Keep safe during municipal load shedding 1/0 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The increased occurrence of load shedding means also that there are more alarm activation signals received by armed response companies than usual. If the alarm is triggered because of a power surge, or because of load shedding, please contact your security company as soon as possible to cancel any false alarms. This helps ensure that armed response officers are allocated to legitimate emergencies. In light of the municipal load shedding, which has been ongoing since May 2020, residents have reported a spike in cases of burglaries, poisoning of animals and suspicious individuals skulking around under the shroud of darkness. With Msukaligwa Local Municipality dragging their feet and offering no reprieve or plan of action, the rotational load shedding can be expected to continue for the foreseeable future. This means that home owners, as well as business owners, need to make sure their alarm and security systems are tested regularly and in a working condition. These tests need to focus in particular on the battery backup systems, to ensure that it will still offer monitoring and protection when the power goes out. Many people are under the incorrect assumption that their alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted. However, if you have a stable and correctly programmed system, coupled with a battery that is in a good condition, it will continue to protect the premises during a power outage, regardless if the outage is because of load shedding or any other technical problem. The increased occurrence of load shedding means also that there are more alarm activations signals received by armed response companies than usual. If the alarm is triggered because of a power surge, or because of load shedding, please contact your security company as soon as possible to cancel any false alarms. This helps ensure that armed response officers are allocated to legitimate emergencies. This helps to free up call centre staff members to concentrate on legitimate incidents that they need to respond to. The only time any alarm system might not function correctly, is if there is a technical issue or the battery power is low. Most modern alarm systems have a back-up battery pack that activates automatically when there is a power failure. It is recommended to consider an additional battery backup pack, as load shedding puts additional strain on the battery. There are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during any power cuts, which includes always remaining vigilant, and reporting suspicious activity in your ward to the SAPS or security agency, and ensuring that all automated gates and doors are secured. With the added inconvenience of the lights going out at night due to power cuts, candles and touch-lights are handy alternatives. Test the battery backup system, and consider an additional battery pack for standby. Tests of alarm systems should ideally be conducted every six months. Power cuts can impact on fire systems and fire control systems, so these also need to be checked regularly. The best approach is to test your alarm system, for both your home and your business, and to make any fixes that are required as soon as you can. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. Hoërskool Ermelo stel nuwe adjunkhoof aan 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 2 March 2021 Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. Me Erna Schoeman is al vir langer as 25 jaar deel van Hoërskool Ermelo. Vandat sy in 1994 permanent as onderwyser aangestel is by EHS, het sy saam met die Erries gegroei, en op vele gebiede bygedra tot die vooruitgang van Hoërskool Ermelo. In 2016 word me Schoeman aangestel as departementshoof vir Engels. Haar liefde vir die vak, vir netbal en vir die leerders is duidelik te sien in haar toewyding wat sy ten toon stel. Me Schoeman is vanjaar aangestel as Akademiese-adjunkhoof van Hoërskool Ermelo. Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPS Ermelo requests the assistance of the community with regards to murder investigations currently ongoing. In the first investigation, Linda Nkosi (30) was stabbed ten times at the Sasol Garage on Saturday, 24 April 2021, at 01:30. The stabbing followed a fight with another male suspect over a girlfriend. In the second investigation, Bheki Mabuza was found with three stab wounds on the shoulder, and passed away at Ermelo provincial hospital. Anyone with information regarding these events can contact D/Cst Mkwanazi on 017 819 2321/082 373 8389. Ermelo SAPS needs your assistance Ermelo SAPS needs your assistance 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 27 April 2021 The stabbing followed a fight with another male suspect over a girlfriend. SAPS Ermelo requests the assistance of the community with regards to murder investigations currently ongoing. In the first investigation, Linda Nkosi (30) was stabbed ten times at the Sasol Garage on Saturday, 24 April 2021, at 01:30. The stabbing followed a fight with another male suspect over a girlfriend. In the second investigation, Bheki Mabuza was found with three stab wounds on the shoulder, and passed away at Ermelo provincial hospital. Anyone with information regarding these events can contact D/Cst Mkwanazi on 017 819 2321/082 373 8389. < Previous Article Next Article >

Vuurwapen amnestie word verleng 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 Augustus 2020 Die polisie het gesê geen vrywaring word toegestaan vir vuurwapens wat gebruik word om enige misdaad te pleeg nie, en alle vuurwapens wat ingehandig is, sal ballisties getoets word om te verseker dat dit nie gebruik is in die pleging van misdade voordat dit vir vernietiging oorweeg kan word nie. Onwettige vuurwapeneienaars kry 'n tweede kans met die nuwe vuurwapenperiode wat sal duur tot 31 Januarie 2021. Die vorige amnestietydperk was vanaf Desember verlede jaar tot Mei vanjaar, maar is deur die COVID-19 pandemie in die wiele gery. Die SAPS glo dat daar baie meer vuurwapens daarbuite is wat nog oorgegee moet word, en het die beperkings op Vlak 4 en 5 van grendeltyd verhinder dat mense hul onwettige, ongewenste en ongelisensieerde vuurwapens en ammunisie inslaan. Dit het die minister van SAPS, generaal Bheki Cele, genoop om die parlement te nader om 'n nuwe aansoek van 'n amnestietydperk van ses maande goed te keur. Die goedkeuring van die nuwe aansoek is sedertdien op 31 Julie vanjaar in die Staatskoerant gepubliseer, waardeur alle mense met onwettige of ongewenste vuurwapens sowel as ammunisie dit by hul naaste polisiekantoor kan inhandig. Die polisie het mense aangespoor om hierdie periode te benut om hul vuurwapens en ammunisie in te dien vir vernietiging, of hernuwing van 'n bevoegdheidsertifikaat en 'n geldige lisensie. Die jongste statistieke oor nasionale misdaad toon weereens dat vuurwapens die voorkeurwapen in die pleging van die meeste geweldsmisdaad was. Die vermindering van die sirkulasie van vuurwapens kan die plaag van geweldsmisdade heelwat verminder, en die amnestie van die vuurwapens beoog om 'n verminderde aantal vuurwapens wat onwettig besit in die land in omloop te sien. Dit bied dus vuurwapeneienaars die geleentheid om onwettige en ongewenste vuurwapens in te dien, wat sal lei tot die voorkoming van misdaad en die bevordering van veiligheid om te verseker dat mense wat in Suid-Afrika woon, veilig is en voel. Die polisie het gesê geen vrywaring word toegestaan vir vuurwapens wat gebruik word om enige misdaad te pleeg nie, en alle vuurwapens wat ingehandig is, sal ballisties getoets word om te verseker dat dit nie gebruik is in die pleging van misdade voordat dit vir vernietiging oorweeg kan word nie. Vir navrae oor vuurwapenamnestie, kontak 012 353 6111, of stuur 'n e-pos na cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Instances like these are extremely concerning in a province with huge infrastructure backlogs because it robs deserving residents of much needed service delivery. A municipality which is in financial distress can never be in a position to deliver services to its residents. Gross service delivery failure while grants remain unspent 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 21 September 2021 Instances like these are extremely concerning in a province with huge infrastructure backlogs because it robs deserving residents of much needed service delivery. A municipality which is in financial distress can never be in a position to deliver services to its residents. The shocking negligence from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) regarding the maintenance of the sewer system in Ermelo and surrounding areas, leaves many residents to grimly deal with raw sewage, and the stench and health risks associated with clogged sewer pipes. The sewer system in President Fouché Avenue has been neglected to such an extent that raw sewage bubbles from the manholes on an almost weekly basis. This area has been in the spotlight since 2014, and even earlier, where complaints are filed weekly but no hearing is given from MLM. No actual effort is made by MLM to solve the problem. To the bitter frustration of residents in the face of this mess, MLM, as well as ward councilors, wash their hands of it, with the relevant department of MLM half-heartedly unblocking the sewer pipes, instead of taking immediate action and solving the bigger problem of the infrastructure. MLM has even gone as far as to dig trenches to divert the sewage to the middle of the field, a tactic which has failed, as the sheer amount of sewage overflowing from the network lines the streets and soaks the fields and wetland. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also taken notice of the ballooning sewage pollution from MLM, and now calls on the Mpumalanga provincial government to intervene and help municipalities like eMalahleni and Msukaligwa as they are financially distressed and not in a position to deliver proper services to residents. “As revealed in the 2019/2020 Auditor-General’s (AG) report, Msukaligwa Local Municipality faces deepening financial crises which makes it difficult for them to provide services to residents. The AG noted that the municipality incurred a net loss of R76 348 177 during the financial year 2019/2020, and also that the municipality’s current liabilities exceeded their current assets by R923 548 805. Msukaligwa Local Municipality has either faced infrastructure backlogs, or projects were completely abandoned. Failure to spend their Conditional Infrastructure Grant (MIG) is also a cause of great concern. The situation is even made worse by the fact that there is lack of monitoring and oversight from provincial authorities. Msukaligwa Local Municipality has not utilized 95% of the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant. Instances like these are extremely concerning in a province with huge infrastructure backlogs because it robs deserving residents of much needed service delivery. A municipality which is in financial distress can never be in a position to deliver services to its residents. The DA will write to the MEC of COGTA, Busisiwe Shiba, asking her to intervene and assist the municipality.” Residents only have to be content with the faint excuse that they blame the constant problems on the fact that many homes are being illegally built and extended, without the approval of a building inspector or town planner. Other excuses include a lack of finances, lack of tools and machinery, and a series of other ridiculous bogus stories. MLM has also indicated in the past that expanding the number of residents is obviously overloading the already dilapidated sewer system. This is of little comfort to residents, and the complaints, investigations and the fact that MLM has been fingered as a main polluter of the Vaal Dam, rolls off the municipality like water from a duck’s back. See more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sy het twee video’s ingestuur vir die kategorie 15 tot 17 jaar “Backtrack Vocal”, waarvoor sy twee brons medaljes sowel as provinsiale kleure ontvang. Micaela ontvang ook ‘n aanbod van ‘n musiek studio in Johannesburg om ‘n “cover”-album op te neem. Errie behaal provinsiale kleure by Talent Africa Nationals 2020 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 11 Augustus 2020 Sy het twee video’s ingestuur vir die kategorie 15 tot 17 jaar “Backtrack Vocal”, waarvoor sy twee brons medaljes sowel as provinsiale kleure ontvang. Micaela ontvang ook ‘n aanbod van ‘n musiek studio in Johannesburg om ‘n “cover”-album op te neem. Miceala Erasmus, 'n Graad12-leerder van Hoërskool Ermelo, het onlangs aanlyn deelgeneem aan die Talent Africa Nationals 2020 kompetisie. Sy het twee video’s ingestuur vir die kategorie 15 tot 17 jaar “Backtrack Vocal”, waarvoor sy twee brons medaljes sowel as provinsiale kleure ontvang. Micaela ontvang ook ‘n aanbod van ‘n musiek studio in Johannesburg om ‘n “cover”-album op te neem. “Hartlik geluk, Micaela. Die Erries is besonder trots op jou! Mag jou stem vir almal wat dit hoor tot groot seen wees!” < Previous Article Next Article >

This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was held under the theme: “Do what you can with what you have and where you are”. GSDM hosts cleanup in Carolina 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 19 July 2022 This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was held under the theme: “Do what you can with what you have and where you are”. The bustling Kerk and Voortrekker Streets in Carolina were given a much-needed facelift during a clean-up campaign led by the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) Executive Mayor, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu, joined by the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental affairs Ms. Busisiwe Shiba and Executive Mayor of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality Cllr Dan Nkosi and local mining houses as part of the Nelson Mandela International Day celebrations on Monday, 18 July 2022. Heaps of litter was removed from the sidewalks and by-ways with shoppers and motorists urged to take good care of their immediate environment. Soon after the clean-up campaign, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu and delegation took time to spend time with senior citizens from surrounding farms at the Carolina Town Hall where the life and times of the late former statesman were celebrated. The senior citizens were showered with presents, which included blankets and food parcels as well as gardening tools and manure for them to start communal fruit and vegetable gardens. This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was held under the theme: “Do what you can with what you have and where you are”. < Previous Article Next Article >

Malaza stated that substantial amounts are being paid to Eskom, servicing an account that, according to him, may not be settled in the near future. Update: MLM budget announcement 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 15 June 2021 Malaza stated that substantial amounts are being paid to Eskom, servicing an account that, according to him, may not be settled in the near future. Amidst all-time high dissatisfaction from residents, and a new low in service delivery, the IDP budget has been announced by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), and has been slated as a multi-year budget. The MLM executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, delivered the budget announcement, and subsequently outlined the state of the municipality. He admitted that the municipality is currently in a mixed state, and that several backlogs have been ameliorated due to the purchase of new equipment. According to Mkhaliphi, MLM will no longer rely on private service providers for fault finding and other services and that service delivery will be fast tracked. According to the report, MLM acquired, since 2019, 15 new vehicles, a compactor truck, a sweage suction tanker, 2 TLB heavy machinery vehicles and 2 vehicles for traffic management. According to Mkhaliphi, this will reduce expenditure on contractors. However, water delivery to rural areas are still maintained by hired vehicles. The acting municipal manager, SI Malaza, further stated that with the assistance of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), the municipality has aquired 5 water tankers, a bulldozer for the landfill site, a waste compactor truck, crane truck, a TLB, 6 light delivery vehicles and 1 traffic vehicle. He further stated that the municipality struggles with ageing infrastructure, insufficient maintenance budget, as well as issues with revenue collection. MLM is currently implementing a financial recovery plan to enhance revenue. Another major setback involves electricity, cable and copper theft, as well as arson. Malaza stated that substantial amounts are being paid to Eskom, servicing an account that, according to him, may not be settled in the near future. According to the latest know figures, MLM has an arrangement of R180 634 883 with Eskom, with R35 000 000 already paid, and R145 634 883 being outstanding. It is unclear how these figures were calculated, or if these amounts are the interest or the capital amount owed. According to the last known report, MLM owed Eskom R172 million in August 2020. According to the MLM spokesman, Mandla Zwane, the municipality is on schedule with the arrangement between MLM and Eskom, and has stated that the NMD has remain unchanged since the court order forcing the lowered NMD to be restored. Find the detailed layout of the IDP in next week’s publication of the Tribune ePaper, including the services covered by MIG, departmental and WSIG funds. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Heart Of Middelburg celebrates 10 years in operation Appearing on the photo (f.l.t.r): Jabu Mokwena, handyman, Allen Snyman, operations manager, Nelly Shabalala, receptionist, Mike Tammadge, general manager, Morgan-Lee van der Walt, marketing manager, and Dennis Mukoma, security manager. Appearing on the photo (f.l.t.r): Jabu Mokwena, handyman, Allen Snyman, operations manager, Nelly Shabalala, receptionist, Mike Tammadge, general manager, Morgan-Lee van der Walt, marketing manager, and Dennis Mukoma, security manager. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 May 2022 Middelburg Mall offers a one-stop, family friendly shopping experience where convenience and safety are of utmost importance. Press release - 10 years of special Middelburg Moments shared with our shoppers, tenants, suppliers and contractors. When the Moolman Group and Flanagan & Gerard opened the mall in 2012, little did they know that it would evolve into a respected community landmark - a place of giving, coming together and creating countless memories. The heart of Middelburg! Creating countless job opportunities for the Middelburg community, the mall has become a valued asset in the Middelburg business community. More than 60 million shoppers have visited the mall since opening day, and hopes to see many, many more in the future. With over 140 retailers, free parking and a mini revamp in the pipeline, Middelburg Mall offers a one-stop, family friendly shopping experience where convenience and safety are of utmost importance. We would like to thank the community, our tenants & shoppers for their continued support. Here’s to the next 10 – may they be filled with countless Middelburg Mall Moments < Previous Article Next Article >

Jabu Ndlovu obtains MPRE certification 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 Jabu achieved the status of Master Practitioner in 2021 after completing his PDE 5 exams. Jabu Ndlovu, principal and owner of Candid Properties, a well-known and respected estate agency in Ermelo, has risen to new heights after obtaining Master Practitioner in Real Estate status. A Master Practitioner in Real Estate (MPRE) is a full-status professional estate agent, practicing as a Principal estate agent who has been issued with a valid fidelity fund certificate, as well as a certificate of professional recognition by the Estate Agency Affairs Board. The holder of such designation is accredited as being a knowledgeable, competent, and skillful principal estate agency practitioner, who is able to perform all estate agency activities, as defined in the Estate Agency Affairs Act, 112 of 1976, with the necessary degree of care and skill in the interest of protecting consumers of estate agency services. Jabu Ndlovu, a resident of Ermelo for more than 20 years, was born in Davel, grew up enjoying the farm life, attending high school at Lindile Secondary School. After completing his school career, Jabu started his upwards trajectory as estate agent at Remax Properties, and then moved to Vleissentraal, where he worked for five years. Candid Properties was established in 2010, with a branch in Ermelo. At first with association with RI Scholtz Estate Agency, but later spread his wings to find its feet in Ermelo. Jabu completed his NQF Levels 4-5 at UNISA, with the PDE 4 board exam following after that. Jabu achieved the status of Master Practitioner in 2021 after completing his PDE 5 exams. “My plans for the future is to create employment for as many aspiring practitioners as I can, and to build bridges to the future. My ultimate goal is to establish Candid Properties as a franchise, and become a household name in South Africa.” Candid Properties currently has branches in Ermelo, Secunda and Emalahleni, creating it’s footprint of real estate excellence.” Jabu would like to thank all his loyal clients for their support, and would like to invite all existing and new clients to contact him regarding their real estate needs on 079 134 2733, or info@candidproperties.net . < Previous Article Next Article >

Digital Divide More Acute in Access to Education 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 29 September 2020 Since 1975, The Answer Series has been empowering high school learners’ exam success with its comprehensive, easy to use study guides. Written and frequently updated by teachers, examiners and subject specialists, The Answer Series guides cover a range of school subjects, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Accounting, which help learners understand content and prepare for assessments. Pupils across the country have been hard hit by the devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has thrown the school calendar into disarray. To assist learners with their preparations for upcoming examinations, a number of very welcome efforts have been put in place to help schools and teachers harness technology, including making several educational sites free. However, for scholars affected by the digital divide, printed textbooks remain critical. For these learners, limited internet access and high data prices make online resources difficult to come by. In addition, multiple studies over the past decade have shown that when it comes to information retention, print remains the better medium. In Mpumalanga, where the latest General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa found that just 4.4% of households have direct access to the internet, the Mpumalanga Department of Education is assisting students studying at home by providing take-home hardcopy study guide books from The Answer Series for high school students across the province. With more than 44 years of contributing to learner success, The Answer Series is South Africa’s leading provider of up to date, comprehensive paper study guides for all major subjects from Grade 8 to Matric, giving learners a range of study notes, graded questions and solutions to ensure they are adequately prepared for any assessment. “We live in an age of information, where education, opportunity and prosperity are defined by one’s ability to access, create and share information via technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet. However, historical factors and widespread inequality mean that many non-metropolitan communities are unable to capitalize on these innovations, instead these individuals live at the far end of a digital divide, propelled by high data costs and low connectivity,” says Elijah Nkosi, the Director of the Mpumalanga Education Department. “A modern education is key to overcoming these socio-economic barriers; however, this requires access to modern learning materials. As such, the Department recognizes the need for comprehensive paper study guides, which are key to bridging this digital divide and ensuring afflicted learners are able to develop the skills they need to thrive in their examination and future work environment.” Apart from being a pragmatic and immediate solution to Mpumalanga’s educational challenges, multiple studies have shown that students actually prefer to learn using paper text and workbooks. Furthermore, these studies found that learners of all ages, from primary school to university, tend to absorb and retain more information better when reading from paper than on electronic screens; in addition, students reading from paper may be more aware and understanding of their own thought processes. “The only disadvantage of paper resources for learning is that hardcopy educational material tends to be more expensive for students to acquire. This is a critical factor to consider for pupils in Mpumalanga who live in a historically poor province, but who at the same time are in need of modern learning materials. By championing this obstacle on their behalf, the Mpumalanga Department of Education is actively empowering the province’s schooling system and ensuring that their students receive a competitive education,“ says Monwabisi Mfobo, Government Relations at The Answer Series. Since 1975, The Answer Series has been empowering high school learners’ exam success with its comprehensive, easy to use study guides. Written and frequently updated by teachers, examiners and subject specialists, The Answer Series guides cover a range of school subjects, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Accounting, which help learners understand content and prepare for assessments. George Eadie, CEO of The Answer Series, says, “It has been more important than ever to ensure books get into the hands of learners without the means to procure them. A lack of access to books and learning material, and a lack of financial reserves to pay for them, are the second and third most important issues affecting students in Mpumalanga after large class sizes. We have undertaken a significant project to create additional guides to support independent learning in response to the adjusted teaching and learning plans. Our resources will support these excluded learners, particularly now during the current uncertainty around COVID-19, while at the same time encouraging them to learn independently.” For more information, go to https://www.theanswer.co.za/ < Previous Article Next Article >

“You can’t donate blood if not vaccinated” 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 That is a lie... Nothing more than a social media tall tale and a clickbait hoax. That is a lie... Nothing more than a social media tall tale and a clickbait hoax. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on all blood donors, particularly group AB donors, to visit their nearest blood bank or mobile clinic. The SANBS would like to assure all potential donors that all COVID-19 regulations are enforced at every donation site. The safety of the donors and staff is paramount to the SANBS. Another myth that is circulating on social media involves the tall tale that you cannot donate blood if you have not been vaccinated. This is categorically incorrect, and untrue. The SANBS confirmed that it does not defer vaccinated people from donating, nor does it record whether a donor has been vaccinated or not. “We urge all healthy donors to come forward and continue to donate much needed, life-saving blood. We follow international blood collection best practice, and act quickly if there is any concern regarding blood product safety or possible harm to our patients.” Regular donors may even receive a gift as a thank you from the SANBS, as well as a complimentary juice or coffee, accompanied by delicious biscuits. < Previous Article Next Article >