Christmas wishes from your Moot ward councillors
The ward councillors from the Moot would like to wish their residents a Merry Christmas and safe festive season.
While some of us are getting ready to enjoy some much-needed rest this festive season, some are working around the clock to make sure that residents can enjoy their festive season, knowing that there are people to back them up on municipal complaints.
Among them were the ward councillors from the Moot, who recently wished their residents a Merry Christmas and safe festive season.
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Elma Nel (Ward 1):
As we enter the Christmas season, I would like to take this opportunity to pray that every household can experience the love and blessings of our Heavenly Father.
May we always rejoice and celebrate the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ.
Warmest wishes from my family to yours and may 2020 exceed your greatest expectations.
Elmarie Linde (Ward 54):
It feels like yesterday when we sent 2018’s Christmas message. When we reflect on the year that has passed in the blink of an eye, there is a little salt and a little sweet and a little sour. Mixing this combination of everything that came our way in 2019, we can say unequivocally that it was a good year, even if we sometimes sang a note or two.
Christmas is a time when family and friends socialise and love during this time is not only in the form of gifts, but being there for one another. We are thinking of those who will be alone at this time or who may be going through a trial in their lives. We dedicate them to God in our prayers and ask that he will hold them tight and bring miracles to their lives. May the love of our Savior fill everyone’s heart and mind with His peace and may the festive season be filled with infinite grace, prosperity and gratitude.
My wish for every resident of Ward 54 is that we approach 2020 with new courage and strength knowing that each new day is a gift from God and a new opportunity to make a difference. I thank each resident for their support (and sometimes patience). May we forge more friendships in the New Year and make the Moot an even better place for each other.
Juanita du Plooy (Ward 53):
This time of year is a time for reminiscing as well as looking forward.
Looking back on the past year, I’m thankful for the opportunity to successfully bring together leaders from all the different communities in the Moot, to take hands and support each other, especially over the festive season.
My wish for all residents is beautiful memories during this festive season.
As you celebrate the glory of this miraculous season, I’d like to remind you of two verses from Galatians 5:(22-23 English Standard Version (ESV))
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
Please keep these fruits in mind throughout the festive season and into the new year.
Cherish the time that you can still spend with your loved ones and friends.
Should you be travelling, please do so safely.
Have a blessed festive season and a prosperous new year.
Roelof Fourie (Ward 84):
We are already at that time of year of trying to shut down – looking back on a year, and trying to make sense of everything that has happened, to recharge batteries for the new year’s challenges wait. There is always so much to be thankful for, but 2019 has been a difficult year in many ways – for me personally and also on the political front.
It is not possible and practical to give an account of all that took place during the year, but I would like to mention the following:
The biggest event was probably the roll-out of fibre cable throughout most of my ward. For many the frustration of miles of trenches and subsequent damage to water, sewer and electricity infrastructure was a small price to pay for the prospect of faster internet connection. For others, the disruption bordered on treason. It is important for us to make technological advances but also important to implement these advances in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Queens Quarter also celebrated its first birthday in November. Slowly but surely the impact this new development is having on traffic and other community patterns is being incorporated into the dynamics of the neighbourhood. Although there are still feelings of loss and disappointment over “old friends” who were displaced in the process, I think that as a whole, this new development has proven to be a positive change to the tapestry of the neighbourhood and the area.
Municipal services have generally been adequately delivered but it will not be true to say that there were no huge frustrations and disappointments. The ageing infrastructure of this part of the city has shown its vulnerability and fragility in many instances. One is disappointingly aware of the fact that there is not, and probably will not be, for the foreseeable future, enough money available in the city budget to catch up with decades worth of neglect and lack of maintenance and repairs. We are confident that changes that were introduced on the management side of things will begin to yield positive results in this regard soon – that infrastructure renewal and repairs will take place systematically and constantly, based on sound scientific observations and necessities. There are two issues I have to make special mention of streetlights and open excavations. Behind the scenes, we worked very hard at devising solutions to these two thorny issues. I trust that the New Year will really bring relief regarding these matters.
It has been a year where several very unfortunate and sad events occurred on the safety and security front. My heartfelt condolences again to everyone who was affected by the loss of lives and violent crime during this year. It is sad that we as South Africans can attest to the fact that almost all of us were either directly affected or know someone close to us who was affected by violent crime. We live in hope that this will one day change and that our society will become peaceful and safe for all.
A big word of thanks to all members and supporters of the CPF and other organizations and formations that have the safety and security of our communities at heart.
Much may still be said about other matters, but space and time are limited. I thank each resident of my ward for whom it is important to interfere with what is going on with and around them. It has always been a fact that councillors can help much more effectively if problems and issues are already reported and that there is a reference number that can be forwarded to chiefs and senior officials.
Although there are the expectation and impression that councillors can move mountains, I urge you to remember that we are also fragile and fallible people who have raised our hands somewhere along the way and have said that we will try to serve our society. Theodore Roosevelt said in the Depression years, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” I think if we all live this statement and show understanding and appreciation for each one’s contribution and patience for each one’s shortcomings, the world is indeed going to be a better place to live.
May the peace and joy of Christmas have meaning for everyone.
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