Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina took a moment to reflect on the ups and downs of 2016 and also to wish the community a happy festive season, in a statement released on Friday.
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He says that although many may have lost a loved one due to violent crime or incurred property damage during the recent floods, all hope is not lost and that people need to use this time to reflect on the past year while getting their ‘ducks in a row’ for the upcoming year.
“Christmas should be a time of joy, when families come together to celebrate the festive season, and the new year offers the opportunity to look forward with hope and resolution,” he says.
Masina says that 22 years into our democracy we have every right to celebrate, along with the rest of the world, as a ‘free, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, just and prosperous country.’
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“Gone are the days when we had no reason to celebrate and little to look forward to in the year ahead due to the atrocities that characterised our struggle for liberation,” he says.
He encourages everyone to relax and recharge their batteries during the festive break so as to come back better individuals next year, and he also urges everyone to reconnect with their communities and to open their minds and hearts to the struggle of others.
Masina wishes people on the roads a safe journey.
“Allow me, on behalf of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, to wish you all a joyous, peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year,” he concludes.
