Search this site

State of disaster extended yet again 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 14 January 2021 The ban on alcohol remains in place, as allowing the sale of liquor would result in a spike in trauma cases. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has now announced the extended the national state of disaster for another month. Existing level 3 lockdown restrictions were recently extended until further notice, following an address to the nation by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this week. In his address, Ramaphosa stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is at the worst stage it has ever been in South Africa, and he stressed the importance of compliance with lockdown restrictions. Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has now announced the extended the national state of disaster for another month. Dalmini-Zuma announced the change in a new government gazette, which stated that the national state of disaster will remain in place until 15 February 2021, and cited the “need to continue augmenting the existing legislation and contingency arrangements undertaken by organs of state to address the impact of the disaster” as the reason for the extension. While South Africa remains under lockdown restrictions the national state of disaster must remain in place, as the legislation enforcing restrictions on citizens is promulgated under the National State of Disaster Act. The ban on alcohol remains in place, as allowing the sale of liquor would result in a spike in trauma cases. Government will use this period to ready the deployment of a comprehensive vaccination strategy that aims to reach all parts of the country. “It will be far more extensive than our HIV treatment programme or even our national, provincial and local elections in terms of the number of people who have to be reached within a short space of time,” Ramaphosa said. < Previous Article Next Article >

Air Liquide take hands with Sasol 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Both companies are targeting the first capacities to be operational by 2023 and individual projects must demonstrate a generation capacity of at least 70MW. Air Liquide and Sasol will launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) to supply 600 MW of renewable energy to their operations on the site of Secunda in South Africa, as part of their joint commitment to procure 900 MW of renewables by 2030. This will be the largest corporate RFP in South Africa for the supply of renewable energy. These capacities will in particular supply the biggest oxygen production site in the world, which Air Liquide is in the process of buying from Sasol pending the Competition Commission’s approval. The use of renewable energy will greatly contribute to the objective to reduce by 30% to 40% its CO2 emissions by 2030, in line with Air Liquide Climate Objectives and Sasol’s commitment to lower its carbon footprint. Air Liquide and Sasol will launch a common RFP to the market later this month for the procurement of the first 600 MW capacity, of which 400 MW will be allocated to Air Liquide and 200 MW to Sasol, and want to finalize the signature of long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) before the end of 2021. Both companies are targeting the first capacities to be operational by 2023 and individual projects must demonstrate a generation capacity of at least 70MW. The final signature of these PPAs will depend on the completion of the acquisition by Air Liquide of Sasol’s oxygen production units, which remains subject to approval by the Competition Commission. Air Liquide announced its intention to acquire and operate Sasol’s Secunda oxygen plants in July 2020. In this context, Air Liquide would operate the 16 air separation units (ASU) of this site, with an installed capacity of 42,000 tons/day, in addition to the unit it already operates today. Present on the site since 1979, Air Liquide had initially built and sold these 16 ASUs to Sasol and will invest in their modernization. In addition to the benefits this would bring in terms of safety, reliability and efficiency, the solution provided by Air Liquide would allow for a targeted reduction of 30% to 40% in CO2 emissions arising from the oxygen production within 10 years from the implementation date of the deal. Ronnie Chalmers, Air Liquide Vice-President Africa Middle East and India, said: “This call for tenders, the largest launched by the private sector in South Africa, is a major lever to the decarbonization of the Secunda air separation units. Combining operational efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions, our partnership with Sasol illustrates our capacity to work with our customers to help them lower their carbon footprint and to act in favor of the climate and local ecosystems. Climate action is at the heart of Air Liquide’s growth strategy, and we will continue to Act for a sustainable future.” Lebelo Lukhele, Sasol Chief Procurement Officer Energy Business, said: “Due to the highly integrated nature of the Secunda site and the high GHG footprint associated with the ASUs, collaboration between the companies is necessary to ensure optimal GHG reduction benefits. It is anticipated that a collaborative approach will not only result in the original Sasol commitment for the Secunda site being met, but will also be exceeded through the combined efforts.” Interested bidders may apply for access to the RFP by forwarding their company profile together with contact details to za-renewable@airliquide.com and renewable.energy@sasol.com . Applications of interest will be accepted until 23 April 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

Stem vir Vanessa Nel as Onderwyser van die Jaar 2021 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 28 September 2021 Elke kind moet spesiaal en uniek voel. Ek wil ’n passie wakker maak sodat hulle voluit wil en kan lewe. Ek is sedert 2010 ’n onderwyseres by Laerskool JJ van der Merwe in Ermelo. Ek is getroud, en ons het drie kinders – tweeling dogters van 1,2 en ’n seun van agt jaar oud. Ek het in 2000 aan Hoërskool Ermelo gematrikuleer. Na skool het ek my B-Tech. Diploma in Gasvryheidstudies by TUT (Technikon Pretoria) verwerf. Daarna het ek deeltyds my Onderwysdiploma by UNISA gedoen. My eerste tree in die onderwys, was as dosent by PE Kollege in Port Elizabeth, waar ek vir ses jaar werksaam was. Ek is terug na my tuisdorp in 2010, waar ek by Laerskool JJ van der Merwe as Graad 3 onderwyseres aangesluit het. Ek het 2019 na Graad 4 wiskunde geskuif, en het ook die graadhoof van die Graad 4’s geword. My buitemuurse aktiwiteite sluit atletiek, netbal en landloopafrigting in. Ek is ook die landloop organiseerder van ons skool. Ek tree ook as mentor op vir die onderwysstudente by ons skool. Die geleentheid om ’n verskil in elke kind se lewe te maak, klein of groot, is vir my baie belangrik. Elke kind moet spesiaal en uniek voel. Ek wil ’n passie wakker maak sodat hulle voluit wil en kan lewe. My kindertjies weet: Ons gee nooit op nie, en as ons dink ons kan nie meer nie, dan kan ons nog sewe keer Onderwys is my roeping en my passie. Ek dank God elke dag vir die geleentheid wat ek ontvang het om ’n onderwyseres te kan wees. Stem asseblief vir my, Vanessa Nel, deur op die artikel te klik indien u die koeraant op die Tribune webwerf lees. Vir diegene wat die Tribune ePaper ontvang via WhatsApp, klik asseblief op hierdie skakel - https://bit.ly/3EVXm73 om vir my te stem. Die sluitingsdatum vir die nominasies sluit op 1 Oktober 17:00. - Groete, Vanessa Nel < Previous Article Next Article >

The Heart Of Middelburg celebrates 10 years in operation Appearing on the photo (f.l.t.r): Jabu Mokwena, handyman, Allen Snyman, operations manager, Nelly Shabalala, receptionist, Mike Tammadge, general manager, Morgan-Lee van der Walt, marketing manager, and Dennis Mukoma, security manager. Appearing on the photo (f.l.t.r): Jabu Mokwena, handyman, Allen Snyman, operations manager, Nelly Shabalala, receptionist, Mike Tammadge, general manager, Morgan-Lee van der Walt, marketing manager, and Dennis Mukoma, security manager. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 May 2022 Middelburg Mall offers a one-stop, family friendly shopping experience where convenience and safety are of utmost importance. Press release - 10 years of special Middelburg Moments shared with our shoppers, tenants, suppliers and contractors. When the Moolman Group and Flanagan & Gerard opened the mall in 2012, little did they know that it would evolve into a respected community landmark - a place of giving, coming together and creating countless memories. The heart of Middelburg! Creating countless job opportunities for the Middelburg community, the mall has become a valued asset in the Middelburg business community. More than 60 million shoppers have visited the mall since opening day, and hopes to see many, many more in the future. With over 140 retailers, free parking and a mini revamp in the pipeline, Middelburg Mall offers a one-stop, family friendly shopping experience where convenience and safety are of utmost importance. We would like to thank the community, our tenants & shoppers for their continued support. Here’s to the next 10 – may they be filled with countless Middelburg Mall Moments < Previous Article Next Article >

GSDM elects new speaker 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 August 2020 The election of Cllr. Sekhonde follows a vacancy created by the passing of late Cllr. Mangaliso Joshua Nkosi in July 2020. In her acceptance speech as the new elected Speaker of Council, Cllr. Sekhonde appreciated the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon her to provide political and administrative leadership to Council. The Acting Municipal Manager of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), Mr. Ephraim Thabethe, convened the sitting of the Council of GSDM on 14 August 2020, and presided over the election of the new Speaker of Council, Cllr. Busisiwe Sekhonde. The election of Cllr. Sekhonde follows a vacancy created by the passing of late Cllr. Mangaliso Joshua Nkosi in July 2020. In her acceptance speech as the new elected Speaker of Council, Cllr. Sekhonde appreciated the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon her to provide political and administrative leadership to Council. “These are the big shoes left by the late Cllr. Joshua Nkosi, but I trust that we will continue working together and that we will remain as united as we have been,” said Cllr. Sekhonde. Prior to the new role, Cllr. Sekhonde served as a Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community and Social Services. The election of the new Speaker was conducted virtually, and was conducted in line with Section 36, 37 and 39 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 1998 (Act 117 of 1998). < Previous Article Next Article >

Corruption and bribery steals the limelight 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 21 April 2021 Several attempts to contact the DARDLA office communication department spokesperson yielded no result. Irate residents protested in front of the Gert Sibande District DARDLA office in Church Street on Wednesday morning, with regards to employment and alleged corruption and bribery. According to one of the protestors, the SAPS allegedly fail to take action against acts of corruption. One of the protestors also claimed that they were offered work on a farm, but in exchange, it is alleged that a bribery fee had to be presented. Several attempts to contact the DARDLA office communication department spokesperson yielded no result. Luckily, a heated exchange of words between the protestors and SAPS officers on scene did not escalate. Traffic flow in Church Street was temporarily impeded as the SAPS monitored the situation. More photos and videos are available on our Faceboook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mayestra SA makes waves on local music scene 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 14 September 2021 "One of my biggest achievements thus far is getting interviews and air plays after a hit song of mine, Madumane, blasted over the airwaves. I made the track in collaboration with my producer, Thabang Nhlapho, or more well known as Jaded Gluck. He is a very gifted producer and very close friend, and we are working on a powerful album." 21-Year-old Njabulo Zwane, born and raised in Ermelo, and better known by his performer name Mayestra SA, has been making waves on the local scene after one of his tracks, Madumane, exploded on the radio charts. Njabulo started his school career at Ermelo Laerskool, and graduated at Netherland Park Secondary School. “Music came to me as a gift from God, and it came at the most emotional time of my life, after I was involved in a car accident in 2013. I was so in love with sports back then, but things changed when I lost the use of my left leg as a result of the accident. It was then when I started writing lyrics. I started saving money for studio sessions, which were expensive for me back then. It used to cost R300, and I recorded my music with the money I saved from my pocket money from school. I stopped eating at school because I had love and passion for music. In 2018, I decided to start my own studio, and helped other local artists to record at a very cheap price, because I knew how hard it was to save money just so you can record. I was already a businessman, because my studio made some money, even thought it wasn't a lot. When it comes to business, my father is my role model and mentor, and has helped me extensively. I started getting supporters from some classmates, and soon from the whole school. Before long, my music spread through Ermelo and the surrounding areas. Fast forward to 2021, as I moved to Johannesburg, and started grabbing the attention from people around Gauteng. I started getting bookings to open stages for one the biggest names in the South African music industry, and it really was a blessing! One of my biggest achievements thus far is getting interviews and air plays after a hit song of mine, Madumane, blasted over the airwaves. I made the track in collaboration with my producer, Thabang Nhlapho, or more well known as Jaded Gluck. He is a very gifted producer and very close friend, and we are working on a powerful album. I can't wait for it to be released! My biggest dream is to put Ermelo’s name on top of the world, and give hope to the hopeless kids in the streets of Ermelo, because I know exactly what it feels like to try your best, and still get rejected. Ultimately, I will use my success to create jobs in Ermelo, and help not just the youth, but also the less fortunate. I hope Ermelo continues to support not just me, but every talent in our town. It's a beautiful thing, and I love you all!” < Previous Article Next Article >

1000Kings Presents Launch Festival 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 18 May 2021 All are invited to attend the 1000Kings record launch on Saturday, 22 May 2021, from 10:00 - 19:00, opposite the Old Garage and Carwash and Shisanyama, opposite Cebisa School. Media Statement - "Through to the dedication and commitment that has shown by 1000Kings Movement since it's founding in 2012 to empower Msukaligwa Artists and surrounding areas, National Arts Council #NAC has approved the funds to assist the organization to Launch 1000Kings Records due to the role it played to create jobs, and assist local artists to persuade their careers in a professional manner. In this coming event, 13 jobs will be created in a form of performances on the day of the event. Makhosi Nkosi, the founder of 1000Kings Movement, would like to thank all the stakeholders who reached out to embrace this launch, as well as our local radio stations with our local newspaper (Tribune) for being part of this initiative. We will continue to push Msukaligwa local talent and nurture it." All are invited to attend the 1000Kings record launch on Saturday, 22 May 2021, from 10:00 - 19:00, opposite the Old Garage and Carwash and Shisanyama, opposite Cebisa School. COVID-19 Regulations will be enforced. Enquiries: 073 254 6757 #1000kingsMovement #1000KingsRecords < Previous Article Next Article >

Cecilia het steeds jou hulp nodig Op die foto verskyn Nicoline, Ralph en Kyle Griffiths van die Ermelo Rotary Club saam met Lynette Hattingh van die Tribune en Cecilia voor in haar rolstoel. Alhoewel die foto’s van ‘n skokkende aard is, wil die betrokke partye graag die erns van die situasie oordra aan inwoners en besighede wat sou belang stel om bydraes te maak. Alhoewel die foto’s van ‘n skokkende aard is, wil die betrokke partye graag die erns van die situasie oordra aan inwoners en besighede wat sou belang stel om bydraes te maak. Op die foto verskyn Nicoline, Ralph en Kyle Griffiths van die Ermelo Rotary Club saam met Lynette Hattingh van die Tribune en Cecilia voor in haar rolstoel. 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 27 October 2020 Haar dokter, sowel as die susters, is baie tevrede met hoe die wonde lyk. Cecilia gaan wel in November veloorplantings moet ondergaan, wat ‘n groot bedrag gaan beloop. 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. Sy besoek haar dokter elke tweede dag, waar al haar wonde skoon gemaak en behandel word. Haar dokter, sowel as die susters, is baie tevrede met hoe die wonde lyk. Cecilia gaan wel in November veloorplantings moet ondergaan, wat ‘n groot bedrag gaan beloop. Die gesin beskik nie oor ‘n mediese fonds om te help met al die mediese onkostes nie. Die gemeenskap word versoek om hul harte oop te maak, en by te dra waar hulle kan. Nicoline Griffiths, wat die President van die Ermelo Rotary Club is, saam met Ralph en Kyle het op Donderdag, 22 Oktober, aan Cecilia ‘n rolstoel oorhandig. Baie dankie vir julle hulp. 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 >

Kendall power plant up to be scrapped 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 June 2020 Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has already instructed Eskom to stop operations at least at one of two Kendal power station units found to be posing serious health risks to the surrounding communities. Kendal, built in 1982 is not on the list as Eskom began shutting down some of its old power stations in 2019. It shut three units at the Hendrina power. Grootvlei was scheduled to close this year, and Komati by 2021. Environmental activists are mounting on pressure for a complete shutdown of the 4116MW Kendal power plant, located 40km west of eMalahleni, on the grounds its toxic emissions were killing people. However, there are fears that a shutdown of Kendal power station in Mpumalanga would paralyze several small businesses and destroy livelihoods in the coal mining towns. “Poisonous coal power plants must be shut down sooner rather than later, in a fair process that fully involves all coal workers and communities, and urgently replaced with cleaner, cheaper renewable power,” said Timothy Lloyd, attorney at the Centre for Environmental Rights. Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has already instructed Eskom to stop operations at least at one of two Kendal power station units found to be posing serious health risks to the surrounding communities. Kendal, built in 1982 is not on the list as Eskom began shutting down some of its old power stations in 2019. It shut three units at the Hendrina power. Grootvlei was scheduled to close this year, and Komati by 2021. Arnot will be decommissioned by 2029. Concerned coal transporting businesses believe the move to decommission stations will put them out of business and leave coal mining towns with no economy. In a notice served on Eskom, Creecy said the power utility must stop operations at either unit one or unit five at Kendal within 30 days. Eskom submitted the units had been repaired, and their present problems were the result of poor coal quality, and due to poor quality of work on site. According to Eskom, it was crucial for the units to remain active for the utility to meet the country’s electricity demands and avoid or limit load shedding. However, Creecy found there was no merit in Eskom’s position, and that Eskom “misrepresented the facts” about the level of emissions from the units. “As an example, they claim that Unit 5 averaged less than 600mg/nM3 in February 2019. But according to the monthly Emissions Report for February 2019, the monthly average is estimated at 1227mg/nM3. It follows that the figure of 600mg/nM3 emanates from the fact that Eskom decided to add days in which the unit was switched off in determining the monthly average. Eskom is well aware that this is an unacceptable practice,” Creecy stated. The decision to force stoppage of one unit took into consideration the need to avoid load shedding, Creecy said. “In essence, the operation of units 1 and 5 should not be ceased simultaneously. In my view, this will allow (Eskom) an opportunity to carry out the required maintenance and remedial work on one unit at a time in order to bring the units in compliance with the requirements of the Atmospheric Emission Licence. I am mindful of the fact that the failure to take action to bring the power station back into compliance, among others, will continue to present serious environmental impacts and health threats to the affected communities,” she concluded. Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha stated that the station has been operating above the emission limits since the strike action late in 2018 left infrastructure vandalised and damaged. “During the strike the interior of the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) was vandalised and the functioning of the dust-handling plant compromised. To repair it, the ESPs of several generation units require long outages and the repairs on generation units can only be executed one after the other,” he said. Environmental NGO’s gave Creecy what they termed evidence that emissions from Kendal were responsible for as many as 274 deaths between November 2018 and October 2019. < Previous Article Next Article >

TBCSA calls for opening up of borders 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 An opening date is critical if tourism is to reignite South Africa’s economy, not only to ensure that international trade can plan ahead, but also so that airlines can retain South Africa on their schedules. If airlines take the decision to redeploy their aircrafts or reduce their schedules, this will have a direct impact not only on tourism, but also trade. One industry in particular, tourism, has the power and potential to reignite South Africa’s ailing economy, but to do so it’s going to need more than support from South Africans, and Government giving the green light for reopening borders. Therefore, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) suggested that, as a top export earner and high employment creator for low to semi-skilled workers, tourism has the best potential to reignite South Africa’s economy quickly. The TBCSA is the umbrella organization that represents the unified voice of business in the travel and tourism sector. The TBCSA was established in February 1996 by leading tourism businesses and associations, to form a unified platform to engage with the South African government around the development of the sector. International tourism can reopen safely, but it requires an enabling environment, which includes the reopening of international borders, an improved visa regime, air access and better safety for tourists. The indicated 51% decline in South Africa’s GDP during quarter 2, puts a spotlight on swift measures that will need to be put in place to aid South Africa’s ailing economy, which prior to COVID-19, was already in the doldrums. Tourism is known to have the ability to sustainably breathe new air into the sails of any economy, as touted by analysts and economists and this has been stated by the South African Government itself. According to PWC’s Public and Private Growth Initiative (PPGI) Report in 2019, tourism is the number one industry in South Africa, with the greatest potential to stimulate inclusive economic growth and employment, creating the greatest multiplier effect in terms of employemnt, growth and export potential. For this to happen, tourism requires targeted economic stimulation and favourable policy decisions for it to flourish and become the jobs multiplier and economic powerhouse it has the potential to become. Tourism’s contribution to employment is already estimated to be larger than the individual contribution of agriculture, automotive manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, and mining, with an approximate 1.5 million individuals employed directly and indirectly through the sector. Tourism had also generated R120 billion in foreign exchange from visitor receipts in 2018, adding up to approximately 8.7% of South Africa’s exports, second only to mining. Further, as an apex sector, it has a long and deep supply chain into industries such as vehicle manufacturing, agriculture, fuel, and other manufacturing. For every R1 of direct GDP impact, R1,50 is spent on supply chain and capital, offering many SMME opportunities. “Tourism can be South Africa’s economic lifeline, but only if international borders are opened up soon,” says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA). “We are appealing to the Government to safely open our borders. Our industry is ready, our source markets are waiting to travel, so let's save jobs and the economy.” Tourism needs to reopen as quickly as possible, as safely as possible. The TBCSA’s Travel Safe-Eat Safe protocols and programme, endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), has been rolled out widely across the tourism sector to ensure the safe reopening of the industry. And while tourism stakeholders agree that the reprieve granted by domestic travel will provide a lifeline, it cannot be the industry’s lifeblood. An opening date is critical if tourism is to reignite South Africa’s economy, not only to ensure that international trade can plan ahead, but also so that airlines can retain South Africa on their schedules. If airlines take the decision to redeploy their aircrafts or reduce their schedules, this will have a direct impact not only on tourism, but also trade. “The safe reopening of South Africa’s borders is an essential step for tourism to contribute meaningfully to government’s tax revenues. Every day we remain closed to international travel, we lose R336 million of spend, and the government loses vital tax revenue. Opening up our tourism sector will have a direct and immediate positive impact on Government’s coffers at a time when it most needs it.” Tshivhengwa concludes. < Previous Article Next Article >

New R2 coin announced 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 “The new R2 coin represents the ‘Freedom and Security of the Person’ right in the Bill of Rights, as stated in Section 12 of the Bill of Rights of our constitution,” the mint said. The South African mint has announced that it will introduce a new R2 coin into circulation. The coin forms part of the mint’s celebration of 25 years of constitutional democracy, with a number of other coins featuring prominent post-1994 events and rights. The SARB issues commemorative circulation coins from time to time as part of its currency production function. These coins are issued to commemorate a person or an event that has had a significant impact on society. “The new R2 coin represents the ‘Freedom and Security of the Person’ right in the Bill of Rights, as stated in Section 12 of the Bill of Rights of our constitution,” the mint said. The reverse of the count depicts a women and child walking hand in hand, while the obverse of the coin features the traditional coat of arms and the name of the country in two official languages. The R2 coins aim to highlight some of the rights that resonated the most with citizens surveyed in South Africa, depicting children’s rights, the right to education and environmental rights, among others. Such coins are always produced in large quantities and are made available and accessible to the public at face value. < Previous Article Next Article >