Ziyanda crowned as Miss Inspire SA 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2021 Ziyanda is a guiding star during these trying times for many young women. Ziyanda Malope, a 20-year-old success story, was born and raised in Ermelo, and was also awarded the prestigious crown as Miss Inspire SA. Making her mark during her school career, her rise to inspiration came from a young age. Ziyanda boasts the title of school sports captain, and also received a youth camp certificate, awarding her as the best leader. The Miss Inspire SA National pageant places priority on community development, and making a difference in your own life, as well as the lives of others. The pageant is open to all young women across South Africa in various categories, irrespective of race, religion, creed size or shape. The pageant prides itself on having no physical requirements. Ziyanda is currently in her third year as BA in Community Development and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg. Crowned in October 2020 during a marked pageant, she now grows from strength to strength, and spearheads a community based organization called the Ziyanda Malope Foundation, which aims to focus on the empowerment of teenagers and women, running educational programmes for school learners and community projects. She is extremely passionate about community services and assistance, lending a helping hand where needed. “My vision is to shift focus to the positive, and to be a rolemodel for young women in rural areas. I also aim to assist young women in the rural areas to make the right life decisions, and to steer clear of substance abuse and teenage pregnancy. You can achieve anything in life through hard work and dedication.” she concluded. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has made everything in our daily lives a little bleaker, Ziyanda is a guiding star during these trying times for many young women. < Previous Article Next Article >

Brackenfell Boys maak hulle harte oop 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 February 2021 Die doel agter die pret was om alles wat hulle insamel vir die kinderhuis te skenk. Die Brackenfell Boys, naamlik Pieter Pretorius, John Whatley, Ruan Prinsloo en LC Macfarlene, het begin met eenvoudige en snaakse uitdagings op hulle sosiale bladyse, insluitend Instagram. Die vier manne het op Saterdag, 13 Januarie, by die Game verkeerslig gestaan en geld ingesamel. Elkeen van hulle moes hul eie inisiatief uitdink om geld in te samel. Hulle het vanaf 10:00 tot 11:00 die gemeenskap vermaak, en het ‘n volle R5200 ingesamel. Die doel agter die pret was om alles wat hulle insamel vir die kinderhuis te skenk. “Die Brackenfell Boys wil vir elke persoon wat ‘n bydrae gemaak het dankie sê, ons wardeer dit opreg uit ons harte uit.” Op die foto verskyn die trotse Brackenfell Boys wat die gemeenskap vermaak het om geld in te samel vir die kinderhuis. Op die foto staan (v.l.n.r) Ruan Prinsloo, Pieter Pretorius, LC Macfarlene en John Whatley. < Previous Article Next Article >

2 500 SASSA social relief payouts processed 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. Applications are made electronically to avoid scams roving on social platforms. To apply, citizens may also send a WhatsApp to 082 046 8553, enter USSD code *134*7737#, send an e-mail to srd@sassa.gov.za , or contact the call centre on 0800 60 1011 or 013 754 9428/54. Payment will be effected through choices of bank account, e-wallet, cash send or through the post office. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Multi-million Rand white elephant 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Circa 2016, Msukaligwa Local Municipality took it upon themselves to erect a fence surrounding the Pet Dam, which would have been part of the supposed reform of the Pet Dam and surroundings. The BetaView fence, which is over 700 meters long, was erected amidst severe disgust and disapproval from the community, and at a staggering cost. Concerns have also been raised regarding the dubious quality of the fence erected. According to BetaView, their products carry a warranty of ten years against corrosive elements. The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. However, nothing has come of the touted reform project, and the fence has since been left to rust away, being systematically vandalized and damaged. The fence has fallen victim to sever lack of maintenance, with no attempt at maintenance and upkeep from MLM. The point of the fence is now moot, as the fence has been extensively damaged in several sections, and at this time, serves no other purpose than being an eyesore to residents, travelers and tourists. < 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 >

The rescheduled dates will be conveyed to the public in advance as to ensure that residents that are affected have time to implement precautionary measures for activities taking place on the dates to be announced. Planned interruption postponed 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 8 October 2021 The rescheduled dates will be conveyed to the public in advance as to ensure that residents that are affected have time to implement precautionary measures for activities taking place on the dates to be announced. Yesterday, 7 October, Msukaligwa Local Municipality ruffled more than a few feathers with the announcement of a four-day electrical outage, during which time maintenance of the 11/88KV substation in Ermelo, Extension 18. The public notice has been rescinded. Speaking to the municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, he confirmed that the notice has been rescinded, and that the scheduled maintenance will no longer be taking place on the dates stated. The spokesman has, however, confirmed that the maintenance has not been canceled, but will be rescheduled to a different datestamp. The spokesman has also confirmed that the outage will indeed be for four days due to the extensive nature of the maintenance. All avenues will be explored in an attempt to shorten the length of the outage. The withdrawal of the notice is due to the contracted company that will be responsible for the maintenance erring in the estimation of the time that the maintenance will take to complete. The municipality has stated that it would convey the adjusted dates to the public as soon as it is confirmed. The municipality would also like to take the opportunity to apologize for any inconvenience caused, and stated that it is aware of the impact that the outage will have on the community, including students who write exams and attend classes via online platforms. The rescheduled dates will be conveyed to the public in advance as to ensure that residents that are affected have time to implement precautionary measures for activities taking place on the dates to be announced. < 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 >

Op Woensdag, 14 Julie 2021, was daar ‘n groot vergadering gehou by die Ermelo Inn, wat die gemeenskap kon bywoon om te beplan hoe om Ermelo te beskerm teen geweldadigers wat ons dorp wil kom vernietig. Ongeveer 100 inwoners van Ermelo het die vergadering bygewoon en saam gestaan. Op dié aand het die lede van die gemeenskap omstreeks 20:00 by die Ermelo SAPD stasie bymekaar gekom, en daar was die reëlings aan almal deur gegee, en ook die missie van die projek. Die lede was in gedeel in verskeie groepe, waar elke ingang van die dorp gemoniteer was deur lede. Elke voertuig wat die dorp wou in- of uitgaan was deursoek, asook aangevra waarheen hul oppad was. Natuurlik, na die inperkingstyd van 21:00 wat niemand meer buite hul wonings mag wees nie, moes daar ‘n permit wees wat bewys dat die persoon essentiële dienste lewer. Ermelo Buurtwag, Spartan Team, ACSU, SAPD, Afriforum asook die Ermelo Taxi Association het almal saam hande gevat. Daar was ook patrollie deur die dorp, asook deur die woonburte gery om te verseker dat almal veilig by hulle huise is. Seattle Coffee het ook hande gevat, en het vir die lede wat patrollie ry en buite in die koue was, ‘n koffie asook ‘n verversing gegee om hul dank te wys. Kol. Ngcobo, Stasie Bevelvoerder, het Woensdag aand aan die Tribune gesê die missie is dat Ermelo veilig bly, en dat hul verseker dat daar geen verdraagsaamheid van enige aard teenoor wetsoordtreders is nie. “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Kyk gerus op die Tribune Ermelo se Facebook blad vir meer foto’s, asook video’s. Ermelo gemeenskap staan saam en beveilig Ermelo Ermelo gemeenskap staan saam en beveilig Ermelo 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 20 July 2021 “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Op Woensdag, 14 Julie 2021, was daar ‘n groot vergadering gehou by die Ermelo Inn, wat die gemeenskap kon bywoon om te beplan hoe om Ermelo te beskerm teen geweldadigers wat ons dorp wil kom vernietig. Ongeveer 100 inwoners van Ermelo het die vergadering bygewoon en saam gestaan. Op dié aand het die lede van die gemeenskap omstreeks 20:00 by die Ermelo SAPD stasie bymekaar gekom, en daar was die reëlings aan almal deur gegee, en ook die missie van die projek. Die lede was in gedeel in verskeie groepe, waar elke ingang van die dorp gemoniteer was deur lede. Elke voertuig wat die dorp wou in- of uitgaan was deursoek, asook aangevra waarheen hul oppad was. Natuurlik, na die inperkingstyd van 21:00 wat niemand meer buite hul wonings mag wees nie, moes daar ‘n permit wees wat bewys dat die persoon essentiële dienste lewer. Ermelo Buurtwag, Spartan Team, ACSU, SAPD, Afriforum asook die Ermelo Taxi Association het almal saam hande gevat. Daar was ook patrollie deur die dorp, asook deur die woonburte gery om te verseker dat almal veilig by hulle huise is. Seattle Coffee het ook hande gevat, en het vir die lede wat patrollie ry en buite in die koue was, ‘n koffie asook ‘n verversing gegee om hul dank te wys. Kol. Ngcobo, Stasie Bevelvoerder, het Woensdag aand aan die Tribune gesê die missie is dat Ermelo veilig bly, en dat hul verseker dat daar geen verdraagsaamheid van enige aard teenoor wetsoordtreders is nie. “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Kyk gerus op die Tribune Ermelo se Facebook blad vir meer foto’s, asook video’s. < 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 >

TLU calls for attention on farm murders 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 September 2020 “The minister lets farmers in the country down. Our borders are not protected, stock theft is ever-increasing, and farm attacks get more violent than ever. Our feedback indicates an alarming element of racial hatred during such attacks. The minister says he sees every murder on a South African as serious, but it is time for him to realize that race plays a role when it comes to farm attacks.” Mr. Geldenhuys stated. TLU SA calls on the minister of police, Mr. Bheki Cele, to clarify if farm attacks and murders receive the attention it so urgently requires. Even if, according to him, it does not enjoy the status of a National Priority Crime anymore. The minister recently said in parliament, in answer to a question from the DA, that these crimes are not classified as priority crimes. He said farm attacks fall under other severe crimes like murder, attempted murder, sexual attacks, assault and robbery. According to him, they handle these crimes under the SAPS’s National Rural Safety Strategy, implemented from 1 March 2020, and which will be in place for the next five years. “It seems like the minister is more concerned about semantics than human lives,” says Mr. Henry Geldenhuys, the president of TLU SA. “Research shows that these types of attacks and murders on farms contain other elements than the ‘normal’ cases of murder and robbery. The protection of our members, the farmers who produce the food South Africans eat every day, is the most important issue for TLU SA. The minister should know that farmers stand together and that they can paralyze the country when food production is affected.” The recent farm attacks across the country saw very high levels of violence and racial tension. The EFF’s continued rants about land issues and the minister calling commercial farmers disrespectful and allowing communities to yell and insult them only serve to increase the tension even more. “The minister lets farmers in the country down. Our borders are not protected, stock theft is ever-increasing, and farm attacks get more violent than ever. Our feedback indicates an alarming element of racial hatred during such attacks. The minister says he sees every murder on a South African as serious, but it is time for him to realize that race plays a role when it comes to farm attacks.” Mr. Geldenhuys concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Merino Mall baanbrekerseremonie ‘n reuse sukses 1/9 Share GK CRONJE 3 August 2021 Die ontwikkelaars is daartoe verbind om 'n winkelsentrum te bou met die vermoë om die kleinhandellandskap in Ermelo nog jare te oorheers en versterk. Volgens verteenwoordigers van die groepe is hierdie projek ‘n langtermyn belegging. Met groot opgewondenheid en styl ter ere aan Ermelo, was die baanbrekerseremonie van die grootskaalse konstrukieprojek deur die Moolman Groep en Abland aangebied op Dinsdag, 27 Julie 2021. Die Ermelo skouterrein is deur Moolman Group en Abland Ontwikkelaars geïdentifiseer as 'n uitstekende ligging vir die ontwikkeling van 'n plaaslike winkelsentrum. Die perseel, geleë op die hoeke van die snelweë N2 en N11, en naby die N17, is ook binne loopafstand van die Ermelo CBD. Volgens die Moolman Groep brei Ermelo se ekonomiese aktiwiteit uit na die noorde, verby Breyten, en dit maak hierdie perseel die ideale ligging vir 'n plaaslike winkelsentrum. Geen ander formele plaaslike winkelsentrum van hierdie skaal bestaan binne 'n radius van 100km van Ermelo af nie. Die ontwikkelaars is daartoe verbind om 'n winkelsentrum te bou met die vermoë om die kleinhandellandskap in Ermelo nog jare te oorheers en versterk. Volgens verteenwoordigers van die groepe is hierdie projek ‘n langtermyn belegging, waar die Moolman groep hand in hand sal stap met Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit. Die grond word op ‘n termyn van 60 jaar verhuur aan die groep, waar die lokale Sesman Kommitee sal baat uit die opbrengs. Gerugte dat die grond verkoop is aan die ontwikkelaars is dus ongegrond. Die ontwikkeling, wat na raming 60 weke sal vat om te voltooi, sal bestaan uit 'n volledig omheinde winkelsentrum van ongeveer 30 000 m², met die geleentheid vir toekomstige uitbreiding. Die anker huurders is bekendgestel as Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks, Crazy Plastics en Dischem. Ander attraksies sluit in Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki. The Cross Trainer, Queenspark, Refinery, Truworths, Identity, Mr. Price Clothing, Home- en Sport, Jet, Ackermans, Foschini, Sport Scene, Total Sports, PEP- en PEP Home, Studio 88, The Fix, Exact, Markham, Miladys, Tekkie Town, @Home, Sheet Street, Crazy Store, Nedbank, Capitec, FNB en vele meer. Die ontwikkeling sal 'n gekombineerde mark bedien wat bestaan uit die plaaslike inwoners, sowel as honderde pendelaars wat na- en deur Ermelo reis vanaf omliggende plattelandse en klein dorpies in die streek. Meer foto’s en video’s van die seremonie is beskikbaar op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >