Khumalo experiencing more criticism than any other mayor

At a women’s month celebration held at the city hall last Friday, the J.B. Marks executive mayor, Kgotso Khumalo, told the audience he is experiencing more criticism than any of the previous mayors in Potchefstroom.

Khumalo, who has served for three years as the mayor, blames the Ventersdorp-Potchefstroom merger and added that today, there is also extreme poverty and other challenges.

Despite these, Khumalo says he always calls on God for guidance in everything he does. ‘In the wilderness that I traverse, many get lost but I believe the Almighty is the owner of the road and He guides me along the way,’ he said to the applause of around 400 women attending the celebration. He urged them to always call upon God to prevail in the hardships, difficulties and challenges of life, financial and emotional abuse and in everything they do.

In his message to the women wearing beautiful traditional attire and doeks, he stated: ‘If women do not rise up, this continent and the world will never be liberated.’ He encouraged them to avoid self-hate and rather see the beauty inside them and to love and appreciate themselves.

After he left the venue, different speakers and guests took to the podium to address the women on subjects like finance, wellness, social development, domestic violence, health and other issues.