Butthead’s Beat: ‘Just call me Cynthia’

THIS is not an endorsement of any political party. Rather, it’s an apolitical accolade for a citizen we should all be proud of – our Hibiscus Coast Mayor Cynthia Mqwebu.

In a country where bumped up officials and politicians are quick to buy fancy cars and insist on ‘blue light brigades’ to rush them to events (often late, anyway), it’s refreshing to have ‘our Cynthia’.

Now, some people might say: “How dare you refer to our mayor in such familiar terms? She deserves the respect of being referred to as ‘the honourable’ or even ‘Madam Mayor’, at the very least.”

Well, for your information, our mayor herself insists on being part of the party. “Just call me Cynthia,” she says when people come up to welcome her formerly.

In spite of a very late invite, Cynthia quietly slipped into the Port Shepstone Country Club centenary dinner last Saturday night (on time) and soon had everyone, from the club chairman down, spellbound by her humble charm.

She obviously has her political duties to perform in council or behind the scenes. After all, that’s what our democracy is all about. But when she’s out in the public eye she is keen to fulfill her role as our coast’s First Citizen, accessible and friendly to all, regardless of political affiliations.

Talking to her at the dinner, it’s obvious that she is passionate about her job and has the coast and all its people at heart. When asked about a few projects in the pipeline – the proposed Music City at Hibberdene in particular – her face lights up because she knows it could be a real game changer.

We – as ratepayers – are always quick to criticise and nitpick about the most mundane things. Yes, there are problems and everyone needs to voice these concerns.

In fact, this often helps our leaders to decide on what should or should not be a priority. We are not rich enough to do it all overnight. But with Cynthia at the helm, one can’t help feeling a bit more optimistic.

All who attended the centenary dinner on Saturday night would agree that it was an absolute honour and a pleasure having our mayor there.

Cynthia, many at the country club regard you as a ‘friend’ and sincerely hope you enjoyed the evening.

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