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SANParks free access week coming soon 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 Every year SANParks aims to increase the number of locals that are granted free access to national parks during this time. Since the programme’s inception in 2006, 551 393 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter national parks. SANParks has highlighted the growing need for national parks to be relevant, particularly to young people and communities living adjacent to parks. All South Africans in Mpumalanga have an opportunity to visit the world-renowned Kruger National Park during Free Access Week. South African National Parks (SANParks), together with Total South Africa and FNB, will be hosting the 15th annual SA National Parks Week, from 16-20 November 2020. The Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. The park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, and covers nearly two million hectares. The Kruger National Park is unrivaled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. “SANParks postponed the free access week, which is traditionally held in September, to November, due to the COVID-19 regulations, which restrict the number of persons allowed within public spaces. Additionally, we have implemented extra visitor management procedures in the parks to manage visitor volumes in line with regulations, to further mitigate the risk of the spread of the virus during this time.” SANParks chief executive officer, Fundisile Mketeni, said. SA National Parks Week is an annual campaign that gives all citizens the opportunity to enter most of the parks managed by SANParks for free, with the exclusion of Namaqua National Park and Boulders section at Table Mountain National Park. It should be noted that the free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. Every year SANParks aims to increase the number of locals that are granted free access to national parks during this time. Since the programme’s inception in 2006, 551 393 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter national parks. SANParks has highlighted the growing need for national parks to be relevant, particularly to young people and communities living adjacent to parks. < 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 >

Anke mag maar dans 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 1 June 2021 “Ons is super trots op jou Anke. Ons skool hou jou dop en weet jy leef jou droom.” Anke Swart, ‘n leerling van Morgenzon Landbou Akademie, het gedans teen al die akrobate klubs in Mpumalanga en na 2 maande se harde werk, baie oefening en uithou het sy haar Mpumalanga kleure verwerf met 'n punt van 9.033 uit 9.8. Sy dring deur na die Interprovinsiale kampioenskappe, waar sy Mpumalanga gaan verteenwoordig en gaan dans vir 'n plek in die SA span. “Ons is super trots op jou Anke. Ons skool hou jou dop en weet jy leef jou droom.” < Previous Article Next Article >

NPSS learners participate in Radikale Redenaars 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 11 August 2020 All of the learners achieved an A+ or A symbol for their speeches and poems. Four learners are going through to the nationals which will take place later this year. The learners had to submit a video recording of them doing a speech or reciting a poem. Seven learners from Netherland Park Secondary School participated in the Radikale Redenaars competition. All of the learners achieved an A+ or A symbol for their speeches and poems. Four learners are going through to the nationals which will take place later this year. The learners had to submit a video recording of them doing a speech or reciting a poem. The following learners participated: Nadia Ngcobo: Grade 12: 1 poem, 1 speech (nationals), Siphesihle Nkosi: Grade 11: 1 poem (nationals), Nothando Nzimande: Grade 12, 1 poem (nationals), Siphamandla Hlatswayo: Grade 12: 1 poem (nationals), Londeka Sibanyoni: Grade 11: 1 speech, Noluthando Mkhwanazi: Grade 11: 1 poem, Wandile Mathebula: Grade 11: 1 speech.. “We are proud of them and look forward to them participating in the nationals later this year.” Nadia Ngcobo and Nothando Nzimande appearing on the photo (front), and Siphamandla Hlatswayo at the back. Siphesihle Nkosi is absent from the photo. These learners have made it to the nationals of Radikale Redenaars. < Previous Article Next Article >

Eagan Engelbrecht crowned as Little Mr. World 2022 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 25 October 2022 “Eagan, the Ermelo community is very proud to call you our own Ermelo super model.” Eagan Engelbrecht, a very well known 4-year-old from Ermelo, made his way to Turkey recently to partake in a prestigious contest. He is renowned in the modelling industry, and doesn’t allow grass to grow under his feet when it comes to competition times. He is a very friendly and cute youngster, with the softest heart that cares so much for other people. Pageants SA has since proudly announced that Eagan, who was recently crowned as Mini Mr. South Africa 2022, attended his first international pageant, and was crowned as the new Little Mr. World 2022, as well as receiving the award of Mini Top Model of the World 2022 in his age division. “Eagan, the Ermelo community is very proud to call you our own Ermelo super model.” The event was hosted at a sparkling gala crowning at the Otium Hotel in Kusadasi, Turkey, on 20 October 2022, under the directorship of Carolyn Botha from Pageants SA, for the World League of Fashion and Beauty founded by Mr. Ashot Khachatryan 34 years ago. The contestants spent ten days at the five-star Seven Seas Sealite Elite Hotel in Kusadasi and enjoyed loads of fun between their judging rounds, which included performing a talent, providing a video advertising South Africa, and allowing the audience and judges the opportunity to get to know the contestants in their own country. The contestants were carefully monitored during their time on their manners and conversational skills with other contestants, and then performed on stage wearing their national costumes, casual- and evening wear. The contestants also performed during the crowning of the Princess of the Globe and Miss 7 Continents pageants, and were a total delight to the judges. “We are proud to say that not only did Eagan win in his category, but South Africa came home with all six major titles which were competed for, including Little Miss World, Little Mr. World, Miss Teen World, Mr. Teen World, Little Miss Universe and Miss Teen Universe. Pageants SA is extremely proud of the achievements of our six contestants, and wish them an absolutely wonderful year of reign. Four of the six contestants are all from one family, how brilliant can that be for a family,” Pageants SA said. Mia Stone won Little Miss Universe in her age group, as well as Miss Super Model. Xané Engelbrecht won Miss Teen World, as well as Best Talent and Miss Charity. Xavier Engelbrecht won Mr. Teen World and Best of the Best. Gabby Bryant won Little Miss Universe, Miss Talent as well as Miss Charity. Resaobaka Moatlhodi won Miss Teen Universe, as well as Junior Top Model of the world. Congratulations are in order to the six contestants on their great achievements, they kept South Africa's name high in Turkey. The contestants would like to thank all their sponsors that helped them to attend this stellar event, and also thank their parents for all their hard work and support during the pageant. < Previous Article Next Article >

TERS payments has come to an end 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 The fund will not be accepting and processing claims for July and onwards, said Fund Commissioner, Tebogo Maruping, in a statement. The three-month relief was introduced by government in March. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has confirmed it will continue to accept and process COVID-19 TERS claims submitted for April, May and June. However, the Fund will not be accepting and processing claims for July and onwards, said Fund Commissioner, Tebogo Maruping, in a statement. The three-month relief was introduced by government in March. “We initially opened the system for June applications on 23 June 2020, and our aim was to start making the first payments on 25 June to ensure that employees do not wait too long for their salaries. Unfortunately, we experienced problems with the swapping of user profiles and we immediately shut it down for June and rolled back to May to fix the problem. I wish to apologize to employers and employees for the further delays,” said Maruping. To resolve problems expeditiously, the Commissioner said the Fund has roped in external resources to help. < 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 >

Karatekas deliver award-winning chops 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 22 February 2022 Lesedi Twala received gold for kumite (Fighting), and Sensei Eugene Smith was awarded silver for Kata (Form) during trials that took place in Delmas. Ermelo Shotokan Karate-do once again set the gold standard after Lesedi Twala received gold for kumite (Fighting), and Sensei Eugene Smith was awarded silver for Kata (Form) during trials that took place in Delmas. These karatekas represents Ermelo Shotokan Karate Academy and the style organization SKISA. Both these contenders have been selected, and will partake in the upcoming SA’s. Mpumalanga trials took place in Delmas. The junior SA’s will take place in in Durban on 4-6 March 2022, and the senior SA’s will take place 1-3 April 2022 in Gauteng. Sensei Smith stated that karate is a sport that focuses on developing character, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self-control. Interested individuals may visit www.ermelokarate.co.za , or contact Sensei Smith on 072 361 6680 to find out more about the classes available at the Ermelo Inn on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 17:30 - 20:30. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Phoenix Rotary gholfdag Op die foto verskyn die wenners van die dag, M.O.T.H Club, saam met lede van die Phoenix Rotary. Op die foto staan Moaner van Heerden, saam met lede van die Phoenix Rotary en Deo Botha, wat die plakkaat, asook die rugby bal waar hy die hoogste bod gehad het tydens die veiling. Op die foto verskyn die wenners van die dag, M.O.T.H Club, saam met lede van die Phoenix Rotary. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 10 November 2020 Tydens die aand was daar ‘n plakkaat van Moaner van Heerden, asook ‘n ou rugbybal met ou springbok spelers se handtekening op opgeveil. Op Vrydag, 6 November, het die Phoenix Rotary dit goed gedink om ‘n gholfdag aan te bied wat deel is van hul geldinsamelings projek. Die dag is bekroon as ‘n suksesvolle dag, met 72 spelers wat deelgeneem het aan die kompetisie. Die spelers het die dag terdeë geniet. Die Phoenix wil graag die volgende borge bedank, waarsonder die dag nie so ‘n groot sukses kon wees nie: Brakecore, LMTEC, Wildman, African Sky Resorts, Jamdrop, Chryso, JC Studios Ermelo, Icon Metals and Oils, FC Benecke, DP Signs, Bell, Pick and Pay, Izimbali, Hardies bande, Bulldog Internet, Dalifin, Melrow Pharmacy, Corfuset, Flowcentric Mining, Allan’s Slaghuis en MP Fire and Signs. Die bekende oud-rugby speler Moaner van Heerden het ook kom oë wys, en heerlik saam met die spelers gekuier. Daar was smaaklike kos na die prysuitdeling beskikbaar, waaraan al die spelers gesmul het. Die wenners van die dag, met 108 punte, is die M.O.T.H Club, in die tweede plek was LMTEC met 103 punte, en kort op hulle hakke met 102 punte was Kwena Mining. Tydens die aand was daar ‘n plakkaat van Moaner van Heerden, asook ‘n ou rugbybal met ou springbok spelers se handtekening op opgeveil. Die Ermelo Phoenix Rotary wil graag van die gelentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank vir die dag, asook vir elke speler wat die dag saam met hulle kom geniet het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Exceptional Errie-learner hand picked Sinethemba Dlamini, a Grade 12 learner of EHS. Sinethemba Dlamini, a Grade 12 learner of EHS. 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 13 October 2020 She has been invited to an academic camp that aims to help students gain an even better understanding of mathematics, physical and life sciences, and enable them to solve exercises and problems themselves. Sinethemba Dlamini, a Grade 12 learner of EHS, has been selected by the Mpumalanga Education Department to acknowledge and celebrate her exceptional achievement in mathematics and physical science. She has been invited to an academic camp that aims to help students gain an even better understanding of mathematics, physical and life sciences, and enable them to solve exercises and problems themselves. To effectively do this, high profile facilitators have been appointed to help the learners at the camp. “Congratulations, Sinethemba! Hoërskool Ermelo is really proud of you, and we wish you the best of luck.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Hoërskool Ermelo skitter tydens groentjieskonsert-tradisie 1/4 Share SM HATTINGH 18 May 2021 "Die produksies was oudergewoonte van hoogstaande gehalte en Hoërskool Ermelo is trots om dié tradisie jaar na jaar te kan voortsit, uitdagings en al!” EHS se jaarlikse groentjieskonsert is een van die grootste tradisies wat die Erries besonder naa an die hart lê. Dit is ‘n uitsonderlike geleentheid vir alle leerders om, in gesonde kompetisie formaat, te ontwikkel: vanaf teks te skryf, kostuums en dekor maak, afrigting, danse uitwerk, tot die tegniese aspekte soos beligting en klank. Daarmee saam word die leerders gedwing om hul gemaksone te verlaat en soms verborge talente en onbekende belangstellings te ontdek. Elke leerder, van die Graad 8’s wat die karakters in die konsert is, die Graad 9’s tot 11’s wat die huis dans doen en dirigente is, tot die Graad 12’s wat aan die hoof van reëlings staan, leer baie vining om nie net onderdruk te werk nie, maar onderdruk te presteer! Alhoewel dié hoogtepunt gesonde kompetisie is tussen die EHS se huise, Dorpshuis, Huis Veltman en Nelstehuis, skree en dans en sing en lééf elke leerder vir hul onderskeie huise! Uiteindelik is dit egter besonder belangrik dat die Erries onthou: Hoërskool Ermelo is ‘n eenheid! Baie geluk aan die huise wat die volgende toekennings ontvang het: Beste dirigente – Dorpshuis, Beste huisdans – Dorpshuis, Beste tema uitgebeeld – Nelstehuis, Beste advertensie – Dorpshuis, Beste kostuums – Huis Veltman, Beste dekor – Dorp en Huis Veltman, Beste groentjiesdans – Dorpshuis, Beste humor – Nelstehuis en Dorpshuis, Beste nuusberig – Huis Veltman, Roos van die aand – Abigail Venter (Nelstehuis) (Dié toekenning is ‘n nuwe byvoeging en word oorhandig aan enige karakter wat vir die beoordelaars uitgestaan het), Beste byspeler – Wianke Cloete (Nelstehuis), Beste storieverteller(s) –Amori Prinsloo en Rudolph Knoetze (Dorpshuis), Beste akteur – Ruan Grobler (Dorpshuis), Beste aktrise – Kaylin Coetzee (Dorpshuis) en Beste konsert – Dorpshuis. Die algehele wenner vir EHS Groentjieskonsert 2021 is Dorpshuis. “Baie geluk aan elke Graad 8, elke Graad 12, elke dirigent, elke leerder wat weereens met hart en siel opgetree het. Die produksies was oudergewoonte van hoogstaande gehalte en Hoërskool Ermelo is trots om dié tradisie jaar na jaar te kan voortsit, uitdagings en al!” < Previous Article Next Article >

MBCF invites members to join the cause 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 November 2020 “People have been accepting the unacceptable for far too long, and unfortunately there are no quick fixes. But what is important is to start”. The legal council for the Msukaligwa Business and Community Forum (MBCF), Mr. Andreas Peens, recently joined in a meeting with members of the MBCF committee in Ermelo. It is with great excitement that the announcement has been made that membership forms are now available to interested parties. During the meeting, Mr. Peens discussed immediate and long term legal strategy, and gave feedback on the matter of the application to stop the NMD load shedding currently being implemented by Eskom and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). The case will be heard in court on 12 November 2020. He also discussed the next urgent steps of addressing sewerage, water, rubbish removal and environmental issues in town. Furthermore, the issue of incorrect municipal accounts, accounts not being received by businesses and residents, and the system being offline at the municipality for weeksat end, were also discussed. Mr. Peens indicated that a document will be made available to the MBCF that can be distributed to its members in order to help them lodge a dispute with regards to irregular water and electricity accounts. This will prevent MLM from suspending services to businesses and residents until the irregularity has been resolved. Members also addressed the current frustration at the licensing office, where only 50 renewal applications are being processed per day. Also on the cards was the fact that the municipality allegedly refuses the installation of prepaid electricity meters at business premises, to which Mr. Peens relayed some insightful strategy in resolving the challenges going forward. He explained that addressing the service delivery issues mentioned will provide viable results for all the residents, but it can be a lengthy process. “People have been accepting the unacceptable for far too long, and unfortunately there are no quick fixes. But what is important is to start”. To support the MBCF cause, donations can be made to Msukaligwa Business and Community Forum, Standard Bank, account number 031064701, Ermelo branch, with branch code 052844. Kindly remember to use your cellphone number as reference. Business owners and residents who would like to become members, can do so by completing the membership form. Membership costs entail R25 per household, and R100 per business, per month. For more enquiries, please contact 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >