* A very large number of Ladysmith residents have been linked to Windsor Secondary School. A meeting will be convened on Saturday, October 26, at 4pm at Windsor. The rest of the programme of events to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary will be finalised at the meeting. Therefore, fresh ideas and new blood in the current committee will be appreciated.
* Hats off to a dedicated band of volunteers who co-ordinate meat distribution during Eid-ul-Adha.Operation Qurbani was once again successfully held this year. 672 parcels were distributed in Ladysmith and the surrounding region, and this was made possible by the wholehearted support of the community. A special thanks to all volunteers, especially Sheikh Haroon, Ismail ‘Fuzzy’ Hoosen and the youngsters from the Acaciavale Islamic Institute, together with all those who lent their vehicles.
* With stories of ghosts in Ladysmith arousing interesting debate, there is one area that has baffled motorists.
The recurring pothole behind Mortimer Toyota (in Crawshaw Street) has left people wondering why it is that the local municipalities cannot repair that section of the road. Both municipalities appointed people who are highly qualified to supersede those who have years of experience but lack the qualifications to attend to problem areas in and around our town, but their success rate is in many cases worse than before. Does this mean that a person with certificates and degrees longer than his / her arm is not necessarily better than someone who does not have the ‘paper’ but has acquired the necessary expertise over the years to resolve problems?
Shouldn’t recognition of prior learning be considered when appointing persons? Makes you think, doesn’t it?
* If the Citizens Band radios were still a rage, as they were some two decades ago, then Ladysmith would have earned the name ‘Accident City’ because of the number of accidents that happen in and around town. Week-in and week-out, local papers are full of news involving trucks or other vehicles. I am not for a moment implying that these accidents must not be reported, but surely there are other newsworthy items that may be just as important.
* Ms Sibongile Shabalala from iThubelihle School was the winner in the ‘Greatest Hero’ category in the Johnny Walker Greatest Leader competition held nationally. This was yet another feather in Ladysmith’s cap. Well done, Ma’am Shabalala.
* Unlike in larger centres, our supermarkets are excellent socialising centres. Shopping allows us to stay in touch with one another and keep abreast of latest developments (and even gossip)!
* Finding parking in our CBD is akin to looking for a needle in a haystack. And the dastardly one-way system exacerbates frustration.
Will our town fathers / mothers revisit this fuel-wasting system?
* The overhead bridge at the ‘Boxer’ intersection is a captivating erection, but will it really serve the purpose it was built for?
Do you sincerely believe that pedestrians rushing to cross that intersection will walk such a large distance up and down the stairway?
Or will they find it quicker to cross that part of Lyell Street by bypassing the bridge? Wait and see.
* What does council intend doing about that incomplete monstrosity at the corner of Lyell and King Street?
At the moment, the walls are acting as a urinal. And this is on the main thoroughfare in and out of our town.
* A pensioner called to report that she and her elderly husband attended a meeting that was hosted by the ANC and were pleased to hear all the good that will happen if they vote for the ANC. The very next day, their lights were disconnected because they were in arrears for about R179. To have their lights reconnected, they needed to pay over R1100. They battled to raise a loan to pay this amount. She was p%^sed off at the turn of events “to pay such a huge reconnection fee for a relatively small amount. I did not bother to ask who they will vote for.
