TZANEEN – Lillian Tattersall proves that age does not define commitment and service to the community. With a passion for helping others, she manages several WhatsApp groups, with a team of admins, that keep residents informed about service delivery and municipal issues relating to the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM).

Tattersall, who has been actively involved in electricity-related groups for over four years, explained that she started some groups herself when she recognised a need.

“I started groups such as the potholes and streetlights reporting groups, although I don’t work on these groups myself anymore, they have since been taken over by councillors who can assist more urgently,” she said.

She emphasises that she does not focus on a single group, but rather contributes to several, depending on the community’s needs.

“If I noticed a specific need, like vegetation on electrical lines or streetlight issues, I created a group to address it. We then reported matters to the relevant GTM official, whether for tree removal, cutting, or other services,” she added

She further says each group operates according to strict rules and guidelines.

“There’s a joining link, but before we approve anyone, we ask for their address, name and surname and do a bit of background research to ensure they are added to the relevant groups. It’s important for us to know who is joining,” she explained.

The groups are focussed exclusively on fault reporting, particularly for electricity issues, and avoid unrelated content.

“We do not allow general chat, posters, or religious material. We also keep politics out of these groups, as there are other platforms for that,” she added.

Tattersall says residents are welcome to ask questions if they are unsure about something happening in the area on the relevant group.

“We only post information that comes directly from the municipality (GTM main group) to prevent the spread of false or misleading content,” said Tattersall.