“Have a blessed Christmas Ekurhuleni”

He felt even though this year had its ups and downs everyone should remain grateful to God for the experience and for coming out one peace.

Through hard work and dedication the metro were able to ensure that people continue to receive quality and sustainable services.

Indeed the metro struggled to broaden services to informal settlements and the metro shall continue working hard in this regard.

Mondli’s sincere gratitude goes to all the people of Ekurhuleni who understood the service delivery challenges, especially in the areas of water and energy.

The metro will continue to work even harder to service the community and are the residents kept them on their toes when it seemed like they were losing focus.

He says it is because of such participatory democracy that their governance machinery can improve even further.

“This is the government of the people and as a city we shall continue relying heavily on the people to show us the way every time.”

All the ups and downs experienced through the year, allows Mondli to appeal to communities to abstain from vandalizing property and disrupting schooling during service delivery protests.

Such incidents which happened in some areas are taking them back instead of forward.

These incidents deprive children, who are the future of the region and the country, a shot at education which is the key for the future.

This year’s highlight is the 20th anniversary of democracy.

In 1994 every one voted for the first democratic government, and 20 years later the democracy remains intact.

The country still belongs to all who live in it regardless of race and gender.

Another free and democratic election was recently held to demonstrate to the world that the country is maturing with time.

He hopes every one learned something during 2014.

These lessons will come in handy in 2015 as the metro will look at ways to improve by serving the people.

“Welcoming 2015 we need to be put 2014 behind us and look forward to a brand new year with positives and challenges.”

It is his sincere wish that all those visiting various destinations, to relax during the festive break, drive and arrive safely.

He says to those staying at home must enjoy the festive season in a crime-free, non-violence and peaceful environment.

“As a community we create peace and order, and the police must just sustain it.”

The city’s theme for this period is: ‘Strengthening social maturity by advancing social cohesion in pursuit of a prosperous city’.

The metro chose this theme because it is the contention that Ekurhuleni is indeed a socially mature city.

It is a place of peace because its residents have lived through and endured years of plunder, neglect and violence.

As a result of these experiences, the residents are now an embodiment of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

Everyone had a long year and as such must relax and fully recharge the batteries to return in the New Year to continue building an Ekurhuleni that is the most favoured to stay, work, invest and play.

“Have a blessed Christmas Ekurhuleni.”

His wish for 2015 is a successful year that will bring happiness, health and prosperity.