To all residents of the Ngwathe local municipality.
This time of the year has arrived where families come together to cele-brate the festive season. It is a season to show love, give to the needy, show compassion and most of all – to forgive.
We have emerged from a year filled with many challenges, most of which we have overcome. We have learnt valuable lessons that we are taking forward into the New Year.
This year has been one of great sadness and we should, of course, take time to remember those we have lost.
At Christmas, we should think of the bereaved, those who continue to battle illness and those who may be lonely, isolated or vulnerable as a result of this devastating virus.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a harsh effect on us all. As we are in the fourth wave, we must continue to be vigilant and observe the Covid-19 health protocols: wearing your mask, social distancing and sanitising.
Let’s also spare a thought for those who continue to work throughout the festive period as we’ve done throughout this year. We remember, in particular, the emergency services, our hospital staff, caregivers and those involved in many other essential public services.
Let’s help those less fortunate than ourselves and consider what we can do to support our neighbours and the broader community.
I urge our community to continue to be vaccinated to curb the infection rate, so we can go back to our normal lives. Vaccines are deemed safe by all in the scientific and health fields.
As Ngwathe Local Municipality, we will continue with our quest to bring and deliver quality services to our communities. Our doors are open to those with suggestions on making our municipality work better.
We are aware of the excitement the Christmas period brings to our society. We appeal to motorists and pedestrians to take extra care on the roads.
We have lost many lives on the roads. Let us make this Christmas special by reducing fatalities and road carnage. Let us all obey the traffic rules and Arrive Alive. Let us have our cars checked before embarking on long trips and get enough rest before going on the road. Most importantly, let us not drink and drive. Our wish is for everybody to spend time with the family.
We have observed high levels of criminal activity because most people are away. We call upon our communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. We must show that we care for each other by protecting the property of fellow human beings.
We have seen young people experiment with alcohol and drugs during the festive season. Please desist from such behaviour and find alternative ways to have fun: Tswa Daar!
To those who engage in sexual activity, please practise safe sex and condomise at all times. It is our responsibility to reduce the high rate of HIV/Aids prevalent in our communities.
As we move into 2022, let’s continue in the spirit of hope and optimism – there will be better times ahead. But, no matter what the future holds, we must always support each other. Until they’re no longer necessary, let’s continue to adhere to the restrictions in place and keep doing the right thing for our municipality and its people. On behalf of the councillors and staff at the municipality, we would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
