Editor – I used to live here before being transferred to Vanderbijlpark.
My move did not remove my heart from this wonderful town and its people.
Last week on my return from a fishing trip, I spent some days with old friends in Ladysmith.
I decided to find my footprints that I left behind to bring back some memories, but I was shocked at how our beautiful town has deteriorated.
The sight was just too much to bear.
I went to Pieters, where I spent many years in a thriving industrial area. It was like I went somewhere else.
What went wrong?
Pieters was the heart of our town’s economy. It provided employment for thousands of people. What went wrong?
The road to and back from Pieters has disintegrated so much that vehicles are forced to drive zigzag to avoid potholes. Again I ask, what went wrong? Why is our town dying?
What efforts are being made to attract industries?
Our town has the workforce to provide families with sustenance and circulate wealth in our town. This, in turn, can create more jobs and more money for more people. This cycle can get bigger and bigger.
It seems our leaders have given up hope and are just marking time before more and more people are forced to shop elsewhere and relocate to other towns.
It is not too late.
Our leaders must hire the right people to get the town back on its feet.
It was always my wish to return to my town when I retire, but I must be honest: I am having second thoughts now.
Our town has degenerated to such an extent that the youth go to other areas to follow their dreams.
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