Latest news with #Geringer
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
The metro continues to fight vandalism at Groenkloof reserve
The metro continues to fight vandalism at Groenkloof reserve The Tshwane metro is working to combat criminality at its oldest conservation facility, which is currently celebrating its 130th anniversary. Groenkloof Nature Reserve has had to bear ongoing vandalism threats. The reserve was proclaimed by former President Paul Kruger on February 25, 1895, and was the first game sanctuary on the African continent. It was established to protect game species from overhunting and remains a vital natural space in the capital Tshwane spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said despite conservation efforts, vandalism of infrastructure in the reserve remains a concern. 'Security guards have been deployed to curb criminality, and members of the public are urged to report any incidents to Tshwane Metro Police on 012 358 1906,' he said. The metro hosted a small event to mark the anniversary, where local stakeholders pledged to reintroduce species such as the oribi and bushbuck that once roamed the area. Mashigo said the reserve has been proclaimed under the National Environmental Management of Protected Areas Act. 'Initiatives like alien invasive plant removal are ongoing to protect the unique transitional vegetation between grassveld and mixed bushveld,' he said. According to Mashigo, plans are in place to replace missing signage and improve visitor facilities, while R202 388 has been allocated for repairs and maintenance this financial year. However, the security funding is centralised under Tshwane's Asset Protection Unit. He said activities such as hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, and 4×4 trails are managed under a detailed action plan to balance public access with conservation. For Groenkloof resident Francois Geringer, the reserve is an irreplaceable community asset. 'It's a treasure that must be protected. It's a privilege to have such a beautiful reserve at our doorstep in the middle of the city,' he said. Geringer, who visits the reserve with his family every two months, said he has noticed positive changes in recent years. 'The reserve is very safe now. Walking and mountain bike trails are well maintained, and the new management team is very involved with upkeep and conservation,' he said. While mountain biking had declined in the past due to security concerns, he said cyclists are slowly returning and the reserve's hiking community has grown. 'It's great to see a much more diverse group of people from all over the city enjoying the trails.' However, Geringer believes more could have been done to mark the 130th anniversary and engage the community. He said the metro's celebrations are often overshadowed by politics, so people don't know about them. 'With all the new housing developments in Pretoria turning nature into concrete, Groenkloof is one of the last reminders of what we've lost. 'It's extremely important to preserve it for future generations. There's also lots of opportunity for school camps and programmes to get children involved.' ALSO READ: Bogus police make off with R10 000 after robbing man at gun-point in Silverton Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- The Citizen
Groenkloof residents foot security bill as metro falls short
The Groenkloof Residents Association has launched a fundraising initiative to install new security cameras in the area, as the community continues to battle ongoing cable theft and repeated power outages. Spokesperson Francois Geringer confirmed the association plans to mount three high-resolution cameras on a single pole. He said the setup is expected to cost around R60 000. This comes after persistent theft in the area where cables are located near Unisa. The theft allegedly led to over 100 power outages across Groenkloof Village and the surrounding residential and commercial precincts over the past two years. 'When cables are stolen, power goes out for days,' Geringer explained. 'People lose money using generators, and food spoils. This pushes people to spend more on security.' Geringer said the first cameras were installed in 2023 at the Unisa site, and new locations are currently being assessed in partnership with security companies. 'We received funding to erect a pole, but we need more support to make a real difference.' The initiative has gained urgency following a site inspection on June 22 and a follow-up meeting with the Region 3 Electricity Department the next day. While metro officials committed to some short-term interventions, including visible policing and reactive maintenance, it was confirmed that no dedicated budget exists to fund permanent solutions. Ward 59 Councillor Shaun Wilkinson voiced frustration on behalf of residents, noting the metro's limited response despite countless appeals. 'Residents are frustrated. They feel the city is not helping with cable theft. They pay municipal rates and taxes, but costs are high,' he said. Wilkinson said the community has already spent about R150 000 on infrastructure, security, and support. He added that installing one pole with cameras and solar power costs around R100 000. 'We need about five poles to cover the area. The community is tired and financially drained.' Wilkinson also said residents have even had to arrange protection for technicians during cable repairs. 'Everyone helped, but it's becoming too much. The cable itself is about 45m long and worth R50 000,' he said. He said they helped the metro to prevent theft for two years, 'but we get no recognition'. Meanwhile, metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that financial constraints remain the main barrier to long-term solutions. 'From July 2024 to date, 11 power outages were officially recorded on the Groenkloof supply route, all linked to the vulnerable Skinner-SABS cable corridor.' When asked why no rerouting or infrastructure upgrades have been implemented, Mashigo referred to incompatibility in the feeder cable system. He added that Lynnwood Substation, last upgraded in 2006, has no current upgrade plans, despite concerns about growing demand in the east. Mashigo said long-term plans to curb cable theft include replacing copper cables with aluminium and rerouting the current supply. 'Short-term efforts include continued law enforcement visibility in hotspot areas.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Wyoming first lady Sherri Geringer dies, just weeks after 58th wedding anniversary
CHEYENNE — Former Wyoming first lady Sherri Geringer died Saturday after an extended illness, just two weeks after celebrating her 58th wedding anniversary with her husband, former Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer. Sherri suffered a stroke in 2018 that left her physically disabled and made it difficult for her to speak, Jim previously told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Her mind, however, was fully intact. Their wedding anniversary was attended by the Geringers' 33 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren 'and bonus family members,' according to a news release sent by their son, state Rep. Rob Geringer, R-Cheyenne. 'Sherri went to be with her Lord, undoubtedly greeted with great joy and celebration led by her parents, Bob and Winnie Slentz and grandson, Jaden Ramsey,' Rob said in the release. Sherri was dedicated to serving her community and promoting learning programs for families who struggled financially. One hugely successful program was Raising Readers, a program designed to promote early childhood development that started in 2002. This program provides new books to children in the age range of 2 months to 5 years old. More than 450,000 books have been distributed across all 23 Wyoming counties since the program began. In 2019, more than 27,600 families benefited from it. She also volunteered with the Women's Civic League of Cheyenne and at her church. Rob said his mother 'left a lasting impact on all who knew her.' 'Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering strength touched the hearts of everyone she encountered,' Rob said in the news release. 'Whether through a kind word, a quiet gesture, or a moment of laughter, she had a way of making people feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on in the lives she enriched, the love she shared, and the memories we carry forward.' U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., shared her condolences on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, for the Geringer family after hearing about Sherri's passing. 'I'm saddened to hear of former Wyoming First Lady Sherri Geringer's passing. Her passionate advocacy, warmth, and friendship made her beloved across our state,' Lummis wrote. 'Keeping Gov. Geringer and their entire family in my prayers during this difficult time.' Current Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and his wife, first lady Jennie Gordon, also shared their condolences in an emailed statement to the WTE. 'Jennie and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Geringer family on the passing of Sherri,' Gov. Gordon said. 'Her grace under exceptionally trying circumstances over the past few years was extraordinary, as was her love of Wyoming, her care and concern for the people of the state, and her devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed.' The Geringer family is asking those who wish to remember Sherri Geringer to donate to a charity of their choice in her memory. Charities that were most dear to the former first lady include Raising Readers, Cheyenne Women's Civic League and local domestic violence shelters. The family is also requesting short stories of the public's fond memories of Sherri, which may be read during her memorial service. Please email MrsGWyoming@ There will be two funeral services held next week. The first will be Monday, April 14, at 1 p.m. at Cheyenne Hills Church, and the second will be Tuesday, April 15 at 1 p.m. at First Christian Church in Wheatland.
