A roadblock, in celebration of Women’s Month, was held last Friday as a combined initiative between the Ngwathe mayor’s office, the SAPS, Ngwathe fire and rescue service, Rotary, the traffic department, SANDF, We Care, home affairs, Tumahole Self-help Association, the CPF of Parys and Tumahole, the Business Network and several other governmental departments.

Mostly female personnel assisted at the roadblock in the industrial area of Parys, where 100 vehicles were stopped and searched. Screening and scanning, in line with Covid-19 health and safety regulations, were done. Pamphlets on gender-based violence and other topics and the numbers of where to seek for help were also distributed.

In total, one vehicle was impounded and another suspended. Fines were issued for offences ranging from drivers not being able to show their driver’s licences, expired registration discs, other vehicle faults and not complying with road safety regulations.

In her message, the mayor, Ms Joey Mochela, praised women for their role in the community and encouraged them to keep the faith through all challenges, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Special thanks to Lt-Col J. de Vos (station commander, Parys SAPS), Lt-Col J. Jansen van Rensburg (station commander Tuma- hole SAPS), Capt. S. du Preez (Parys Vispol commander), Lt Ismail (SANDF commander), Annemarie du Toit (chair- person, CPF Parys) and Mr Ramoliki (chairperson, CPF Tumahole).
This week, the mayor will acknowledge women who have played an essential role in Ngwathe, to end the municipality’s Women’s Month celebrations.