Pet Dam vloei en 'n spoor van besoedeling en dood in die natuur agterlaat, sluit die oorloop van dié dam aan by die Klein Drinkwater stroom, wat uiteindelik in die reeds hoogs besoedelde Vaalrivier beland. In 'n omgewingsstudie wat gepubliseer is, word MLM, sowel as drie ander Mpumalanga-munisipaliteite, uitdruklik as die grootste skuldige partye in die jare lange besoedeling van die Vaalrivier beskou. Helaas, tot op hede is geen opgraderings of aksie deur MLM onderneem nie. Die situasie het inteendeel vererger, met die gereelde verstoppings en oorloop van die rioollyn in President Fouchélaan wat duidelik die groter probleemfaktor met die rioolnetwerk in die kalklig stel. Ontevrede inwoners in die area, wat met die konstante reuk van rou riool moet opsnork, terwyl menslike ontlasting, sanitêre produkte, kondome, lappe en toiletpapier in die somer son lê en bak, se pleidooi val op dowe ore. Die velde in hierdie gebied word voortdurend deurdrenk en is ‘n moeras van rioolwater en vullis, en hou ernstige gesondheidsimplikasies in vir inwoners, asook die leerders van die nabygeleë skole. Gesagsfigure van MLM laat veel te wense in terme van dienslewering, sowel as verskeie wyksraadslede wat deeglik bewus is van die probleme waarmee inwoners te kampe het. Die Gert Sibande -distriksmunisipaliteit is ook by verskeie geleenthede oor die kwessie ingelig, maar beweer dat hul geen jurisdiksie in die aangeleentheid het nie, en dat die onus ten volle op MLM lê. Teen perstyd wag die Tribune ePaper steeds vir terugvoer rakende dié kwessie, wat al op 8 April 2021 aan Mandla Zwane, munisipale woordvoerder, gerig was. Hierdie navraag, sowel elke navraag vroeër, was bloot geignoreer. Meer foto's en video's kan op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo, gesien word. < Previous Article Next Article >

Cecilia kort hulp met veloorplantings 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 10 November 2020 Cecilia sterk baie goed by haar suster aan, maar moet nou veloorplantings ondergaan, wat ‘n groot bedrag gaan beloop. Die gesin beskik nie oor ‘n mediese fonds om te help met al die mediese onkostes nie. Cecilia Earle, ‘n jarelange inwoner van Ermelo, was op Donderdag, 8 Oktober 2020 betrokke in ‘n tref en trap ongeluk met ‘n swaar motorvoertuig. Cecilia sterk baie goed by haar suster aan, maar moet nou veloorplantings ondergaan, wat ‘n groot bedrag gaan beloop. Die gesin beskik nie oor ‘n mediese fonds om te help met al die mediese onkostes nie. Enige persoon wat meer inligting wil hê is welkom om Sue-Marie by 082 734 0867 te skakel. Die trust fonds is as volg: PWG Prokureurs, Eerste Nasionale Bank, Ermelo, Takkode: 270344. Die tjek-rekeningnommer is 52180048278. Barmhartige samiritane moet asseblief E745/Earle gebruik as verwysing. < Previous Article Next Article >

Milky Lane bederf Medi-Kliniek personeel 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 17 August 2021 Daar was heerlike lofprysing gedoen in die gange waar pasiënte, personeel sowel as afgesonderde COVID pasiënte, die musiek kon hoor. Op Sondag, 15 Augustus, het Milky Lane die personeel, asook die COVID pasiënte elk bederf met ‘n melkskommel, pakkie lekkers, en ook ‘n inspireerende boodskap. Daar was heerlike lofprysing gedoen in die gange waar pasiënte, personeel sowel as afgesonderde COVID pasiënte, die musiek kon hoor. Pastoor Zet van die AGS kerk het geopen deur skriflesing en gebed. Jesus Laaik Jou was ook teenwoordig, waar hulle die klank behartig het, en seker gemaak het dat almal in die hospitaal die musiek kon hoor. Die organiseerder van die projek, Sonja Kirk, wil graag vir Muhammed Bhyat van Milky Lane Ermelo bedank vir die skenking, asook vir Medi Kliniek se personeel vir die tyd wat hul kon gebruik om lofprysing te doen. Laastens, maar nie die minste nie, groot dank aan Pastoor Zet en al die lede van Jesus Laaik Jou. < 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 >

2 500 SASSA social relief payouts processed 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. Applications are made electronically to avoid scams roving on social platforms. To apply, citizens may also send a WhatsApp to 082 046 8553, enter USSD code *134*7737#, send an e-mail to srd@sassa.gov.za , or contact the call centre on 0800 60 1011 or 013 754 9428/54. Payment will be effected through choices of bank account, e-wallet, cash send or through the post office. < 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 >

Monte Sole MOTH invites community 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 3 November 2020 . The Ermelo MOTH Club reminds and invites members of the community to attend the event, and to ensure that the sacrifices are honored, and not forgotten. The Memorable Order of Tin Hats, or the MOTH as it is more popularly known, is an ex-servicemen and women organization founded in Durban, South Africa, in May 1927. The centre of the emblem of the Order is the Tin Hat, hallowed by the Light of Service. The complete emblem includes the crossed rifles of sacrifice, surrounded by 12 stars that signify Mutual Help, the whole within an unending circle, expressing life and harmony without end. In Ermelo, the Remembrance Day service and parade will take place at 11.45 on Sunday, 8 November 2020, at the Monte Sole Bunker, 46 Jan van Riebeeck Street. The Ermelo MOTH Club reminds and invites members of the community to attend the event, and to ensure that the sacrifices are honored, and not forgotten. Fritz Olmesdahl may be contacted on 081 406 8946, should you wish to obtain more information. < Previous Article Next Article >

Errie kuns-leerders tydens Mpumalanga Kunskompetisie 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 6 Oktober 2020 Hierdie jaar se Errie-presteerders is gekies uit 137 inskrywings regoor die provinsie. Dit is ‘n merkwaardige prestasie. Sewe Visuele kunste-leerders van Hoërskool Ermelo het hierdie jaar ingeskryf vir die Mpumalanga Kunskompetisie, en ontvang meriete-toekennings van die Departement van Onderwys. Die tema vir 2020 was ‘Heritage Re-imagined’. Die Erries neem elke jaar deel aan die kunskompetisie, wat deur die Departement van Onderwys geloods word, en vele top tien plekke is al deur die Erries ingepalm. Hierdie jaar se Errie-presteerders is gekies uit 137 inskrywings regoor die provinsie. Dit is ‘n merkwaardige prestasie. Sewe Visuele kunste-leerders van Hoërskool Ermelo het hierdie jaar ingeskryf vir die Mpumalanga Kunskompetisie, en ontvang meriete-toekennings van die Departement van Onderwys. Die tema vir 2020 was ‘Heritage Re-imagined’. Die leerders moes unieke kuns werke skep, waarin hulle die tema vanaf konseptualisering tot ‘n produk op ‘n kreatiewe wyse moes interpreteer en uitbeeld. Hierdie tema vorm ook deel van die Graad 12 werk vir 2020. Geluk aan Micheala Erasmus (87%), Zara Büchling (86%), Nontokozo Ngwenya (86%), Nomfundo Shabangu (85%), Cara Roos (82%), Phumelele Malinga (81%) en Geraldine Liebenberg (81%), met hul puik uitslae. “Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op elkeen, en het groot waardering vir jul besondere kuns talent, asook die leiding wat die leerders ontvang vanaf EHS se kuns onderwyser, me Carin van der Merwe. Mag elkeen se toekoms kleurvol wees!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Erries se harte gaan uit 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 29 September 2020 Hoërskool Ermelo dink met simpatie aan die familie en vriende en bid dat ons Vader hulle met Sy vertroosting sal omhels in hierdie deurmekaar en moeilike tyd. Dis met groot hartseer dat EHS verneem van die afsterwe van oud-Errie, Pieter (Fielies) Moolman. Hy het gematrikuleer in 2009 en laat sy vrou, Lumé en twee kinders, Hendrik en Miné agter. Hoërskool Ermelo dink met simpatie aan die familie en vriende en bid dat ons Vader hulle met Sy vertroosting sal omhels in hierdie deurmekaar en moeilike tyd. < Previous Article Next Article >

Vuurwapen amnestie word verleng 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 Augustus 2020 Die polisie het gesê geen vrywaring word toegestaan vir vuurwapens wat gebruik word om enige misdaad te pleeg nie, en alle vuurwapens wat ingehandig is, sal ballisties getoets word om te verseker dat dit nie gebruik is in die pleging van misdade voordat dit vir vernietiging oorweeg kan word nie. Onwettige vuurwapeneienaars kry 'n tweede kans met die nuwe vuurwapenperiode wat sal duur tot 31 Januarie 2021. Die vorige amnestietydperk was vanaf Desember verlede jaar tot Mei vanjaar, maar is deur die COVID-19 pandemie in die wiele gery. Die SAPS glo dat daar baie meer vuurwapens daarbuite is wat nog oorgegee moet word, en het die beperkings op Vlak 4 en 5 van grendeltyd verhinder dat mense hul onwettige, ongewenste en ongelisensieerde vuurwapens en ammunisie inslaan. Dit het die minister van SAPS, generaal Bheki Cele, genoop om die parlement te nader om 'n nuwe aansoek van 'n amnestietydperk van ses maande goed te keur. Die goedkeuring van die nuwe aansoek is sedertdien op 31 Julie vanjaar in die Staatskoerant gepubliseer, waardeur alle mense met onwettige of ongewenste vuurwapens sowel as ammunisie dit by hul naaste polisiekantoor kan inhandig. Die polisie het mense aangespoor om hierdie periode te benut om hul vuurwapens en ammunisie in te dien vir vernietiging, of hernuwing van 'n bevoegdheidsertifikaat en 'n geldige lisensie. Die jongste statistieke oor nasionale misdaad toon weereens dat vuurwapens die voorkeurwapen in die pleging van die meeste geweldsmisdaad was. Die vermindering van die sirkulasie van vuurwapens kan die plaag van geweldsmisdade heelwat verminder, en die amnestie van die vuurwapens beoog om 'n verminderde aantal vuurwapens wat onwettig besit in die land in omloop te sien. Dit bied dus vuurwapeneienaars die geleentheid om onwettige en ongewenste vuurwapens in te dien, wat sal lei tot die voorkoming van misdaad en die bevordering van veiligheid om te verseker dat mense wat in Suid-Afrika woon, veilig is en voel. Die polisie het gesê geen vrywaring word toegestaan vir vuurwapens wat gebruik word om enige misdaad te pleeg nie, en alle vuurwapens wat ingehandig is, sal ballisties getoets word om te verseker dat dit nie gebruik is in die pleging van misdade voordat dit vir vernietiging oorweeg kan word nie. Vir navrae oor vuurwapenamnestie, kontak 012 353 6111, of stuur 'n e-pos na cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

The incredible story Ismail Joosub 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 January 2021 “My achievements, however long and laborious, made me a better man. Ultimately fate will define my future, but I wouldn’t mind securing a seat in the Union Buildings.” Ismail Joosub, a 21-year-old local marvel, has quite a story to share with the world. Born into a long line of high-achievers, his family migrated from India in the 1930’s. Ismail’s grandparents moved to South Africa, and founded a fabric store whilst enduring the hardships of South Africa in that era. Ismail bears the namesake of his grandfather, and touts his grandmother as the matriarch of the family, contributing with support and council to his successes in life. Ismail’s family, however, continued the success in Ermelo by the acquisition of various properties, with hard work and honest labor being the main focus. His family were given no free reign, and accomplished their success themselves through sheer dedication. Ismail remembers himself as a shy kid, being more observant than vocal. He attended Ermelo Primary School Grades 1 through 7, and his academical focus brought with it great achievements, with Ismail being at the top of the class throughout his attending years. Ismail featured in the media on various occasions, and strangely, already had an idea in primary school as to the aim of his life, and was fascinated with power and men in suits. Ismail also expressed great interest in geopolitics within different geographical locations. His life took a turn in Grades 5 and 6, when one of his English teachers inspired him, and his mother subsequently encouraged him, to enter oratory competitions. Placing first in this competition, Ismail burst out of his shell with extraordinary confidence. He participated on provincial level speeches, and was chosen as the best orator in Mpumalanga, having a voice compared to Barack Obama. Exuding confidence, Ismail was accepted to both local high schools, but ultimately settled on Ligbron as a choice because of their technological advancements and offerings. He flew through his high school career with ease, placing top in all academic events. From there, there was no stopping Ismail, and he was awarded as second best orator in the country, and continued to climb even higher. Still keeping an eye on the global political ethos, and nurturing his passion for international law, Ismail sees his role model and influence as Henry Kissinger, President Richard Nixon’s security advisor and expert in international affairs and foreign policy. Reading books by the dozen, Ismail decided in Grade 9 to put spirituality first. He became involved on the Islamic scene, and set out on the gargantuan task of memorizing the Quran. This proved to be a grueling task due to school pressure and his various other commitments, but he continued searching for the meaning of life. “This endeavor shaped my political and legal views , the meaning of justice and the impact of religion. In Grade 11, I stepped away as the winner of all my oratory competitions. In Grade 12, I started making friends... powerful friends,” Ismail gleamed. “These included powerful men and women from the political, legal and business fields. Most importantly, my family plays a crucible role in the man I am today, especially paying honor to my father. He guided me, and counselled me on how to succeed and rise in life’s ranks. My father supported and understood me, as he still continues to support my directive in life.” Ismail said. “Ultimately, law is the choice I’d rather make, instead of politics. Law affords me the chance to make a difference in the justice issues in South Africa. Law runs in the family blood, with two of my family members in the top 10 lawyers in the country.” he said. Enrolling in the University of Pretoria in 2018, which features the best law faculty on the continent. Although enjoying the university’s challenges, Ismail had issues blending in with the hustle and bustle of Hatfield. He felt that he was not doing enough, not making as big a difference as he would have liked. Ismail decided to join the Muslim Student Association (MSA) as a key role player, and aimed on making a difference for Muslim students. He also joined the SRC to ensure that all Muslim rights were equally covered. “Delving deeper into law and legal philosophy, I joined the Law House, rising in ranks, and serving on four subcommittees in the same year. Through hard work and dedication, I passed my first year cum laude, and during my second year in 2019, I was honored with the merit of the Golden Key award, which recognises the top 15% of students in the faculty. Although having ties with Ministers in Government and Leaders of various political organizations, I still have no official political affiliation, but continue to contribute value to the functioning of various bodies on campus.” Ismail said, now on the edge of his seat. “2019 was a magical year for me. Having ties with key players, everyone knew my name, and I was touted as the next president of the country. I also have a massive social media following, airing opinions on geopolitical issues. I’ve been giving my insights for over two years, and was part of the executive council of the debate team. My second year of law brought about big life decisions, accompanied by a stellar academic record. Prevailing options are either a masters in international law, or advocacy, because of my ability to speak well, drawing massive crowds when I speak.” Ismail smiled. “I have a great interest in diplomacy, was in contact with many ambassadors on international affairs, and was on my way up. However, the COVID-19 pandemic cut short the dream ride, as all affairs are on halt, but I am still determined to make a change. I helped my father in property affairs during the lockdown period, and did terrifically well in business management during the 2020 lockdown, whilst still building and strengthening contacts. I started long length articles on various sites, and am still polishing my oratory skills. Despite the pandemic, my academic year finished with seven distinctions in law, whereafter I received a call in October 2020, from the African Union. In a brilliant twist of fate, I am now the Vice President and Media and Marketing Officer of the AU Student Commission, and may now practice my influence in real life, and online. Having the best interest of Africa at heart, I am looking at the implications of any and all events. I will be investigating human rights violations, and will be working to let liberty shine as a beacon.” Ismail said. “I have recently been contacted by some of the biggest law firms on the continent, including Werksmans Attorneys and Norton Rose Fulbright. “My achievements, however long and laborious, made me a better man. Ultimately fate will define my future, but I wouldn’t mind securing a seat in the Union Buildings.” Ismail said with a humble smile. “I sit here as an avid admirer of Churchill and many others, and would like to be remembered as someone who contributed positively for the advancement of humanity. That’s what I’m working towards, and I do believe that there will be a meteoric rise in my future, and I will work toward the betterment of all South African life.” < Previous Article Next Article >