Year end wishes from AbaQulusi mayor, Jerry Sibiya

“I would like to welcome all the visitors to Vryheid. They play a major role in the economy of the town and I want them to enjoy their stay over the festive period. But, be warned that the police will be monitoring any suspicious behaviour and there will also be roadblocks to ensure that all motorists obey the rules of the road.

“I want to wish the community of Vryheid a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I pray that the Amighty keep all the residents of AbaQulusi safe during the festive period.

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“One of the challenges in the area that I was not happy about this year, is the number of attacks on and the killing of farmers in our area. It is my hope that we will not see any more of this unnecessary brutality in the New Year.

“Grade 12’s, I wish you the best of luck with your results. The 12 years you spent working hard behind a desk will now pay off as you look to a tertiary institution to help you realise your career ambitions. Remember that, even if you have failed matric, it is not the end of the road. You still have a future. Do not give up.

“I want to warn all of the shoppers in Vryheid to be vigilant when they are in the CBD. The rate of pick-pocketing is very high, so stay alert. Avoid carrying cash, beware of car-jamming, check that all your car doors are locked, and don’t place your valuables in view inside your car

“I also want to wish the local media all the best. We appreciate the Vryheid Herald for keeping us informed and doing good work. Without the journalists’ hard work, the issue of accountability would not be achieved. Thank you for keeping us alert of new developments in the community.

“Finally, I will be available to attend to urgent issues throughout the festive period. Northern KwaZulu-Natal has been warned to expect heavy rains so AbaQulusi’s disaster team will be on high alert throughout.

“I will be spending Christmas day with my family surrounded by nature, which is what I love. My Christmas wish is that no one should be hurt over the festive period and my New Year’s resolution is to see that the AbaQulusi council works, and to ensure that everybody is assisted, irrespective of their political affiliation.”