Desperate times call for desperate measures, as more and more business opt to move their operations online. A large part of a successful business online, is the feedback received from clients who search for your services. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) statistics play a large part in how easily your business can be found on Google, and various paid services can help increase your visibility rating. However, a company called White Pages, claim to provide interested parties with free SEO listings on Google. While this might seem like a perfect investment for your company, it is in actuality, a shameless moneymaking racket. When you are cold-mailed by White Pages representatives, or happen to stumble across their “free” service, take a look at the fine print on the documentation sent to you. While it may seem at a glance that this is a service rendered by Telkom, listing your contact details in a directory similar to the Yellow Pages, White Pages holds no affiliation to Telkom whatsoever. While a large, eye-catching sentence draws your attention, claiming to be a “free service”, the fine print is the flopped pudding. The fine print, which is almost always ignored, or simply glanced over when filling in a submission form, states that White Pages Directory Pty Ltd is an independent online advertising company, who is not affiliated to Telkom or Trudon. Furthermore, you are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. To make matters even worse, this contract will renew annually unless cancelled in writing, and White Pages Directory Pty Ltd needs to send confirmation acknowledging the request to cancel the service. Advertising is to be carried out for the above mentioned company as per the details above. It should also be noted that this contract is subjected to cancellation within five days of signing. Delayed payments will incur penalty fees after 30 days, and will be handed over for collection including costs on an attorney and client scale. Unsuspecting clients are also duped into signing a contract which binds them to 50% of the total amount being payable upon cancellation. Ironically, the “debt collection” e-mails often come from a Gmail account, which brings into question the validity of the White Pages, as well as the dubious means in which they trap unsuspecting individuals. There have been numerous complaints laid against the White Pages at the ombudsman, as well as the South African credit bureau. Complaints have also been lodged against the White Pages regarding harassment from their “debt collection department”, and affiliated legal threats. Be wary of White Pages contractual traps Be wary of White Pages contractual traps 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 You are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. Desperate times call for desperate measures, as more and more business opt to move their operations online. A large part of a successful business online, is the feedback received from clients who search for your services. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) statistics play a large part in how easily your business can be found on Google, and various paid services can help increase your visibility rating. However, a company called White Pages, claim to provide interested parties with free SEO listings on Google. While this might seem like a perfect investment for your company, it is in actuality, a shameless moneymaking racket. When you are cold-mailed by White Pages representatives, or happen to stumble across their “free” service, take a look at the fine print on the documentation sent to you. While it may seem at a glance that this is a service rendered by Telkom, listing your contact details in a directory similar to the Yellow Pages, White Pages holds no affiliation to Telkom whatsoever. While a large, eye-catching sentence draws your attention, claiming to be a “free service”, the fine print is the flopped pudding. The fine print, which is almost always ignored, or simply glanced over when filling in a submission form, states that White Pages Directory Pty Ltd is an independent online advertising company, who is not affiliated to Telkom or Trudon. Furthermore, you are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. To make matters even worse, this contract will renew annually unless cancelled in writing, and White Pages Directory Pty Ltd needs to send confirmation acknowledging the request to cancel the service. Advertising is to be carried out for the above mentioned company as per the details above. It should also be noted that this contract is subjected to cancellation within five days of signing. Delayed payments will incur penalty fees after 30 days, and will be handed over for collection including costs on an attorney and client scale. Unsuspecting clients are also duped into signing a contract which binds them to 50% of the total amount being payable upon cancellation. Ironically, the “debt collection” e-mails often come from a Gmail account, which brings into question the validity of the White Pages, as well as the dubious means in which they trap unsuspecting individuals. There have been numerous complaints laid against the White Pages at the ombudsman, as well as the South African credit bureau. Complaints have also been lodged against the White Pages regarding harassment from their “debt collection department”, and affiliated legal threats. < 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 >

Nicky het 6 jaar lank vir die Blou Bulle gespeel, waarna hy daarna ook 'n draai by verskeie ander provinsiale spanne gemaak het. Kyk uit vir oud-errie op SuperSport se “Rugby Kuiers” 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 13 July 2021 Nicky het 6 jaar lank vir die Blou Bulle gespeel, waarna hy daarna ook 'n draai by verskeie ander provinsiale spanne gemaak het. Die Britse/Ierse Leeus toer tans in Suid-Afrika, en speel wedstryde teen verskeie provinsiale spanne en die Springbokke. Oud-Errie, Nicky van Der Walt, wat in 1993 gematrikuleer het, het in 1997 teen die Britse/Ierse Leeus te staan gekom toe hy vir die Blou Bulle uitgedraf het. Die Blou Bulle het geskiedenis gemaak toe hulle die Britse/Ierse Leeus gewen het, en geen ander provinsiale span kon die Leeus tot dusver klop nie. Nicky het 6 jaar lank vir die Blou Bulle gespeel, waarna hy daarna ook 'n draai by verskeie ander provinsiale spanne gemaak het. Nicky was die afgelope week te sien op die SuperSport program Rugby Kuiers, wat aangebied word deur Hennie Koortzen en Wynie Strydom. Nicky is tans mede-afrigter van EHS se 0/15 rugbyspan. “Ons is trots op die oud-Errie!” < Previous Article Next Article >

. According to MLM, the construction of top structures of the above projects were underway at the time of enquiry, which was June 2019. Alas, the fiery enthusiasm shown by the DPWRT in 2019, has fizzled in fantastic fashion, and the construction site now has transformed to a refuse dump. Enquiries to the DPWRT have yielded no results, and the status of the project is unknown at this time. Claimed community clinic construction site now a dumpsite 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 June 2020 . According to MLM, the construction of top structures of the above projects were underway at the time of enquiry, which was June 2019. Alas, the fiery enthusiasm shown by the DPWRT in 2019, has fizzled in fantastic fashion, and the construction site now has transformed to a refuse dump. Enquiries to the DPWRT have yielded no results, and the status of the project is unknown at this time. In mid-2019, residents were delighted to learn of a community clinic that was to be erected by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT). At the time, the Tribune enquired as to the reasoning of community centre being constructed, whilst the surrounding residents still are without permanent housing, and the majority of residents in the area lacking electrical, water and sewage infrastructure. While the mentioned enquiries were sidestepped, the sudden preparations were touted to be a 24-Hour Community Health Centre, to be constructed by the DPWRT on behalf of Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Health. It is a government policy to employ and procure building materials local. It was also stated that Sustainable Integrated Human Settlements Projects within the municipal area were employed, and that significant work had been done by the Department of Human Settlements towards full implementation of an integrated human settlement project in Ermelo Extension 44 and KwaZanele Extension 6. These two extensions were, at the time, stated as identified to be part of the UISP Programme (Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme) which is currently underway. According to MLM, the construction of top structures of the above projects were underway at the time of enquiry, which was June 2019. Alas, the fiery enthusiasm shown by the DPWRT in 2019, has fizzled in fantastic fashion, and the construction site now has transformed to a refuse dump. Enquiries to the DPWRT have yielded no results, and the status of the project is unknown at this time. < Previous Article Next Article >

The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. Next of kin sought Next of kin sought 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Erries are grateful to have been part of this unforgettable, sublime, confounding experience. Erries jet off to the USA 1/1 Share Content Supplied 1 November 2022 The Erries are grateful to have been part of this unforgettable, sublime, confounding experience. From 29 September to 10 October 2022, three Erries, Ina Mathebula, De La Rey Hattingh and Pieter Landman, made their way to America for an educational tour. This particular tour's unique nature lies firstly within the tour group: a group of like-minded academic achievers from across South Africa who get to interact, network and learn together, often forcing new and lasting friendships. The Erries are grateful to have been part of this unforgettable, sublime, confounding experience. Meeting these learners was amazing, and every second spent with them was worthwhile. The tour offers students the opportunity to further their quest in developing their skills and fulfilling their potential through attending private, thought-provoking lectures based on topical subjects, hosted by thought-leaders at world renowned universities namely Harvard, MIT, Yale and Princeton University. The learners also got time to explore the cities New York, Boston and Washington DC which was truly astonishing, being exposed to new foods, environments and people. It wasn't just tours and lectures, the learners had their fair share of fun times. “Going to America was truly a blessing on its own and I will forever be grateful for my parents for making it happen. America truly opened my eyes in knowing how much more there is to this world,” said Ina Matebuhla. - Content and photo supplied by EHS < 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 >

On Thursday, 29 September 2020, the Carolina Regional Court Sentenced Mayibila Anna Skhumbuso (36) to five years direct imprisonment for culpable homicide. The sentence came after Skhumbuso was arrested by the Carolina SAPS on 4 January 2020 for the death of Vusi Petros Msibi . According to the Msibi was reported missing in November 2019. During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. Skhumbuso pleaded guilty to killing the deceased in self defense by hitting him with an iron while they were embroiled in a quarrel, and stated that she was too scared to report the matter to the police. Magistrate Cloete stated that although the accused has shown regret and remorse for her actions, she should not have withheld the matter from authorities. Carolina woman sentenced for culpable homicide Carolina woman sentenced for culpable homicide 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 6 October 2020 During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. On Thursday, 29 September 2020, the Carolina Regional Court Sentenced Mayibila Anna Skhumbuso (36) to five years direct imprisonment for culpable homicide. The sentence came after Skhumbuso was arrested by the Carolina SAPS on 4 January 2020 for the death of Vusi Petros Msibi . According to the Msibi was reported missing in November 2019. During a search of the residence in Silobela Extention 4, Skhumbuso misled police in claiming she had no idea on the whereabouts of Msibi, her boyfriend. However, SAPS investigators discovered the already decomposing body of Msibi at the residence, after which Skhumbuso was arrested. Skhumbuso pleaded guilty to killing the deceased in self defense by hitting him with an iron while they were embroiled in a quarrel, and stated that she was too scared to report the matter to the police. Magistrate Cloete stated that although the accused has shown regret and remorse for her actions, she should not have withheld the matter from authorities. < Previous Article Next Article >

Financial constraints, coupled with the constant vandalism of equipment and infrastructure, makes it virtually impossible to cover all aspects of service delivery. Service delivery complaints flooding in 1/17 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 Financial constraints, coupled with the constant vandalism of equipment and infrastructure, makes it virtually impossible to cover all aspects of service delivery. The Tribune ePaper has received various complaints from residents in Breyten and Chrissiesmeer, regarding the alleged complete lack of service delivery from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). Complaints include, amongst others, the haggard state of the roads, where residents have no choice but to fill the massive potholes in front of their residences at their own time and expense. Potholes and sinkholes which are filled with bricks, debris and gravel often result in tyres being damaged by sharp edges protruding from the rubble. Rainy weather disguise potholes of up to 20cm deep, and many motorists have suffered immense damage to the vehicles as these potholes are unexpectedly hit. Erratic electricity supply is also a great cause of grief for the residents in these areas, where the connection and supply is unreliable and volatile, at best. Residents are often left without electricity for days on end, as thin-spread MLM technicians struggle to tend to all complaints. Alleged lack of equipment and spare parts due to financial constraints is also a major cause for concern. Allegations have also surfaced regarding the absolute nonchalance of ward councillors, who simply do not play their part in servicing the residents. As of late, the water supply in these areas is also a cause of great concern, as vandalism and sabotage takes its toll in the infrastructure. The water supply to both Chrissiesmeer and Breyten is erratic at best, and residents often complain about the water that is not in a potable state. Unverified claims of political interference in this area have also surfaced. The majority of wards in both Chrissiesmeer and Breyten are devoid of working street lights, with fallen lamp posts either left to rust in unkempt fields, or are liberated by vandals and sold for scrap. Wards and council properties are left unkept, with grass of up to a meter tall. This, in turn, poses a great fire hazard as winter approaches, and arsonists set their sights on the dry grass and shrubbery. Refuse removal is also an issue, as refuse are left to line the streets, further exacerbated by illegal dumping of all manner of refuse and rubble by residents of the area. MLM spokesman, Mr. Zwane, has categorically stated that the municipality is doing its utmost best to cover all service delivery angles, but financial constraints, coupled with the constant vandalism of equipment and infrastructure, makes it virtually impossible to cover all aspects of service delivery. Breyten is especially notorious when it comes to vandalism and sabotage, as the recent vandalism of the reservoir pump proved. These acts cost the municipality large amounts in terms of repairs and supply, which in turn sinks the allocated budget for service delivery. < Previous Article Next Article >

Kendall power plant up to be scrapped 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 June 2020 Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has already instructed Eskom to stop operations at least at one of two Kendal power station units found to be posing serious health risks to the surrounding communities. Kendal, built in 1982 is not on the list as Eskom began shutting down some of its old power stations in 2019. It shut three units at the Hendrina power. Grootvlei was scheduled to close this year, and Komati by 2021. Environmental activists are mounting on pressure for a complete shutdown of the 4116MW Kendal power plant, located 40km west of eMalahleni, on the grounds its toxic emissions were killing people. However, there are fears that a shutdown of Kendal power station in Mpumalanga would paralyze several small businesses and destroy livelihoods in the coal mining towns. “Poisonous coal power plants must be shut down sooner rather than later, in a fair process that fully involves all coal workers and communities, and urgently replaced with cleaner, cheaper renewable power,” said Timothy Lloyd, attorney at the Centre for Environmental Rights. Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has already instructed Eskom to stop operations at least at one of two Kendal power station units found to be posing serious health risks to the surrounding communities. Kendal, built in 1982 is not on the list as Eskom began shutting down some of its old power stations in 2019. It shut three units at the Hendrina power. Grootvlei was scheduled to close this year, and Komati by 2021. Arnot will be decommissioned by 2029. Concerned coal transporting businesses believe the move to decommission stations will put them out of business and leave coal mining towns with no economy. In a notice served on Eskom, Creecy said the power utility must stop operations at either unit one or unit five at Kendal within 30 days. Eskom submitted the units had been repaired, and their present problems were the result of poor coal quality, and due to poor quality of work on site. According to Eskom, it was crucial for the units to remain active for the utility to meet the country’s electricity demands and avoid or limit load shedding. However, Creecy found there was no merit in Eskom’s position, and that Eskom “misrepresented the facts” about the level of emissions from the units. “As an example, they claim that Unit 5 averaged less than 600mg/nM3 in February 2019. But according to the monthly Emissions Report for February 2019, the monthly average is estimated at 1227mg/nM3. It follows that the figure of 600mg/nM3 emanates from the fact that Eskom decided to add days in which the unit was switched off in determining the monthly average. Eskom is well aware that this is an unacceptable practice,” Creecy stated. The decision to force stoppage of one unit took into consideration the need to avoid load shedding, Creecy said. “In essence, the operation of units 1 and 5 should not be ceased simultaneously. In my view, this will allow (Eskom) an opportunity to carry out the required maintenance and remedial work on one unit at a time in order to bring the units in compliance with the requirements of the Atmospheric Emission Licence. I am mindful of the fact that the failure to take action to bring the power station back into compliance, among others, will continue to present serious environmental impacts and health threats to the affected communities,” she concluded. Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha stated that the station has been operating above the emission limits since the strike action late in 2018 left infrastructure vandalised and damaged. “During the strike the interior of the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) was vandalised and the functioning of the dust-handling plant compromised. To repair it, the ESPs of several generation units require long outages and the repairs on generation units can only be executed one after the other,” he said. Environmental NGO’s gave Creecy what they termed evidence that emissions from Kendal were responsible for as many as 274 deaths between November 2018 and October 2019. < Previous Article Next Article >

Shocking amount of school materials dumped in field 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 29 June 2021 A large number of named workbooks and assessment sheets have been noted, along with personal correspondence and documents of several of the school principals. A concerning amount of school materials, of which text books and learning materials from Department of Basic Education (DBE) forms a large part, has been discovered in a field near Chris Streicher Avenue. Amongst the text books, worksheets and stationery, discarded assessment sheets from Umpilusi Primary School, Thubilihle Primary School and Amersfoort Primary School . The dates and timestamps on the documents range from circa 2013 until recently. The reason as to why these materials have been dumped in this area remains unknown. Several bundled textbooks and workbooks, provided by the DBE, have also been discarded. Majority of the textbook- and workbook packs are still sealed in plastic wrapping. A number of stationery items have also been discarded, which included a multitude of pens, crayons and coloring pencils. The discarded textbooks are mostly in native languages. Several numbered editions of Colliers Encyclopedia, have also been discarded. A large number of named workbooks and assessment sheets have been noted, along with personal correspondence and documents of several of the school principals. An enquiry has been lodged with the DBE regarding the wasteful manner in which these learning materials have bene handled. At the time of publication, no response had been received. You may view a video, as well as more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >