MALALANE – On Monday the Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM) said goodbye to one of the Onderberg’s most influential and prominent personalities in the community, Oom Jacob de Villiers.
Speaking at the gathering NLM manager, Mr Dan Ngwenya, said the purpose of the entire gathering was to say thank you for all his invaluable input over the years.
“Thank you for guiding the institution and for bringing more investors on board,” Ngwenya said.
He conveyed the executive mayor, Cllr Thulisile Khoza’s, gratitude to De Villiers and apologises for being absent from the function.
Various municipal stakeholders conveyed their appreciation to De Villiers. These included the municipal speaker, the communication, the finance and the infrastructure development departments.
For many of the stakeholders who were present, De Villiers’ relocation to Centurion was still a shock.
There was a common feeling of marvel towards De Villiers’ work ethic and punctuality.
Responding to all the farewell comments, he said, “I am really glad that we are not having a funeral today. I am glad I could listen to you here instead of listening from above.”
He further treasured everyone’s kindness. “For allowing me, sometimes, to be cheeky and put in a word before someone else or complain about something that was not right. You have always accepted me as a father figure but also as a friend, which I appreciate,” De Villiers said.
He encouraged all the stakeholders to take hands and unite in working towards a better Nkomazi.
“We have the potential to become the best part of South Africa,” De Villiers added.
He continued in saying that education in Nkomazi remains one of the most challenging areas, with most school principals simply wanting parents to support their children’s education.
Officials said De Villiers’ knowledge and wisdom will be dearly missed, and life will never be the same without him. He should remember Nkomazi wherever he goes.
