Help the SANBS avoid crisis 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 11 September 2020 “We are experiencing a high demand for blood from hospitals and are in dire need of blood donations across the country. Our Group O blood stocks have dropped significantly and we are appealing to all South Africans to donate a unit of blood in aid of those who need it most,” petitioned Silungile Mlambo, SANBS Chief Marketing Officer. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is currently experiencing critical blood shortages. At a time when people are understandably focused on staying safe and avoiding contracting the COVID-19 infection, little concern is available for much else. COVID-19 restrictions have severely limited our ability to collect adequate blood stocks, particularly because we are not able to access schools, tertiary institutions and corporates, to host blood drives. As a result, our blood stocks have dropped significantly. We are hoping, however, that donors who are due to donate are able to find the time to make a difference to the lives of others by donating blood. SANBS aims to collect an average of 3000 units of blood every day, nationally. It is through planned, sustainable blood drives at companies, institutions and communities that we are able to achieve this collection target. They are appealing to the public to make venues available to us for mobile blood drives. Suitable venues include accessible spaces which are open to the public and large enough to ensure social distancing can be practiced. Read more in the next publication of the Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

Stylvolle sportsterre. En stylvol was die Liggies beslis! Mnr & Me Liggie 2022 met trots aangewys Foto deur Wayne Thomas Photography. Foto deur Wayne Thomas Photography. 1/1 Share Supplied Content 16 August 2022 Stylvolle sportsterre. En stylvol was die Liggies beslis! Tema: Stylvolle sportsterre. En stylvol was die Liggies beslis! Die beoordelaars moes behoorlik kopkrap om tussen die glinsterende Liggies te kies. Die aanbieder, die pragtige Bianca Le Grange, het ook luister aan die aand verleen. Die volgende toekennings is gemaak: Mej Lggie: Cecilia Venter, 1ste Prinses: Lindokuhle Mahlangu, 2de Prinses: Janneke de Villiers, Mej Fotogenies: Mianke Kwakernaak en Mej Persoonlikheid: Siyanda Maduna. Mnr Liggie: Kyle Alves, 1ste Prins: Diean Swart, 2de Prins: Praise Ngubeni, Mnr Fotogenies: Ndumiso Motha en Mnr Persoonlikheid: Ulrich Kleynhans. The Liggies sparkled on the stage and made it quite difficult for the judges to decide who should walk away with the prizes. Congratulations to: Miss Liggie: Cecilia Venter, 1st Princess: Lindokuhle Mahlangu, 2nd Princess: Janneke de Villiers, Miss Photogenic: Mianke Kwakernaak and Miss Personality: Siyanda Maduna. Mr Liggie: Kyle Alves, 1st Prince: Diean Swart, 2nd Prince: Praise Ngubeni, Mr Photogenic: Ndumiso Motha and Mr Personality: Ulrich Kleynhans. (LB) < Previous Article Next Article >

Brace for year of increased load shedding 1/1 Share Content Supplied 15 November 2022 Generating units at Grootvlei, Hendrina and Camden power stations will also be taken offline over the next five years. Starting over the next few weeks, Eskom will embark on some major capital investment projects and major repairs that carry significant risk and that will serve to further increase the implementation of loadshedding. These risk factors will remove more than 2 300MW of generating capacity from the system. Eskom cautions the public to anticipate the increased risk of loadshedding until these problems are resolved over the next six to 12 months. Of serious concern is the high levels of unplanned outages, which contributed to the 155 days of loadshedding experienced since January. To limit the stages of loadshedding, Eskom had to heavily rely on the extensive use of open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs), burning millions of litres of diesel. “Due to the vulnerability and unpredictability of the power system, coupled with the major capital projects, maintenance and major repairs to be executed starting during the next few months, the risk of continued loadshedding remains quite high,” said Jan Oberholzer, Eskom Group Chief Operating Officer. On 08 December 2022 Unit 1 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which has enjoyed 384 days of uninterrupted supply today, will be shut down for normal maintenance and refuelling, and the replacement of the three Steam Generators (SGR) as part of the long-term operation to extend the operating life of Africa’s only nuclear power station. The most reliable of Eskom’s generation machines, the unit is anticipated to return to service during June 2023. This will remove 920MW of generation capacity from the national grid during this time. Koeberg Unit 2 was returned to service after a forced shutdown to remedy the control rod slippage issue and has been operating for 51 days today. The 23 October 2022 duct (chimney) structural collapse that has shut down Unit 1 of the Kusile Power Station; and the decision to delay the return to service of Units 2 and 3 as a precautionary measure, has inflicted another serious blow to Eskom’s efforts to improve the availability of electricity generation capacity and to reduce the implementation of loadshedding. This loss of the Kusile units has added additional strain to an already constrained generation system. Unit 4 is the only one currently on load at Kusile. The extent of the damage to the Kusile duct system will be established over the next few weeks as investigations into the structural failure pick up speed. The investigations into the duct failure will also establish whether there is any risk to Unit 3 of Kusile, whose chimney is also housed in the same stack as the other two units. This will determine whether it can be returned to service. Unit 3 was online at the time of the duct failure and continued generating at a steady pace for a week. What can be said with certainty at this point is that returning the Kusile units to service is still at least a few months away. “This is the reality of operating a shrunken generation system bereft of any reserve margin - every single breakdown pushes the whole system to the edge,” said Oberholzer. “This loss of capacity, temporary as it is, will make for a very challenging summer season, particularly as this is our peak planned maintenance period where a number of units at various power stations have to be shut down to conduct much needed maintenance.” While Eskom works on returning these large units to service, we will have to continue limping along to meet demand for electricity, particularly over the next six to 12 months, said Oberholzer. This means Eskom continues to experience a tough period in terms of its generation operations, especially on the coal generation side of the business, with the year-to-date energy availability factor (EAF) falling to the current 58.53%. The high levels of planned maintenance, impacted by a high rate of breakdowns, contributed to the low EAF. There has, however, been some notable progress and sustained good performance on several aspects of the business. Coal stock levels are healthy at an average of 35 days, excluding Medupi. Including Medupi, this doubles the coal stock-days to just under 70. Rain Readiness plans have proven to be resilient and have ably withstood the unusually high summer rainfall season last year, which included heavy storms that caused considerable damage in some parts of the country with critical generation infrastructure. The plans are in place for the current rainy season. “All coal-fired power stations plans have been stress-tested to ensure they are again able to withstand the high rainfall period,” said Thomas Conradie, the Acting Managing Director for Generation. The Transmission and Distribution divisions are performing to expectation. However, increased equipment failure, theft and vandalism on the transmission and distribution networks negatively impact operations, safety, and reliability. Electricity theft and non-payment continues to manifest as both operational and financial risk. Kusile Unit 4 achieved commercial operation on 01 June 2022, ahead of the expected target date of January 2023, and is currently producing the maximum 720MW. This brings the capacity brought to the national grid through the New Build Programme since 2005 to a total of 15 533MW. A fire during commissioning in the Gas Air Heater of Kusile Unit 5 on 17 September 2022 has delayed the commercial operation of this unit by an estimated 12 months. The unit was scheduled to be synchronised to the grid early 2023 and contribute to the grid during capability tests prior to commercial operation, which was planned for the middle of 2023. Some of the existing generation capacity must be taken offline as the older power stations reach retirement age and the end of their licenced operating lives. The last unit of Komati Power Station was taken offline in October. Generating units at Grootvlei, Hendrina and Camden power stations must also be taken offline over the next five years as they will reach the end of their licenced operating lives. Within its own scope of influence, Eskom has led initiatives that will result in four independent power producers to invest at least R40 billion in new renewable plants on land leased at four of its power stations. This will produce at least 2 000MW in new generation capacity on approximately 6 200hectares of land over the next few years years. This is the first phase of the land lease programe, which will raise hundreds of billions in renewable energy investment without any underwriting recourse to Eskom and the taxpayer. To contribute to closing the supply gap, Eskom will repurpose these power stations and take advantage of the existing Transmission infrastructure in these facilities and convert these coal-fired power stations to renewable sources. This not only allows Eskom to continue generating much-needed electricity in these and other areas, but also to continue extending economic opportunities to the host communities under its Just Energy Transition programme. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Sondag, 28 Maart, ongeveer 02:30, het daar ‘n grusame botsing tussen ‘n Volkswagen Polo en ‘n Volkswagen Amarok plaasgevind. Die Polo het in Voortrekker Straat af gery, en die Amarok van De Emigratie Weg, waar die bestuurder van die werk afgekom het en oppad huis toe was. Die bestuurder van die Polo die rooi verkeerslig verontagsaam, en dit het daartoe gelei dat die bestuurder van die Amarok, vir wie die verkeerslig groen was, met hul gebots het. Die Polo het gerol met die impak van die botsing, en het op sy dak tot stilstand gekom by die verkeerslig voor McDonald’s. Van die ses insittendes in die Polo, waarvan drie op die toneel oorlede is, het twee het ernstige beserings opgedoen, en een ligte besering. Die twee wat ernstige beserings opgedoen het, is deur die Ermelo Provinsiale Ambulansdiens behandel, en die ligte besering pasiënt is deur ER24 na Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal geneem vir mediese behandeling. Die bestuurder van die Amarok het geen beserings opgedoen nie. ER24, EMS, Ermelo SAPS, Msukwaliga Fire and Rescue, ETS Insleepdienste, Ermelo Forensies en die verkeer offisiere was op die toneel. Een van die insittendes, wat ernstige beserings opgedoen het, is later ook oorlede in die hospitaal as gevolg van ‘n breinbesering. Daar word ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap gedoen om die verkeersreëls te gehoorsaam, asook om die COVID-19 regulasies en aandklok reëls na te kom. Grusame ongeluk eis vier lewens Grusame ongeluk eis vier lewens 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 30 March 2021 Een van die insittendes, wat ernstige beserings opgedoen het, is later oorlede in die hospitaal as gevolg van ‘n breinbesering. Op Sondag, 28 Maart, ongeveer 02:30, het daar ‘n grusame botsing tussen ‘n Volkswagen Polo en ‘n Volkswagen Amarok plaasgevind. Die Polo het in Voortrekker Straat af gery, en die Amarok van De Emigratie Weg, waar die bestuurder van die werk afgekom het en oppad huis toe was. Die bestuurder van die Polo die rooi verkeerslig verontagsaam, en dit het daartoe gelei dat die bestuurder van die Amarok, vir wie die verkeerslig groen was, met hul gebots het. Die Polo het gerol met die impak van die botsing, en het op sy dak tot stilstand gekom by die verkeerslig voor McDonald’s. Van die ses insittendes in die Polo, waarvan drie op die toneel oorlede is, het twee het ernstige beserings opgedoen, en een ligte besering. Die twee wat ernstige beserings opgedoen het, is deur die Ermelo Provinsiale Ambulansdiens behandel, en die ligte besering pasiënt is deur ER24 na Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal geneem vir mediese behandeling. Die bestuurder van die Amarok het geen beserings opgedoen nie. ER24, EMS, Ermelo SAPS, Msukwaliga Fire and Rescue, ETS Insleepdienste, Ermelo Forensies en die verkeer offisiere was op die toneel. Een van die insittendes, wat ernstige beserings opgedoen het, is later ook oorlede in die hospitaal as gevolg van ‘n breinbesering. Daar word ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap gedoen om die verkeersreëls te gehoorsaam, asook om die COVID-19 regulasies en aandklok reëls na te kom. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Baie geluk aan elkeen van hierdie Erries. EHS is besonder trots op hierdie uitsonderlike prestasie!” Erries vaar uitstekend tydens ATKV 2020 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 17 November 2020 “Baie geluk aan elkeen van hierdie Erries. EHS is besonder trots op hierdie uitsonderlike prestasie!” Vier Graad 12-leerders van Hoërskool Ermelo is aangewys as deel van die Mpumalanga top twintig in die ATKV-Senior Afrikaanse Olimpiade: Zara Büchling behaal 76,67% en eindig sewende. Sy is ook onder die top 100 Nasionaal. Alana Leibbrandt neem twaalfde plek in met 74%, Lianie Jansen van Vuuren is sestiende met 70% en André Strauss is nommer twintig met 68,67%. “Baie geluk aan elkeen van hierdie Erries. EHS is besonder trots op hierdie uitsonderlike prestasie!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Eskom Board initiates investigation against CEO 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 March 2021 The allegation not only brings Eskom into disrepute, but it also threatens to detract and distract the focus of the Executive Team and the GCE in particular from their critical job of restoring Eskom to operational and financial sustainability. Media Statement - In light of the allegation of racism that has been made in the public domain against Group Chief Executive (GCE) André de Ruyter, the Eskom Board of Directors has resolved to initiate an investigation in order to establish the veracity and the basis to the allegation. The allegation not only brings Eskom into disrepute, but it also threatens to detract and distract the focus of the Executive Team and the GCE in particular from their critical job of restoring Eskom to operational and financial sustainability. The Board will appoint an independent Senior Counsel to conduct the investigation. The Counsel will be empowered to interview any person that may be of assistance in the probe, and consider any evidence, and will then report back to the Board and make recommendations. The Board unanimously and unequivocally stands against racism and sexism, and for transformation and employment equity. Simultaneously, however, the Board has instructed the executive to promote a high-performance culture to enable the critically important turnaround at Eskom to be delivered as soon as possible. In the event anyone has any reason to feel aggrieved because of racist or sexist behaviour, this must be raised by using the well-established internal grievance processes, which will ensure that such allegations are properly investigated, and if found to be warranted, will result in disciplinary action in accordance with labour law, against the perpetrator of such unacceptable behaviour. The Board is aware of, and grateful to the majority of Eskom employees who work hard in fulfilling their duties, which are of national importance in providing reliable and affordable electricity to South Africa. The Board is committed to transparency and will provide updates at critical stages of the investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

Congratulations to our Grade 10 bridge building team, who have won the SAICE Highveld bridge building competition. Die trofee gaan aan Ligbron 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH Congratulations to our Grade 10 bridge building team, who have won the SAICE Highveld bridge building competition. Die Graad 10 span het die Hoëveld SAICE Brugbou kompetisie gewen, en die trofee is deur Koketso Kgatle en Johann Veldman aan hulle oorhandig. “Baie geluk aan Beverly Kirsten, Thando Motsoane, Luhlelo Motha en mnr. Andrew Els met die uitstekende prestasie! Congratulations to our Grade 10 bridge building team, who have won the SAICE Highveld bridge building competition. Koketso Kgatle and Johann Veldman visited Ligbron to hand over the well-deserved trophy.” Op die foto verskyn (v.l.n.r): mnr. Andrew Els (vakonderwyser), Luhlelo Motha, Thando Motsoane, Beverly Kirsten, Koketso Kgatle, Johann Veldman, mnr. Gerhard Brand (hoof), mev. Lenie van Zyl (Adjunk hoof), mnr. Antonie Swanepoel (Senior Adjunk hoof). < Previous Article Next Article >

Kiette personeel verwerf diplomas 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 20 July 2021 “Ons is ook baie trots op twee van ons personeellede, Cherise van Dyk en Bernadette Gibbon, wat onlangs elkeen 'n Boekhouding diploma verwerf het deur die Universiteit van Kaapstad. Ten spyte van die uitdagings wat die land tans beleef, het albei hulle diploma met lof geslaag.” Kiette Rekenmeesters, gebasser in Ermelo, vier vanjaar 4 jaar se bestaan in bedryf, en wil graag groot dank uitspreek aan hul lojale kliënte. Hul het gegroei vanaf 'n klein, nederige begin, tot 'n gevestigde naam in die omgewing, met 'n kliëntebasis regoor Suid-Afrika. Kiette Rekenmeesters registreer tans as 'n SAICA opleidingskantoor, en verwelkom hul eerste leerlingrekenmeester in 2022. “Ons is ook baie trots op twee van ons personeellede, Cherise van Dyk en Bernadette Gibbon, wat onlangs elkeen 'n Boekhouding diploma verwerf het deur die Universiteit van Kaapstad. Ten spyte van die uitdagings wat die land tans beleef, het albei hulle diploma met lof geslaag.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Driver’s license renewals extended to 2022 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 Mbalula said that a total of 1.2 million expired licences still had to be renewed. The blame has been put on corrupt officials and faulty equipment for the backlog. All learner’s licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expired between 26 March 2020 and 31 August 2021 are deemed to be valid, and their validity periods are extended for a further grace period ending on 31 March 2022. Transport minister, Fikile Mbalula, has announced the extension in the Government Gazette. “To give motorists a fair opportunity to renew their licences, while we are rolling out a number of measures to improve efficiencies and resolve challenges, we have decided to extend further the grace period for the renewal of licences,” Mbalula stated. Due to the impact of the pandemic, road users have struggled with renewal appointments for their licence cards at license offices, which has led to a massive backlog of more than 50 000 applications. Mbalula said that a total of 1.2 million expired licences still had to be renewed. The blame has been put on corrupt officials and faulty equipment for the backlog. Mbabula’s announcement comes after calls from civil action organization, OUTA, to extend the grace period after it received complaints from many frustrated motorists about the booking process. OUTA welcomed the extension, but asked why the government had left the issue and until the last minute. In turn, the Democratic Alliance has made many proposals to fix the process, including scrapping the online booking system and allowing motorists to do walk-in renewals. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Rotary gives the love 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 "What an awesome feeling to be able to make a difference in her & her families daily life.” On Wednesday, 17 March2021, Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club visited Emmerentia Grové to gift her a wheelchair. At 94 years young, Emmerentia was in desperate need for a wheel chair after a tough year in 2020 medically. Club Secretary Lawrence Wood said “It is a pleasure & privilege to be able to assist with Emmerentia’s first wheel chair. What an awesome feeling to be able to make a difference in her & her families daily life.” He also thanks those who supports Phoenix Rotary to make this possible. While Emmerentia said she is “very, very thankful. Since November last year, it has been harder to see and move around, so will always treasure this gesture from Ermelo Phoenix Rotary.” - Information published as received from Ermelo Rotary . < Previous Article Next Article >

Bethal is nou lank genoeg as die ongewenste stiefkind behandel. Die VF Plus gaan hierdie kwessie na die provinsiale departement van samewerkende regering verwys vir ondersoek en om sodoende aanspreeklikheid by die munisipaliteit af te dwing. Bethal lank genoeg as GMM stiefkind behandel The embattled GMM. The embattled GMM. 1/1 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 25 Augustus 2020 Bethal is nou lank genoeg as die ongewenste stiefkind behandel. Die VF Plus gaan hierdie kwessie na die provinsiale departement van samewerkende regering verwys vir ondersoek en om sodoende aanspreeklikheid by die munisipaliteit af te dwing. Mediaverklaring - Bethal het die afgelope week soms tot so lank as 24 uur geen kragvoorsiening gehad nie. Sake-ondernemings, ouetehuise en inwoners het groot ongerief en skade gely in die proses. Volgens bronne in die Govan Mbeki-plaaslike munisipaliteit het munisipale elektrisiëns moontlik doelbewus die krag na die dorp vir hierdie lang periodes afgesny aangesien hulle glo nie besoldig is vir oortyd-werk nie. Munisipale amptenare het later bevestig dat hierdie werknemers die vereiste werktyd van 40-uur per week oorskry het en dat betaling vir oortyd nie gemagtig is nie. Die VF Plus sal ondersoek instel na hierdie beweringe en indien dit waar is, sal die skuldige persone verantwoording moet doen. Dit is onaanvaarbaar dat dienslewering in Bethal gestriem word deur onbevoegdheid, munisipale wanadministrasie en binnegevegte. Die gebeure versterk die mening van die VF Plus dat Bethal en Emzinoni van die groter Govan Mbeki-munisipaliteit geskei moet word. Bethal is nou lank genoeg as die ongewenste stiefkind behandel. Die VF Plus gaan hierdie kwessie na die provinsiale departement van samewerkende regering verwys vir ondersoek en om sodoende aanspreeklikheid by die munisipaliteit af te dwing. < Previous Article Next Article >

Two Grade 12 learners of the class of 2020 are featured in this week’s edition of the You magazine, where they share their experience during lockdown. Liggies skitter in die Huisgenoot 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 Two Grade 12 learners of the class of 2020 are featured in this week’s edition of the You magazine, where they share their experience during lockdown. Kyk gerus na dié week se uitgawe van die Huisgenoot, waarin twee Liggies hulle Graad 12 ervaring tydens COVID-19 deel. Two Grade 12 learners of the class of 2020 are featured in this week’s edition of the You magazine, where they share their experience during lockdown. < Previous Article Next Article >