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EMS Vehicle flattens traffic light 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 The force of impact caused the EMS vehicle to careen onto the traffic median, subsequently uprooting one of the traffic lights. On Friday, 5 August 2022, a traffic light was absolutely demolished at the Joubert and Murray Streets intersection, after a collision took place between a Provincial EMS vehicle and a Mazda bakkie. According to information on scene, the EMS was transporting a patient towards the provincial hospital when the collision occurred. The force of impact caused the EMS vehicle to careen onto the traffic median, subsequently uprooting one of the traffic lights. At the time of publication, no life threatening injuries had been reported. ER24 and Msukaligwa Traffic regulated the scene, where drivers blatantly ignored the indications given on several occasions, instead simply gunning it over the intersection. Msukaligwa Fire & Rescue responded swiftly, after tending to another collision mere minutes earlier. Van Wettens, ETS and Shesha Towing Services were on scene to assist where needed. < Previous Article Next Article >

Arson is a crime that may land you in prison 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 June 2022 The crime is typically classified as a felony, with instances involving a greater degree of risk to human life or property carrying a stricter penalty. The crime of arson is committed in a number of different ways in the South African context. However, what is common to all incidences of the crime is that it causes danger to property, wildlife and persons. Although the act of arson is classified as a crime against property, the crime also endangers the community. Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. The majority of arson crimes are classified as intentional, wilfully and maliciously. This means that the arsonist has the intent to cause damage upon starting the fire. It does not require targeted property to be damaged by the fire, and liability can attach even though the “wrong” property caught fire. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves, which is a common sight in Ermelo. The crime is typically classified as a felony, with instances involving a greater degree of risk to human life or property carrying a stricter penalty. 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, the SAPS or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW, immediately. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make conviction of the felon easier. When in a fire emergency situation, please remember the following contact numbers: 112 for the ambulance service and 017 801 3400 for Msukaligwa Fire & Rescue. < Previous Article Next Article >

Liggies spog met nuwe personeel 1/6 Share SH HATTINGH 16 February 2021 “Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie is trots om in sulke moeilike tye nogsteeds nuwe onderwysers te kan kry." Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie het hul nuwe personeel, wat aan die begin van 2021 by die skool aangesluit het, met lof verwelkom. “Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie is trots om in sulke moeilike tye nogsteeds nuwe onderwysers te kan kry. Die Liggies wens hulle alle sterkte toe vir die jaar wat voorlê.” Hul is Mev. Rosaan Kapp (Wiskunde Geletterdheid en Tegniese Wiskunde), Mev. Malika Patel (Wiskunde), Mev. Taryn Labuschagne (Wetenskap), Mev. Lelanie du Plessis (Engelse HT en EAT), Me. Jacqueline Roux (Engels EAT), Anne-Marie Prinsloo (Boekwinkel) en FJ Els (student-onderwyser). < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum-takke in Mpumalanga help gemeenskappe tydens COVID 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 Junie 2020 Die takke in die provinsie – Bethal, Delmas, Ermelo, Leandra, Lydenburg, Machadodorp, Middelburg, Nelspruit, Piet Retief, Secunda, Standerton, Witbank en Witrivier – het altesaam meer as R150 000 se voedsel, handreiniger en maskers versprei. Hierdie projekte is gefinansier vanuit skenkings, takfondse en die taknoodfonds wat tydens die inperking op die been gebring is. AfriForum se takke in Mpumalanga het die afgelope maand meer as 30 ton voedsel aan behoeftige gesinne uitgedeel. Die aksie is in samewerking met Solidariteit Helpende Hand, Saai en verskeie ander organisasies aangepak om gemeenskappe tydens die staat van inperking te ondersteun. Groot nood het in gemeenskappe ontstaan nadat sommige mense nie tydens die inperking salarisse ontvang het nie of selfs hul werk verloor het omdat ondernemings hul deure moes sluit. ’n Taakspan wat uit AfriForum, Saai en Solidariteit Helpende Hand bestaan, is op die been gebring om die verspreiding van voedsel na gemeenskappe op ’n georganiseerde wyse te bestuur. Die takke in die provinsie – Bethal, Delmas, Ermelo, Leandra, Lydenburg, Machadodorp, Middelburg, Nelspruit, Piet Retief, Secunda, Standerton, Witbank en Witrivier – het altesaam meer as R150 000 se voedsel, handreiniger en maskers versprei. Hierdie projekte is gefinansier vanuit skenkings, takfondse en die taknoodfonds wat tydens die inperking op die been gebring is. “Dit is wonderlik om te sien dat gemeenskappe saamstaan en mekaar in dié moeilike tyd ondersteun. Baie van die kospakkies wat versprei word, is moontlik gemaak danksy skenkings wat ons by mense in die gemeenskap ontvang het. Dit sou nie moontlik gewees het om dié projek te dryf sonder die hulp van die gemeenskap nie,” sê Hennie Bekker, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Laeveld. AfriForum het ook ’n noodfonds vir elke tak geskep wat gebruik word om hierdie aksies volhoubaar voort te sit. Lede van die publiek kan skenkings aan die noodfonds maak wat weer gebruik word om noodsaaklike produkte vir behoeftiges aan te koop. Mense wat skenkings wil maak, kan hul naaste tak kontak vir meer inligting of die taknoodfonds-blad op AfriForum se webtuiste besoek. Sluit vandag nog by AfriForum aan en help ons om ’n daadwerklike verskil in mense se lewens te maak. SMS jou naam na 45350 (R1) en word deel van die oplossing. < Previous Article Next Article >

Home Affairs services suspended Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 January 2021 The suspension of applications for ID cards, passports, and marriage services follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that the Level 3 lockdown will be extended. All 20 land ports of entry are also closed until 15 February “We will not entertain an application for a smart ID unless you are a matriculant. Applications for passports, except for people falling into the categories who are permitted to travel, are suspended. Marriage services, including the solemnization and registration of marriages have been included, with immediate effect.” These were the words of Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who has announced the suspension of applications for ID cards, passports, and marriage services to curb the spread of COVID-19. The minister stated that visits to home affairs to collect new ID cards should be restricted, unless invited via SMS to do so. Another intervention to protect home affairs officials is to change the way deaths and births are registered. “We are proposing that all births and deaths are registered at the health facilities where they took place,” Motsoaledi said. The suspension of applications for ID cards, passports, and marriage services follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that the Level 3 lockdown will be extended. All 20 land ports of entry are also closed until 15 February for entry and departure until the rate of transmission has fallen sufficiently to warrant relaxing restrictions. < Previous Article Next Article >

Chris Else besoek Ermelo Op die foto verskyn die organiseerders van die aand saam met Chris Else. Op die foto verskyn die organiseerders van die aand saam met Chris Else. 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 17 November 2020 Yolandie Terblanche, ‘n wel bekende in Ermelo, het die voorreg gehad om saam met Chris te sing. Die gemeenskap het die aand terdeë geniet. Chris Else het op Vrydag, 13 November, die gemeenskap kom vermaak met sy pragstem. Die funksie het plaasgevind by Holbank River Lodge, waar die mense heerlik saam gekuier het en gedans het tot laat, terwyl Chris die gemeenskap vermaak het met liedjies soos The Gambler en Amanda. Yolandie Terblanche, ‘n wel bekende in Ermelo, het die voorreg gehad om saam met Chris te sing. Die gemeenskap het die aand terdeë geniet. < Previous Article Next Article >

Shoprite launches bigger carrier bag for taxi commuters 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 October 2022 Shoprite’s new red, 60-litre bags are 60 microns thick and more resilient, and costs R4. In response to customers and employees’ needs, national supermarket retailer Shoprite has launched a bigger, stronger 60-litre carrier bag primarily for taxi commuters and people who make use of public transport. Taxi passengers in South Africa are often charged extra for each bag they carry, particularly on busier routes. So, a larger carrier bag which can hold more groceries will save them money on every shopping trip. Shoprite’s new red, 60-litre bags are 60 microns thick and more resilient, cost R4 and are made from the same 100% recycled material as the standard 24-litre carrier bags which are 24 microns thick and cost R1. The 60-litre bag is also reusable and recyclable, supporting circular economy principles. “The idea came from listening to employees and customers who travel by taxi,” explains Sanjeev Raghubir, Group Sustainability Manager. “It’s also much easier to carry one big bag when walking or using public transport.” In 2013 the Shoprite Group became the first national retailer to introduce shopping bags made from 100% recycled content in its supermarkets. The Group recycled more than 5 400 tons of plastic in the last year, that’s more than 600kg per hour, through its reverse logistics operations. To promote a circular economy, the Group is also working towards ensuring that 100% if its own-brand packaging is reusable, recyclable and compostable, and that it contains on average 30% recycled material content by 2025. < Previous Article Next Article >

Merino Mall - A boon for the community 1/31 Share GK CRONJE 1 November 2022 The vision for the mall includes making a meaningful contribution to the local economy on an ongoing basis. In this regard, it has also created 450 permanent job opportunities. After 15 months of construction and an even longer development period, Merino Mall opened its doors on 27 October to the community of Ermelo and surrounds in Mpumalanga. At 28,600m2, it has become the first shopping centre of its substantial size to be developed within a 100-kilometre radius in the area. The Merino Mall development is owned by Moolman Group and Abland and is located on the landmark 11-hectare site that has always been central to community life in the area, the former Ermelo Showgrounds. Positioned for local shoppers, as well as the many commuters travelling to and through Ermelo from surrounding rural and small towns in the region, Merino Mall is located on the corners of the N2 and N11 freeways, close to the N17 and within walking distance of the Ermelo CBD. According to the property developers, the small regional mall has been developed with the future of this mining and agricultural area in mind and with family and community at its heart. Sönke Moolman-Pautz, retail director at Moolman Group, comments, “When you add such an impressive mall to a great community, you have the perfect recipe for sustainable mutual success. We look forward to serving our shoppers and providing a safe and enjoyable place where everyone can meet and socialise.” Merino Mall’s curated retail mix comprises 90 stores with anchors Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and Clicks, as well as the first Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem in the area. Other retail firsts for Ermelo include Cape Union Mart, PNA, @Home, Queenspark, Old Khaki, Crazy Pets and Refinery. The shopping centre also has a fashion node, banking facilities and restaurants. Designed by MDS Architecture, the exterior of Merino Mall is inspired by the original showground barn structures, with the barn shape becoming a key design feature. The existing barn structure was retained and incorporated into the new building. The sandstone found on the site has also been used for several building features, including facades, reflecting its unique setting. While the architecture and design features pay tribute to the site’s history, the centre is modern and incorporates elements to ensure a sustainable operation. Merino Mall has its own solar photovoltaic (PV) plant that produces green energy and the mall can trade during load shedding. The property even has a sewer treatment plant that will recycle grey water back into the building to achieve water savings. Weaving local culture into the fabric of the mall, it features several artworks from local artists who participated in an art competition held by the developers. Shoppers will also be able to connect to the fast fibre Wi-Fi network. Merino Mall offers 1 743 parking bays in an on-grade, safe and secure parking area, with reserved parking for shoppers with special needs close to entrances. It also includes a taxi rank. Construction of Merino Mall began in July 2021, led by the main contractor Mike Buyskes Construction. The construction phase created 750 jobs, primarily for local contractors and workers. The vision for the mall includes making a meaningful contribution to the local economy on an ongoing basis. In this regard, it has also created 450 permanent job opportunities. As part of the development process, the mall’s owners opened an online jobs portal where local job seekers could register, and their applications were made available to the mall’s retailers. The portal was also used to employ within the centre management team and created a platform for service providers to tender for various contractual opportunities in and around the centre. During the construction period, a considerable challenge was the steep slope of the mall’s site, which required extensive bulk earthworks but resulted in the mall’s superb visibility and accessibility. Improvements were also made to its surrounding roads for all road users, making the mall easy to access. “We are delighted to open Merino Mall for the community of Ermelo. It is beautiful and convenient, with an exciting variety of retail and restaurants, a fun play area for children and a great experience for all. It complements, enhances and supports the retail offering in Ermelo, and we are confident it will be an excellent asset for its community,” says Merino Mall general manager Morgan Lee van der Walt. < Previous Article Next Article >

Uncertainly looms as Motshekga consistently fumbles 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 The unions said this is a time to show solidarity with the plight of other provinces, and sympathy with the plight of thousands of teachers and children across the country. The unions have called on Motshekga to meet teacher unions and governing body associations on 11 June for "genuine assessment and engagement" about the readiness of the system. “If we follow the protocols and maintain all precautions, we will effectively minimize the risk posed by the coronavirus.” There are the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has urged schools to not reopen until all the necessary precautions are in place. This comes after the return to school for Grades 7 and 12 has been delayed by another week. President Ramaphosa has assured parents that government and all stakeholders are doing all they can to ensure their children’s safety. Teacher unions have called on schools not to reopen amid the chaos caused by government's last-minute 7 day postponement. “We have heard them, we welcome their contributions and are taking steps to address their concerns as well as proposals.” the President stated. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga was expected to address the nation on Sunday evening, and has been heavily criticized for her apparent inability to maintain a sense of order in her department, and with the confusing myriad of conflicting statements made. The Council of Education Ministers (CEM) was concerned that, in some provinces, personal protective equipment (PPE) for pupils had not been received and some schools had not been made ready for their return. Despite Motshekga claiming otherwise, school governing bodies and unions believe it is not in the best interest of children and teachers to return to school while there is uncertainty about health and safety. “The response never came through until the statement which was released after two cancellations of the media briefing, and despite an undertaking in the meeting by the minister on behalf of the CEM. The teacher unions were vindicated by the independent monitoring consortium led by the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) that the system wasn't ready for the reopening of the schools for learners in Grade 7 and 12 on 1 June 2020. The minister asked for time to consult her colleagues, and committed to respond on 31 May, which she did not honour. This is a betrayal of trust, and does not bode well for the credibility of the education system. We want to put on record that the date of 8 June was never mentioned in the meeting, because the focus was readying the system and ensuring that all the provinces comply with the 12 non-negotiables,” unions NAPTOSA, PEU, NATU, SADTU and the SAOU collectively stated. The unions alleges that the Department of Basic Education is "obsessed with dates and ignoring the evidence of provincial readiness. The lack of appreciation for evidence can only be characterized as irresponsible and negligent,” they echoed. The unions said this is a time to show solidarity with the plight of other provinces, and sympathy with the plight of thousands of teachers and children across the country. The unions have called on Motshekga to meet teacher unions and governing body associations on 11 June for "genuine assessment and engagement" about the readiness of the system. The proposed date for re-opening is now 8 June 2020, but is subject to change at any time. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron onderwyseresse wys hul kreatiwiteit 1/0 Share SH HATTINGH 4 Augustus 2020 Die dames het die klas vreeslik baie geniet. Daar was baie gelag, en hulle het gesorg vir ‘n vrolike atmosfeer. Daar was heerlik saam geverf en smaaklike sop en broodjie was voorsien as middag ete. Op Woensdag, 29 Julie, het vyf van Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie se onderwyseresse hul kreatiwiteit kom neer lê op ‘n drommetjie. Die onderwyseresse het elkeen ‘n prentjie gekies waarvan hulle hou, hulle drommetjie geverf en stensel werk gedoen na hul eie smaak. Die dames het die klas vreeslik baie geniet. Daar was baie gelag, en hulle het gesorg vir ‘n vrolike atmosfeer. Daar was heerlik saam geverf en smaaklike sop en broodjie was voorsien as middag ete. Enige persoon wat ook ‘n klas wil loop, kan vir Lynette skakel op 082 542 9592. < Previous Article Next Article >

SANDF issues warning regarding border patrols 1/1 Share Content Supplied 6 July 2022 "SANDF will not shed its responsibility given by the constitution to protect and secure the integrity of the Republic to anybody or organization." Media Statement - The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) would like to reiterate what the Department of Home Affairs said, that it would be illegal for any civil organization or NGO including business to conduct patrols at any borders of the Republic of South Africa. This follows a video that has been circulating on social media and other news platforms that alleges members of the AfriForum had taken the responsibility for border patrols. It must be stated that the constitution of the Republic mandates the SANDF to protect and secure the territorial integrity of the Republic and will do so by making sure that the country’s land, air and sea borders are protected and secured. It is the responsibility of the SANDF to maintain all borderline integrity of the country and not any other non-state grouping or groups. Therefore the responsibility of borderline patrols belongs to the SANDF which is a statutory law enforcement agency, and that this responsibility cannot be ceded to business, NGOs or organizations. The SANDF wants to assure all South Africans, in particular those living along the borders that it will continue to secure the borderline and will work with those communities namely; farmers, traditional leaders, business and community in general to ensure that there is a coordinated effort to curb cross border crime. However it will not shed its responsibility given by the constitution to protect and secure the integrity of the Republic to anybody or organization. < Previous Article Next Article >

EHS landbou leerders geniet landbou uitstappie Op die foto verskyn (v.l.n.r): Alexander Kirk, Corné Jansen Van Vuuren en Lourens Uys. Op die foto verskyn Claudia Jacobs Op die foto verskyn (v.l.n.r): Alexander Kirk, Corné Jansen Van Vuuren en Lourens Uys. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 13 October 2020 Die Erries bedank vir Hendi-Hein Matthews en Jan Grey vir hulle tyd en vir die ongelooflike leer ervaring waar by Hoërskool Ermelo se leerders soveel kon baat. Die Graad 10- en 11-Errie landbou bestuur-leerders het op Woensdag, 7 Oktober, die Jan Vos Landgoed besoek van mnr. Jan Grey. Daar het die leerders baie gesien en geleer, onder andere hoe bulle se saad getap en getoets word vir verskeie siektes, hoe die veearts dragtigheid op vroulike diere getoets het, hoe om beeste inentings te gee, oor die bestuur van ‘n Boran-stoet, asook algemene hantering van stoet-kuddes. Daarna het die leerders die melkportaal en die behuisingstelsel by die melkbeeste besigtig, waar hulle kon sien hoe tegnologie hierdie boerdery-afdeling tot sukses lei. Die Erries bedank vir Hendi-Hein Matthews en Jan Grey vir hulle tyd en vir die ongelooflike leer ervaring waar by Hoërskool Ermelo se leerders soveel kon baat. < Previous Article Next Article >