Editorial comment: 16 Days of Activism, Matric exams, newly elected Mayor

Observations made during this period are that the number of violent criminal acts and abuse against women and children seem to rise during this period. We are all aware of the noble reasons behind the establishment of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.

We have also collectively supported the use of the 16 Days period as a platform to highlight the number of social issues affecting our communities. Of course, paramount among these has always been gender-based and domestic violence.

The campaign is also the only time of the year where community issues are pegged as topics for discussion on the agendas of senior local and regional government officials. Yet for several years now, the focus has been diverted more to the number of women and children, especially girls, killed during this period.

And as if this is not enough, the brutality of the crimes perpetrated on the victims boggles the mind.

++++++++++++++

Happy exams for matriculants

Nobody said it was going to be easy. Thank God you made it this far!

And now that you’ve made it through your matric exams, well done and good luck to you.

But if you were not lucky enough to make it through and pass, just sit back, relax and think of all the wonderful things you’d wish for yourself this Christmas, as you look forward to a revamped you in 2022.

Lift yourself and hum singer Bobby McFerrin’s tune Don’t Worry Be Happy.

2022 will be yet another year for you to take up where you left off and continue with the baton and run the race again. Remember, failure is never complete until you decide to give up, but the pain of abandoning your course prematurely will always hang on your conscience.

And for those among you who will be fortunate enough to pursue their academic career further, how long is a piece of string? Remember, there is a bigger, wider colourful world of opportunities waiting for each one of you out there, so reach for it.

For an additional bonus and a feather on your academic cap, visit your local career guidance centre or chat with your school principal.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kathorus MAIL extends a warm welcome to the newly elected Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Tania Campbell.

While your inaugural promise for a dramatic turnaround of just about everything that seems to be wrong in the city was indeed a poignant statement and worthy of praise, it needs to bear fruits. Sadly, your same bold statement could be hung around your neck like a grinding stone and used to measure your new administration’s ability to serve and govern.

I know, Madam Mayor, that you may also know the litany of service delivery problems could easily keep your administration focused on certain issues while neglecting others.

Perhaps to ease the pressure off your busy schedule, I suggest, Madam Mayor, that you start first by revamping sporting facilities in the townships. Make sure young people are no longer stifled by boredom inside their homes. Get them out in the open and create recreational and sporting facilities in every township, or perhaps a dozen if possible.

Service delivery issues are diverse and multi-pronged; perhaps it would be a good idea to create these facilities in our residential areas where parents can keep their children away from the destructive harm and distractions that prevail as drugs and alcohol in our townships.

Above all, we pray your promises are sincere and attainable.