Editor – The death of so many great institutions of entertainment is of great sadness to Ladysmith.
The Rotary Cuisine Day, the Lions Miss Ladysmith and Round Table show have all become things of the past… Relegated to fond memories and if they are lucky, the town’s chronological historical archives. So, what a breath of fresh air it was to see the Ladysmith Siegetown Moths spiritually re-birthing the Rotary Cuisine Day. It was, by all accounts, a resounding success.
Sometimes change is not always good and the dwindling numbers faced by most service clubs is an indication that without purpose and drive, things eventually collapse.
It is not just the service clubs who are guilty of dropping the ball (I know that sounds harsh), but we as a town too. It is not the municipality’s job to make this town a fantastic place to live in. It is our job. Each and every resident – no matter what your colour, society status or political affiliation – needs to put Ladysmith first. That includes supporting local sporting clubs, service clubs and just being there when it counts.
We, as a town, are facing a huge challenge. No one can deny that the municipality has not just dropped the ball as well, but given it away when it comes to encouraging investment in this town. Countless trips overseas by officials have brought in nothing tangible in business terms in the past decade.
Grandiose plans mean nothing and neither do shopping malls. What this town needs is economic investment on a grand scale – factories, large corporations and infrastructure development. And as long as we have a bloated council and lacklustre leadership, how can we expect this beautiful town of Emnambithi/Ladysmith to grow? Frankly, the only thing our cash-strapped municipality is interested in is changing street names…
Yes, let’s see all the tourists stream in. Instead of Murchison Street, they will have the privilege of driving down Mangethe Zwane Street…
Wow, that is progress, right?
