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Ermelo welcomes Midfire Safety EMS 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 26 April 2022 Your level of income and the level of care required all contributes to the costs associated. With great excitement, the residents of Ermelo welcomed Pat Sitoto, I.L.S, and Beauty Themeli, BAA, from Midfire Safety EMS. Pat and Beauty are locked and loaded, ready to assist the community amidst a shortage of emergency vehicles to attend to medical events. Hailing from Kriel and arriving in Ermelo on 1 April 2022, Midfire Safety EMS is based in Camden Avenue, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pat and Beauty are fully qualified on all EMS levels. When it comes to indigent patients, the provincial ambulance service has their hands full covering the entirety of Msukaligwa, and aren’t always immediately available when tending to patients. Pat has said that they’re here to alleviate that headache. “The cost associated with our service varies from case to case, and according to severity. In the end, we are here to assist the community with compassion. Your level of income and the level of care required all contributes to the costs associated. We are here to save lives, and affordability cannot be matched with loss of life. We assist private and provincial patients, and work according to RAF standards in many cases.” In case of an emergency, feel free to contact Midfire Safety EMS on 061 800 7479 for immediate assistance. < Previous Article Next Article >

Optimum Colliery tanks due to mismanagement 1/1 Share Supplied - DA Media Office 7 September 2022 Currently the mine is under business rescue and its issues are in courts Media Statement - The DA in Mpumalanga is concerned about the devastating economic effects in Hendrina left by the ANC government and the infamous Gupta brothers through the mismanagement and closure of Optimum Coal Mine. Optimum was leveraged out of Glencore’s hands by failing ANC officials straight into the hands of the Guptas’ Tegeta. Because of poor management, the mine which has been operating since 2002, was forced to shut down in 2018 and over 1000 employees and 500 contractors lost their jobs. On an oversight visit to the mine this week, the DA experienced first-hand, the devastating effect left by the closure of the mine on the communities of KwaZamokuhle Township and Pullens Hope. Majority of the people who live in Hendrina and surrounding areas depended one way or the other on a functional Optimum Mine, that is until Jacob Zuma’s ANC and the Guptas took over and brought the mine to its knees. Driving or walking around KwaZamokuhle Township, you meet young people who have lost hope and their livelihood. Many where employed by the mine – or had small businesses that supplied different resources to employees of the mine. There’s also a mushrooming new informal settlement of people who lost their houses when the mine closed down. As for Pullens Hope where the mine is located, it has become a Ghost Town and buildings or flats that accommodated mine employees – have been abandoned and left to ruins. There are also disturbing allegations that “ANC Forums” go around Hendrina, especially in KwaZamokuhle Township, charging desperate job seekers R1000 or R1500 to arrange employment for them on the nearby mines and the Hendrina Power Station. The ANC have failed the communities of Hendrina and surrounding areas. Their mismanagement of Optimum Coal Mine had crippling effects on our economy, our electricity supply and affecting ordinary coal workers who cannot afford to put food on their tables or books in their children’s school bags. Currently the mine is under business rescue and its issues are in courts. Through our counterparts in the National Assembly, the DA will approach the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to intervene and come up with urgent solutions so that mine can reopen and restore hope to the people of Hendrina. < Previous Article Next Article >

ER24 spoedig op toneel na vrou hand verloor 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 5 July 2022 Die helikopter het omstreeks 15:00 by Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie se rugbyveld geland. Op Saterdag, 2 Julie 2022, het ER24 hul gehaas na ‘n saagmeule in Chrissiesmeer. Met hul aankoms, het hul dadelik mediese behandeling toegepas op ‘n vrou wat per ongeluk haar hand afgesny het. ER24 het dadelik Rocket Air Ambulance geskakel om die pasiënt te kom haal in Ermelo, en oor te plaas vir mediese behandeling. Die helikopter het omstreeks 15:00 by Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie se rugbyveld geland, waar die pasiënt oorgeplaas was na Netcare Alberton hospitaal toe. Nog geen verdere inligting is beskikbaar oor die pasiënt nie. Op die foto verskyn ER24 personeel, Hannes en Vusi, saam met Rocket Air Ambulance, waar die pasiënt oorgeplaas was na Netcare Alberton hospitaal. < Previous Article Next Article >

Revised school calender extends academic year 1/0 Share GK CRONJE 4 August 2020 In terms of the new version of the calendar, the teaching, learning and assessment for the 2020 academic year must be concluded by 15 December 2020 for Grades R to 11. Grade 12 examinations will be completed by this time, and the grading of papers will be wrapped up by January, and results released by 23 February 2021. After much debate, the terms of the new version of the calendar will see that schools resume on 24 August 2020, with as little as 156 actual school days for pupils. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) made the announcement on Saturday. In the previous announcement, Grade 12 pupils and teachers would only take a one-week break, returning to school on 3 August, while Grade 7 pupils would go back to class on August 10 after a two-week break. “The department considered the impact of the decision on the current calendar. The policy process to amend the school calendar commenced considering the urgency of the matter as necessitated by the prevalent COVID-19 environment,” the statement read. In terms of the new version of the calendar, the teaching, learning and assessment for the 2020 academic year must be concluded by 15 December 2020 for Grades R to 11. Grade 12 examinations will be completed by this time, and the grading of papers will be wrapped up by January, and results released by 23 February 2021. The new school year will commence on 25 January 2021. Information published as stated by the DBE at time of publication < Previous Article Next Article >

UFS warns against WhatsApp voicenote 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 26 January 2021 “The voice clip is premature and was shared with a small group, from where it went viral." The University of the Free State (UFS) has stated that it is in the process of preparing a clinical trial protocol to determine the efficacy of Ivermectin in the fight against COVID-19. This is being handled by FARMOVS, a wholly-owned clinical research company of the university, together with several medical and scientific experts at the university. The clinical trial protocol will be for a randomised, controlled study according to the requirements of the legal professions, to submit it for approval to the relevant national regulatory authority. UFS management distanced the institution from a viral WhatsApp voice clip that is being circulated, in which reference is made to a particular meeting, and mention is made of the role the institution is playing in establishing the efficacy of Ivermectin to treat COVID-19. “The voice clip is premature and was shared with a small group, from where it went viral. The voice clip is also not factual, specifically regarding the university and its alleged opinion pertaining to the usage and need for scientific investigation into the matter. The UFS is committed to rigorous science and evidence-based research, and both FARMOVS and the university fully support the published opinions and guidelines of SAHPRA and the scientific advisory boards established by the scientific community, as well as the stance of the SA government on Ivermectin for COVID-19.” The university statement comes as AfriForum said it had brought an urgent court application against the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and Dr Zweli Mkhize, minister of health, to ensure that Ivermectin developed for human consumption is available to doctors who want to prescribe it to treat COVID-19. SAHPRA has until now failed to approve applications by doctors, which were brought in terms of section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, to have Ivermectin approved for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sprankelende Tersia laat reuse leemte 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 28 September 2021 “Tersia, ons mis jou reeds, maar ons weet jy kyk af na ons met ‘n glimlag op jou gesig. Weet ons sal jou sprankelende persoonlikheid en jou glimlag altyd saam met ons dra.” Tersia Oosthuizen (56) het op Vrydag, 24 September haar engel vlerkies gekry. Sy was ‘n welbekende in die omgewing, en het altyd reg gestaan vir raad, ‘n geselsie en ‘n glasie wyn. Sy was baie geliefd in die gemeenskap, en het gelewe vir haar kinders, familie, diere en dan ook haar vriend, Flip Venter. Tersia was werksaam by De Wit Motors in Ermelo vir die afgelope dertien jaar. Tersia het in die laaste jaar vir Flip ontmoet, vir wie sy werklik baie lief was, en saam wie sy weer kon glo in liefde. Die paartjie het elke kans gebruik wat hul saam kon wees om mekaar se geselskap te kon geniet, en het altyd heerlik saam gedans. “Haar skielike afsterwe was vir ons almal ‘n groot skok, maar ons almal weet sy is nou op ‘n baie beter plek”, het haar kinders en Flip aan die Tribune gesê. Tersia se Facebook blad kan getuig hoe geliefd sy was, hoe baie mense werklik vir haar om gegee het, en in wie se lewens sy verskille gemaak het. Tersia was vreeslik lief vir haar huis en haar diere, en oor ‘n naweek sou jy altyd vir Tersia by die huis gekry het waar sy in haar tuin gewerk het en altyd gesorg het dat daar nuwe blommetjies geplant word. Sy was baie lief vir die buite lewe, en het die see vreeslik geniet. “Tersia, ons mis jou reeds, maar ons weet jy kyk af na ons met ‘n glimlag op jou gesig. Weet ons sal jou sprankelende persoonlikheid en jou glimlag altyd saam met ons dra.” Tersia word oorleef deur haar twee sussies, Lizette Joubert en Alta Lombard, haar drie kinders, Rynhard, Andrè en Liezl, en dan ook haar vriend, Flip Venter. Die familie wil net graag die gemeenskap bedank vir elke oproep, boodskap en vinnige inloer en al die ondersteuning. “Rus sag by Liewe Jesus se voete.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Vryburgers trakteer SAVF bejaardes tydens Tamaai Braai 1/16 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 Die Ermelo Vryburgers het besluit om hierdie jaar in Ermelo, Bethal en Carletonville hul gesogte braai- en potjiekos vaardighede op skou gesit, en oor 100 mense by die SAVF tehuis het dit op die dag vreeslik geniet. “Ons het hierdie jaar ‘n skaap- en hoender potjie voorberei. Die Vryburgers Ermelo het op Saterdag hul staal gewys tydens die Tamaai Braai, wat jaarliks landswyd plaasvind. Verlede jaar se Tamaai Braai kon nie plaasvind nie as gevolg van die pandemie, maar die manne van die Vryburgers het hierdie jaar weer gesorg dat die ou mensies hul gate uit geniet. Die dekor was pragtig, en die atmosfeer vol kameraadskap en opgewondenheid. Die Suid Afrikaanse Vryburgers braai vir ongeveer 2 500 mense regoor die land. Die Ermelo Vryburgers het besluit om hierdie jaar in Ermelo, Bethal en Carletonville hul gesogte braai- en potjiekos vaardighede op skou gesit, en oor 100 mense by die SAVF tehuis het dit op die dag vreeslik geniet. “Ons het hierdie jaar ‘n skaap- en hoender potjie voorberei. Net die feit dat dit bietjie ander kos as die gewone is, en om die dag saam buite te geniet maak die dag soveel beter. Ons bedank graag die SAVF personeel en George Kleinhans vir hul samewerking, bydrae en insette, sowel as elke lid van die Vryburgers wat betrokke was by die projek.” Op die foto verskyn Johan Jacobs, Johan van Jaarsveld, Janneman Robberts, Tollie du Plessis, Gerhardt Breedt, Billa van Wyk, George Kleinhans, Annalize Maré, Mientie Goslin en Nondumiso Manana. < Previous Article Next Article >

Nomsa is proud semi-finalist in Mrs. SA pageant 1/1 Share GK CRONJE ​ To vote for Nomsa, and help her to achieve her dreams in the pageant, you can send an SMS, with her name, Nomsa Mokoena to 35959. In a prestigious pageant, where only the best of the best advance, 49-year-old Standerton resident Nomsa Jennifer (Nkutha) Mokoena has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the competition. Born in Soweto, Nomsa grew up playing soccer, and sees herself as a born dancer. Nomsa used to be a choreographer, teaching young models the ropes, and sharing her love for dancing. Many of these models went on to feature in Sowetan pageants. As mother of eight children, Nomsa taught her daughter and little sister the ins and outs of modeling. Nomsa is a fun, loyal, passionate, loving and energetic person, and is married to Sipho Charles Mokoena. “We’re in a passionate and loving relationship, and Sipho always pushed me to be the best that I could be. He was the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams by entering the pageant.” Nomsa said, clearly smitten. Being selected for the Mrs. South Africa pageant is an achievement of note, as only 100 women are selected to enter. Sponsors and sessions are hosted and presented at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng, with the entrants and contestants of Mrs. SA focusing on charity work en empowerment. Nomsa is a graduate in journalism, and also dabbled in public relations, business management, shorthand, bookkeeping, and desktop publishing, but decided to enter the field of interior decoration. Nomsa plied her trade in the East Rand, but thirsted for more. Surprisingly, Nomsa entered civil construction under the umbrella of Women In Construction, and launched her own company with her daughter. At this time, Nomsa is a successful, self-employed business woman. “My main motivation for entering the Mrs. SA pageant is to help the community, and to pave the way for me to fulfill my dreams in helping the needy.” Nomsa beamed. “I am honored to fulfil my obligations set forth by the Mrs. SA pageant. For now, my own charity work includes a unique elderly day care in Gauteng, established by my mother and I . We provide daily meals, assist them in visiting wellness centres, and provide attention where necessary. I would like to thank my husband for allowing me to be me, as many other husbands would not be so supportive. I love him so much, and I love his selfless heart. I would also like to thank my children for their support.” To vote for Nomsa, and help her to achieve her dreams in the pageant, you can send an SMS, with her name, Nomsa Mokoena to 35959. < Previous Article Next Article >

Eskom Board initiates investigation against CEO 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 March 2021 The allegation not only brings Eskom into disrepute, but it also threatens to detract and distract the focus of the Executive Team and the GCE in particular from their critical job of restoring Eskom to operational and financial sustainability. Media Statement - In light of the allegation of racism that has been made in the public domain against Group Chief Executive (GCE) André de Ruyter, the Eskom Board of Directors has resolved to initiate an investigation in order to establish the veracity and the basis to the allegation. The allegation not only brings Eskom into disrepute, but it also threatens to detract and distract the focus of the Executive Team and the GCE in particular from their critical job of restoring Eskom to operational and financial sustainability. The Board will appoint an independent Senior Counsel to conduct the investigation. The Counsel will be empowered to interview any person that may be of assistance in the probe, and consider any evidence, and will then report back to the Board and make recommendations. The Board unanimously and unequivocally stands against racism and sexism, and for transformation and employment equity. Simultaneously, however, the Board has instructed the executive to promote a high-performance culture to enable the critically important turnaround at Eskom to be delivered as soon as possible. In the event anyone has any reason to feel aggrieved because of racist or sexist behaviour, this must be raised by using the well-established internal grievance processes, which will ensure that such allegations are properly investigated, and if found to be warranted, will result in disciplinary action in accordance with labour law, against the perpetrator of such unacceptable behaviour. The Board is aware of, and grateful to the majority of Eskom employees who work hard in fulfilling their duties, which are of national importance in providing reliable and affordable electricity to South Africa. The Board is committed to transparency and will provide updates at critical stages of the investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

NPSS tackles GBV issues 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 Featuring representatives from SPAR, and the inspirational motivational artist that leads others by example, WarriorRic (Ricardo Gressel),the event aimed to bring a halt to the violence. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the scholars was all ears as they were addressed by the speakers. In an effort to raise awareness and support in light of the rising surge of gender based violence (GBV) in South Africa, Netherland Park Secondary School (NPSS) launched a hard-hitting campaign on Thursday, 22 April 2021. The campaign was especially aimed to stem the tide of violence in Ermelo and surrounding areas. Featuring representatives from SPAR, and the inspirational motivational artist that leads others by example, WarriorRic (Ricardo Gressel),the event aimed to bring a halt to the violence. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the scholars was all ears as they were addressed by the speakers. The staff and management of NPSS expressed their extreme gratitude towards all who contributed to the day. “NPSS would like to thank Me. Marlene Gunter and SPAR for sponsoring the day. Without our incredible speakers, Warrior Ric (Ricardo Gressel) and his team, Ms. Jeana Motsamai (CMR Ermelo) and her colleagues, Pastor Mzi Dyule, Dr. J. du Plessis and all the other speakers from the department of correctional services, as well as Mr. Brian Zwane, who shared his life story in a heartfelt manner, this day would also have been impossible. You may view more photo and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Willow Creek SHU nearing commencement A depicted example of an SHU project. A depicted example of an SHU project. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 August 2022 Concerns have been raised by the business community and residents in this area that the municipality has in essence written cheques that their actions can’t cash. In line with its strategic focus areas, the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) remains steadfast on increasing access to affordable rental housing across the province, particularly in the mining towns. The DHS announced six projects nationwide, of which two will be in Mpumalanga. KwaNdokuhle and Willow Creek Social Housing Projects will be implemented in Govan Mbeki and Msukaligwa Local Municipalities, respectively. The KwaNdokuhle project will feature 492 social housing units (SHU), whereas the Willow Creek is set to offer 360 units. The combined estimated budget on both projects exceeds R326 million, and will be implemented over a 24 month period, commencing in 2022/23 financial year. Mzansi Housing Company takes responsibility of the Willow Creek Project, which will, according to information available, be constructed in the area between President Fouché Avenue and Wes Street. MEC Speed Mashilo indicated that these units have no pre-emptive rights whatsoever, and remained assertive and concise that these units will be for rental purposes only. Tenants will be signing lease agreements and committing to paying rental fees as required. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Human Settlements, Water, and Sanitation, unveiled the projects shortly after the State Of The Nation Address, and stated that it forms part of the protracted struggle to eliminate the legacy of apartheid. “More work still needs to be done in reshaping the apartheid spatial development, however, significant progress has already been achieved. The Bill of Rights contained in our constitution affirms the right of all to a healthy environment; access to adequate housing; and access to basic services. Our communities, especially the poorest of the poor, deserve better from us their representatives,” Kubayi-Ngubane stated. Five social housing institutions and one additional development agency will be supported through equity and loan funding to enable these projects. Kubayi said social housing is government’s most promising programme that will help to disrupt the apartheid spatial development and make cities more inclusive, with social housing bing financed with a combination of government funding, debt and equity. The Tribune spoke to the DHS regarding the project, and which entity will be responsible for which part of the construction. The main cause for concern is the fact that this area that is provisionally allocated for the project is notorious for it’s ongoing sewerage network issues, which has been ongoing for more than a decade.To this day, the issue of raw sewage pollution is ongoing. Additionally, this area falls within the infamous 88KV line, which already experiences daily outages and extended bouts of municipal load reduction. Fears that the already strained network being unable to handle the demand of an additional 360 housing units have been made known. The DHS responded to the enquiries regarding these issues, and stated that the already fumbling Msukaligwa Local Municipality will, as a matter of principal, be held accountable for the upgrade and maintenance of the required infrastructure for the development. “The municipality is responsible for infrastructure, as such they have made an undertaking to both Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) and the department to upgrade the infrastructure,” the DHS said. Concerns have been raised by the business community and residents in this area that the municipality has in essence written cheques that their actions can’t cash. The municipality has already lost the trust of the public with their failure to deliver basic services, and sustainably deliver maintenance to every aspect of the infrastructure of Ermelo. In relation to the commencement date, the DHS is currently dealing with technical and administrative issues which aims to be resolved soon, and will duly indicate the confirmed commencement date as it arrives. < Previous Article Next Article >

Bringing hope and care for over 20 years 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 The two Phelophepa trains are designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare to communities. With great excitement, the community flocked to the rail station on Monday, 27 September, to welcome the Phelophepa train from Transnet. The trains spend 35 weeks each year on the rails, and visits 70 stations annually to provide healthcare at the bare minimum of costs. The staff members on board, ranging from 20-30 highly qualified individuals, provides health, oral and vision screening, as well as laying out the groundwork for basic health education. Each year, an approximate 360 000 residents within its route receive the utmost care. Phelophepa, pronounced as pay-lo-pe-pa, means good, clean health. Brought to life in 1994 as a three-coach eye clinic project, the train has grown to reach 375 000 people every year. The two Phelophepa trains are designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare to communities. The programme also covers sanitary and life skills support to both boys and girls. In conjunction with Transnet’s outreach programmes, they have reached over 20 million people since inception. All services are offered in the coaches are on a first-come, first-served basis. It offers healthcare education, a complete physical assessment, cancer treatments, pap smears, prostate cancer testing, eye care clinic services, a dental clinic, dental screening, and extracting and cleaning of teeth. This includes counseling and psychology clinic services. The train also features a fully equipped pharmacy. Coming from the previous stops, Mbombela and Carolina, it now stands in Ermelo until 8 October 2021, and will lastly stop at Bethal to provide much needed care. < Previous Article Next Article >