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Merino Mall officially announced 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 July 2021 Merino Mall is set to enhance the current retail offering in Ermelo and will bring convenience, value and pride to the town’s visitors, residents, and its surrounding communities. The greater Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga can finally look forward to the highly anticipated new shopping centre, Merino Mall, coming to fruition after 7 years of planning. Property developers Moolman Group and Abland are joining forces to construct this 28 000m² fully enclosed small regional shopping centre. It will be the only shopping centre of this stature to exist within a 100 km radius, making it a tremendous addition to the Ermelo community and surrounds. The developers are partnering with MDS Architecture, who have delivered remarkable shopping centres such as Rustenburg Mall, Middelburg Mall, Ferndale on Republic, and Sam Ntuli Mall. Bulk earth works for Merino Mall will commence on1 July 2021, and the mall is set to open to the public in October 2022. The development will positively impact the local economy and stimulate further growth and development, as well as enhancing and supporting the town’s current infrastructure. Developers will make use of the local workforce during the construction phases. Furthermore, it will create long-term job opportunities for residents and businesses alike. The mall’s name is derived from the Merino sheep breed, paying tribute to the site’s history. The mall will be built on what is fondly remembered as the Ermelo Showgrounds. It is situated on the corners of the N2 and N11 freeways, near the N17 and within walking distance from the bustling Ermelo CBD. Prospective tenants have showed immense excitement and support in the project and familiar favourites are already on board as anchor tenants. They include Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks, Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem. Crazy Plastics and Dis-Chem being especially exciting new additions in the area. The mall will also bring stores like Crazy Plastics, Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki, Cross Trainer, Queenspark, Primark and Refinery to the Ermelo community for the first time. With a total of 90 stores in the mall, the tenant mix will be further cemented by a strong fashion node, banking facilities, food outlets, and other exciting stores and service offerings. The likes of Truworths, Identity, Mr Price, Jet, Ackermans, Foschini, Sportscene, Totalsports, Mr Price Sport, PEP, Exact, Markham, Miladys, Tekkie Town, Studio 88,The Fix, Sheet Street, Crazy Store, Mr Price Home, Pep Home, @home, and a host of others will join the Merino Mall family. Banks will include Nedbank, Capitec and FNB. Merino Mall is set to enhance the current retail offering in Ermelo and will bring convenience, value and pride to the town’s visitors, residents, and its surrounding communities. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAICE Nasionale Brugboukompetisie 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 31 August 2021 “Ligbron is so trots op hierdie jong ingenieurs, en hoop dat die ervaring julle motiveer om met julle talente te woeker vir die toekoms!” Ligbron se Graad 10 span, Beverly Kirsten, Luhlelo Motha en Thando Motsoane, het deurgedring na dié kompetisie nadat hulle die Hoëveld kompetisie loshande gewen het. Beverly Kirsten het die 155 gram bruggie ontwerp, wat ‘n ongelooflike vrag van 133.6 kg kon dra voordat dit meegegee het. With this achievement they qualified for the national bridge building competition held at the St George Hotel in Doornkloof. Unfortunately their bridge gave way with the scale on 68.9kg, and the finished 6th in this national competition. “Ligbron is so trots op hierdie jong ingenieurs, en hoop dat die ervaring julle motiveer om met julle talente te woeker vir die toekoms!” < Previous Article Next Article >

ESKOM to switch off overloaded networks during peak 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 Illegal connections will result in communities staying for days without electricity, as parts and resources are not always available. The replacement of a 20 MVA power transformer costs anything between R100 000 and R7.3 million, which is untenable,’ Eskom stated. This after reporting a significant rise in network overloading as a result of illegal connections and bypassed meters, Eskom has decided to take drastic measures. Due to inability of municipalities to control illegal connections, provide equitable electricity to all residents in a safe manner, and honor payment agreements to the power utility, load reduction measures have been put in place. The power utility said in a that illegal activities on their network results in damage to the electricity infrastructure through explosions in overloaded transformers and mini-substations. In response to the problem, Eskom will switch off overloaded networks during peak periods, and power will be switched back on after the peak loading period. “Should Eskom’s infrastructure be damaged due to illegal connections, for the safety of the network and the public and its infrastructure, Eskom will only replace the transformer once the illegal connections have been removed and it is safe to energise the area. This will result in communities staying for days without electricity, as parts and resources are not always available. The replacement of a 20 MVA power transformer costs anything between R100 000 and R7.3 million, which is untenable,’ Eskom stated. Introduced in mid-May this year, load reduction is when power is switched off in neighborhoods where illegal connections cause overload and damage infrastructure. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ingoma temporarily suspended by MEC 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 July 2021 “This suspension is in accordance with the Disaster Management regulations outlined by the national Department of Cooperative Governance as one of the preventative measures against the spread of the virus." COGTA minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, designated under section 3 and 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), has gazetted a notice which moved the country to adjusted level 4 as announced by the president. In a statement, the minister said the third wave and the Delta variant have led to a massive surge in new infections which necessitated that they must once again tighten restrictions on the movement of persons, gatherings, curfews and non pharmaceutical interventions. Therefore, under alert Level 4, initiation (ingoma) practices and post-initiation celebrations are prohibited. MEC Busi Shiba has officially suspended all initiation schools in Mpumalanga. Traditional leaders are urged to follow the rules, and to adhere to these extraordinary steps to reduce the infection rate. The suspension of the practice will be until further notice. “This suspension is in accordance with the Disaster Management regulations outlined by the national Department of Cooperative Governance as one of the preventative measures against the spread of the virus, as well as President Ramaphosa’s call to suspend all gatherings during the Level 4 lockdown. Regulations direct the traditional leadership institution to suspend all cultural activities in order to reduce human contact,” the MEC stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

Winter Fire Season draws to a close 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 9 November 2021 The globally recognized WOF Programme is also celebrating 18 years of its existence. The 2020/2021 Winter Fire Season officially drew to a close on 31 October 2021. However, the Department of Fisheries, Forestries and the Environments Working on Fire Programme’s firefighters remain on standby and ready to assist partners, Fire Protection Associations, and landowners in Integrated Fire Management Services. The season officially began on 1 June 2021, however, Working on Fire Mpumalanga’s 24 teams attended to fire suppression operations prior to the official opening. The teams, based in the Lowveld and Highveld, assisted in a total of 267 fires throughout the season. This is a decline from the previous season, where teams assisted in 288 fires. WOF Mpumalanga General Manager, Martin Bolton, gave acknowledgment to valued stakeholders, partners, management and especially the teams on a job well done, adding: “Well done to our firefighters and management for persevering through the season, while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Your tremendous support and work are noted and celebrated.” The WOF Programme shifts its attention and resources to the Western and Eastern Cape, where the Summer Fire Season begins on 1 December 2021. The provinces have been hard at work with preparations and have concluded their Yellow Card Training Assessment and Fire Safety Campaigns. The globally recognized WOF Programme is also celebrating 18 Years of its existence under the theme: “18 Years of Sustainability. The Programme continues to make a sustainable contribution to protecting the environment, saving lives, making a difference and restoring the dignity of South Africa’s disadvantaged youth by recruiting and training them in the specialized veld and forestry skills. < Previous Article Next Article >

Football explodes on the local scene 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 10 May 2022 The aim is to get sponsors for all sporting codes in Wesselton / Ermelo to keep our young ones encouraged and motivated to do good. The town has now become a great space of football, and the culture seems to be taking the town by storm, That’s a great sight for sponsors, soccer fans and other community stake holders. On 27 April 2022 we saw a great display of football shown by two major radio stations in town, VOCFM 102.9 and Ligwa FM 101.3, jointly with Ermelo Taxi Association and Abagcotshwa United FC (abafundisi), then Ermelo Masters FC and Gunners FC (from Ekasi Social League-Masters), that sealed the deal with a good football to spice up things on the tournament. What a way to celebrate Freedom Day, with a group of positive men, teaming up together to make the day possible and conducive to all. The sport worked as glue that brought everyone together, and people from different spheres came together as one unit. All thanks to Saks Sam and Raff IVundraz for championing the day, big up to Ntokozo Tokyo Siluma for such a great spirit shown in and outside the pitch, we appreciate you gentlemen. Power Hour Motivations Movement really appreciates the day and hoping that more of this kind should be made a norm to our community. Next we will be targeting netball and volleyball. We feel that ladies need to be showcased and be given a fair opportunity as well. The aim is to get sponsors for all sporting codes in Wesselton/Ermelo to keep our young ones encouraged and motivated to do good. Our motto reads ‘Developing a Mentality to see Greatness in the midst of the Worst’. - Sincerely, Bro Ntosh < Previous Article Next Article >

Inwoners genooi na jaarlikse e-Rommel insameling 1/1 Share Inhoud Verskaf 15 November 2022 Kom ons neem verantwoordelikheid, en pas ons omgewing op. Persverklaring - Hierdie logo verwys na die herwinning van e-Rommel. Wat is e-Rommel, of wyer bekend as “e-Waste”? Dit verwys na alle elektriese en elektroniese produkte wat nie meer in ‘n werkende toestand is nie of onbruikbaar geword het, en in wese die einde van hul leeftydbereik het. Omdat tegnologiese vooruitgang teen so 'n hoë koers plaasvind, word baie elektroniese toestelle uitgedien ná 'n paar jaar van gebruik. Dit kan egter uiters nadelig wees vir mens en natuur. Die NG Kerk De Bruin Park bied weereens sy gebruiklike e-Rommel projek aan op Donderdag, 17 November 2022. Let net daarop dat dit slegs vir dié een dag is, en nie soos die gebruiklike twee dae nie. Ons wil die gemeenskap eerder aanmoedig om e-Rommel deurlopend na die kerk kantoor van die NG De Bruin Park te neem, waar dit in ontvangs geneem sal word. Daar hoef dus nie meer gewag te word vir die spesiale dae by die gewone versamelpunte in die dorp nie. Op 17 November gaan Ermeloërs weer die geleentheid kry om alle elektriese en elektroniese toerusting wat stukkend is of nie meer gebruik word nie, na die Pick n Pay sentrum te Camden Laan. Hierdie versamelpunt is oop vanaf 09:00 tot 16:00. Hiervandaan word dit na ‘n wettige herwinningsaanleg geneem. Ons wil u aanmoedig om nou reeds daaraan te werk. Kry al die ou selfoonlaaiers en selfone, rekenaartoerusting, drukkers, radio’s, alarmstelsels, stofsuiers, strykysters, haardroërs en meer bymekaar. Moet ook nie die batterytjies vergeet nie, en X-straal plate is ook welkom. Indien u dalk enige vervoerprobleme het om dié toerusting by die versamelpunt af te lewer, skakel 082 801 4114. Vir meer inligting oor e-Rommel en hierdie projek, kan u gerus die webwerf besoek bywww.ngdebruinpark.co.za , en klik op die e-Rommel skakel. Kom ons neem verantwoordelikheid, en pas ons omgewing op. < Previous Article Next Article >

Confident teachers the key to mathematical success 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 6 October 2020 At the same time, academic performance amongst learners who did write Mathematics decreased significantly, with 54,6% of candidates achieving 30% and above in 2019, and a mere 35% of learners achieving 40% or above. “The reason for this poor performance is that students do not fully comprehend key areas such as functions and graphs, calculus, probability, geometry and trigonometry. For Grade 12 Mathematics learners to confidently attempt more difficult questions, teachers need to challenge their students. This starts with developing confidence in educators, revealed Anne Eadie, Co-Founder of The Answer Series and Mathematics author, with 45 years’ worth of experience under her belt. To help build teacher confidence, and thereby inspire better performance amongst learners, The Answer Series recently hosted two virtual workshops centred on effectively teaching Level 3 and 4 Matric Maths questions to teachers around the country. Eadie was joined by Susan Carletti, Head of Advanced Programme Mathematics at Rondebosch Boys’ High School, and Jenny Campbell, Head of Mathematics at Bishops Diocesan College. The sessions formed part of The Answer Series’ goal of supporting South African teachers, for whom 2020 has been a particularly challenging year with remote learning, increased substitutions and a need for greater tech-savvy being just a few of this years’ hurdles. According to Eadie, knowledge is extremely important for building teacher confidence: “For teachers to impactfully educate their students and inspire interest in Mathematics, they need to have knowledge of Mathematical language, theory, concepts and contexts, and be able to apply this with ease. Only then can they successfully transfer these concepts to learners and help them to develop recognition for mathematical logic and ultimately self-directed learning. However, this all begins with confidence.” This is supported by the latest research conducted by the Department of Education, which found that fewer students opted to write mathematics in 2019 compared to learners between 2014 and 2018. At the same time, academic performance amongst learners who did write Mathematics decreased significantly, with 54,6% of candidates achieving 30% and above in 2019, and a mere 35% of learners achieving 40% or above. “The reason for this poor performance is that students do not fully comprehend key areas such as functions and graphs, calculus, probability, geometry and trigonometry. Learners do not understand the logic behind these Mathematical concepts, which is compounded by an over-reliance on past examination papers for revision. Hence, we see students struggling with complex procedures and problem solving, which together form 45% of the exam.” Eadie explained. At the workshops, which were conducted in both English and Afrikaans, The Answer Series also announced the launch of Maths Majors, a new community forum for Maths teachers to share knowledge, grow confidence and work together to overcome common challenges in the classroom. In addition, the organisation is also providing free e-books for teachers as well as video lessons for Grade 12s as part of its mission to further education in South Africa. George Eadie, CEO of The Answer Series, concludes: “By helping teachers, we jointly raise the standard of education in South Africa. Key to this is imparting confidence in teachers, which we aim to do by providing learning resources and materials for both staff and students, so that they can overcome their fears and become masters in their subject.” To find out more about how The Answer Series is empowering confidence in teachers, go to https://www.theanswer.co.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

NASASA warns against illegal pyramid or Ponzi schemes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 There are roughly 810 000 active stokvel groups, consisting of over 11 million South Africans, collecting an estimated R50 billion annually. According to the National Stokvel Association of South Africa (NASASA), there are roughly 810 000 active stokvel groups, consisting of over 11 million South Africans, collecting an estimated R50 billion annually. Nearly 40% of South Africa’s adult population are members of a stokvel. Recently there has been an increase in illegal pyramid schemes or Ponzi schemes, which continue to pop up around South Africa. These schemes defraud many unsuspecting South Africans of their hard-earned money, with the promise of fast financial returns every year. It is critical that South Africans are able to tell the difference between a stokvel and an illegal pyramid and/or Ponzi scheme. A stokvel is defined as a savings or investment society in which a group of people agree to save money together for a defined purpose, by way of contributing a fixed amount of money over a specific period of time. Originally stokvels were known as “stock fairs” dating back to the 19th century by English settlers in the Eastern cape as a rotating cattle auction. This was an in person gathering, and attendance was key for participation. The foundation of such a culture was trust. This financial vehicle has since evolved into a unique financial system created within communities by members and for members, built on need, trust and a common goal for financial liberation. The stokvel market has grown remarkably and, over time, the types of stokvels have increased significantly from rotational, grocery, investment, burial right down to social stokvels. Stokvels have become a key financial vehicle that many people rely on, amassing revenue in the billions. The increasing numbers, financial potential and popularity of stokvels has resulted in scammers trying to swindle stokvel groups out of their hard-earned savings and investments by posing as a lucrative investment scheme or some other form of financial breakthrough opportunity. Scammers often pose as legitimate stokvels, investment schemes or property stokvels but in reality, are nothing more than get rich quick schemes in the form of a Ponzi or pyramid scheme. “At NASASA, we want to educate on, protect and preserve this financial system which is a legitimate means for many to achieve financial stability and wellbeing,” says Miziyonke Mtshali, Chief Executive Officer at NASASA. It is important to NASASA to ensure that members of stokvels are protected from scammers, this can only be done through education and awareness, by ensuring that members are always able to distinguish between a legitimate stokvel and an illegal Ponzi or pyramid scheme. The most known and popular mechanisms which scammers use are pyramid schemes and Ponzi schemes. Being able to identify these scams is key to safeguarding yourself from them. A pyramid scheme requires its members to recruit other people as members and the few top-level members recruit newer members, who pay upfront costs, to those who enrolled them. In fact, money simply exchanges hands with no real economic activity or products attached and is just a smoke screen to hide the pyramid scheme. Significant returns are derived from the recruitment of people, with the majority of financial return being made by the top tier people through administration fees charged to new recruits. With a Ponzi scheme, members are promised huge returns within a short period of time and are based on fraudulent investment management services, which are disguised as legitimate business investments. Members contribute money to the “portfolio manager” who promises them a high return. When those members want their money back, they are paid out with the incoming funds contributed by participants who join at a later stage. By merely transferring funds from one client to another, there is no real investment product at all. In terms of a legitimate and sustainable savings vehicle, a stokvel works because many people find it easier to save when they do it in a group. A stokvel member knows where his/her money is kept and when and how much will be paid out. Furthermore, most stokvel members know each other and have a genuine and enduring relationship, based on trust. Anyone who has any queries, or wants to know more, please email info@mswsa.co.za . For more information about stokvels, go to www.nasasa.co.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Welkom terug aan die Graad 7's en Graad 12’s Ligbron JJ Learskool Skool Ligbron 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 9 Junie 2020 Leerders van Grade 7 en 12 is met ope arms terug verwelkom. Al die plaaslike skole het op Maandag, 8 Junie, hul Graad 7 en Graad 12 leerders terug verwelkom. Al die skole het die nodige maatreëls toegepas om te verseker dat die skool, asook die klaskamers, veilig en skoon is vir die leerders. Die Tribune wil graag al die leerders verwelkom, en sterkte toewens met die rowwe tyd wat voorlê. < Previous Article Next Article >

Pollution on the daily irks business owners 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 19 April 2022 "And it’s not just here. Look around Ermelo, there’s refuse lining every street.” Business owners in Ennis Street are having a hard time with pollution of all kinds right on their shopfront’s doorsteps. Near-daily gatherings of individuals in this area cause the roadway, sidewalks and parking areas of surrounding businesses to become the ultimate party site. Large pile of glass bottles have been spotted on the sidewalk, with the refuse bin, ironically, being nearly empty. The roadway, sidewalks and parking area of the surrounding businesses are littered with a myriad of empty liquor bottles, food containers and shards of glass from bottles being shattered in drunken stupor. “It’s really troubling to see that this issue is ongoing, with no reprieve from authorities or law enforcement. My shopfront and parking area is littered daily with bottles, glass shards, other refuse, and even human feaces. I have to clean this area, and I don’t even sell liquor,” an irate business owner told the Tribune. “I’m not the only one. Look at the entire area here. It’s unacceptable. My customers have to drive on eggs when visiting my shop to avoid the shards of glass slicing their tyres. It’s making everything more difficult than it needs to be. And it’s not just here. Look around Ermelo, there’s refuse lining every street.” While on scene, the Tribune noticed two municipal employees gingerly cleaning the shard-strewn road, and picking up a large amount of liquor bottles lining the street and sidewalk. An enquiry will be sent to Msukaligwa Local Municipality, and the response published in the next publication. See more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Local talent secures finalist-spot 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 29 June 2021 The sprightly and go-getter attitude of Nompumelelo has made her an ideal candidate. 22-Year-old Nompumelelo Mabona, a chemical engineering student at Vaal University of Technology, has been selected as a finalist for Miss Township South Africa 2021. Nompumelelo hails from Siyabuswa, Extension D. The sprightly and go-getter attitude of Nompumelelo has made her an ideal candidate. “I am doing my final year as a finalist, and I am required to raise 50 pads for underprivileged girls at school or orphanages. I entered the pageant in order to create a difference, and I aim to create awareness on sanitary pad donations. I would like to see that my community outreach will reach as broad a audience as possible. I am also an upcoming writer, and I aim to publish my first novel this year, titled “Tears Blinding, A Depressed Black Child”. I am hunting to find a publishing company that will be willing to publish my book on their platform.” Nompumelelo would like to thank everyone for their support on her journey thus far. If you would like to become involved in a project with Nompumelelo, you may contact her via WhatsApp on 072 035 0519. < Previous Article Next Article >