JB Marks apologizes following no show

Potchefstroom residents have spontaneously launched different projects over the past year that have culminated in positive attitudes and a cleaner environment.

The Herald has already reported on the Potchefstroom church leaders and different stakeholders who decided to support struggling schools with the “We Aim” project. The “Clean up together” project is working in cooperation with the Potchefstroom Chamber of Commerce and recycling companies to encourage businesses and residents to clean their environment and recycle.

News articles have also reported on the prayer circles that encourage people to assemble at the white crosses in various parks on Mondays. There, they pray for the city and their leaders.

The drivers of these initiatives soon realised that their impact would reach more residents if they stood together. So, the Potchefstroom church leaders (PCL) organised a meeting in a Mieder Park on Tuesday, 12 September.

They had invited speakers from the different projects, ward councillors, other church leaders, the SAPS and the J.B. Marks Municipality. The event was an informative session to discuss their projects and new plans for a healthy Potchefstroom. They aimed to work together and support each other, in spite of their different backgrounds, political affiliations or church denominations.

All the invited stakeholders attended the meeting except the J.B. Marks Municipality. Their absence was a huge disappointment to the attendees.

According to Rev. Willem Louw, the speaker of J.B. Marks City Council, Elias Mogoeemang, phoned on the morning of the meeting to excuse himself. However, he added that he would appoint someone else to represent the City Council.

The person who was supposed to represent the City Council never reported as the representative in spite of Pastor Paulo Motsi’s requests that the representative should take a seat with the rest of the stakeholders on the stage.

According to a statement that was released by William Maphosa, the Spokesperson of the JB Marks City Council, Cllr Moncho was the JB Marks representative and she did attend the meeting. “It was also unfortunate that whilst Cllr Moncho was at the meeting she got a message that her child was sick and had to leave the meeting immediately. Some DA Councillors, like Cllr Venter indeed saw her and can attest that she was there.

The Office of the Speaker has also expressed its commitment to work with the Potchefstroom Church Leaders and the community in order to change the city for the better. The Speaker himself extends his sincere regret to all religious leaders and community at large for any inconvenience caused as circumstances were beyond his control”, says Maphosa.