Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, has the following festive message for residents:
“We’ve come to the end of 2016.
“As usual, there were ups and downs in various aspects of our lives, but fortunately by God’s grace we live to see another day.
“Many lost their loved ones through the criminal violence, that continues unabated.
“Many more lost their homes and their prized possessions in many different ways, including the recent flash-floods.
“Abject poverty, hopelessness, joblessness and inequality continue to pummel our people.
“However, not all is lost.
“This time of the year gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year that was, while putting our ducks in a row in preparation for the New Year.
“Christmas should be a time of joy, when families come together to celebrate the festive season, while New Year gives us time to look forward with hope and resolution.
“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.
“Twenty-two years into our democracy, we have every right to appreciate this hard earned freedom and join the rest of the people in the world, in participating in the festivities that go with the festive season as a free, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, just and prosperous country.
“Let us use the festive break to relax and recharge our batteries, so that when we come back in the New Year, we are better individuals with the necessary energy to do better than we did this year.
“As we close this year, we must continue to open our minds and hearts to the struggles of others. “The Christmas break mustn’t disconnect us from the spirit of our work.
“Instead, it must reconnect us with our communities and remind us that we live to serve them.
“All of us must know and internalise the idea that a life of service to others, is worth more than a life of selfishness.
“The book of Corinthians 9:7 says: ‘Each one must give as he’s decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver’.
“To those of us our people who’ll be hitting the road to various destinations, either to visit family or on holiday, we wish you a safe journey.
“Remember that speed and fatigue kill.
“Adhere to the rules of the road and be patient with other road users.
“Allow me on behalf of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, to wish you all a joyous, peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year.
“Let us all come back in 2017 oozing with confidence and energy, to continue making our city a better place to stay, work and play.”
