Season greetings from Amanzimtoti councillor
As we exit 2020 into what is hopefully a more positive and prosperous 2021, let us not forget that everything in life happens for a reason.
As 2020 draws to a close, ward 97 councillor, André Beetge, in his season greeting, reckons one cannot but acknowledge the elephant in the room. “Not since the Second World War has something effected more people on earth – it’s a fact and a reality which we are currently living with… and if it’s not yet touched you, your family, a loved one or acquaintance, then it’s just a matter of time.
But as in all things, it still remains a matter of seeing the glass half full or half empty v certainly we have had to make serious adaptions to the way we work, play, interact with each other and, ludicrous as it may sound in the future, a face mask has not only become an essential, but a fashion statement that will no doubt find its way into many a Christmas stocking – who would ever have thought?
It certainly succeeded in ruining most of the world economy and rendering the poor even poorer, yet at the same time fast-tracked the cyber age of doing business and virtual interaction likened to a rather far fetched sci-fi movie… like it or not, we are living history!
On the positive side, and possibly taking a leaf from our own book, quarantine certainly forced families and acquaintance to spend more quality time together, giving more opportunity for thought and perhaps making us realise that what was missing, or perhaps what we were seeking, was actually always right in front of our eyes! But as we all observe, life goes on.
READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti plans to keep you safe this festive season
The grass and trees still grow, cattle lazily grace our sidewalks, people continue to litter without regard, climate change remains a reality, crime prevails, poverty and unemployment is at an all time high and social media remains the popular choice of expressing opinion.
The problem being that until the second wave came upon us, many people thought all was business as usual when in reality, it’s far from it! Municipal and government departments have, contrary to popular speculation, not returned to their normal operational strength. They remain operating only with staggered shifts, often deprived of much needed resources, strapped by complicated procurement and resource procedures have either been set aside, adapted (not necessarily with positive outcome) or are hampered by lack of participation, in turn becoming the source of industrial action, service delivery disruption or in the case of residents, disgruntled dissatisfaction.
Granted, much of this is a direct result of mismanagement and corruption, and while it can take a little longer to cut the verge, fill a pothole, repair a street light or tend an overflowing manhole, should we not be less critical and instead focus on how we can each contribute towards making it more acceptable for everyone. This is after all our town and the better it is, the better for all of us!
Although, do also spare a thought and moment in your prayers for our frontline workers who are, likewise to everyone, only human with their own families and concerns, but who have regardless of their own safety, not yet stopped working throughout to tend to the sick, protect the weak or assist the needy – bravo to these brave individuals!
READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti beaches to close at 6pm every day during lockdown
Certainly one would be in hot water if neglecting to mention our greatest asset… arguably some of the best beaches in KZN, if not South Africa! Blue being a colour so close to heart, whether manifesting in the beautifully painted bridges, cool waters or a 300m stretch of what is Amanzimtoti Main Beach, we truly have much to be proud and also thankful for.
Certainly there are those who feel cheated from the use of our beaches during these trying times, but life goes on and the beaches will still be there in a week, month or year. Instead heed the regulations and observe all required protocols for as quickly as we can manage this pandemic, so quickly can life return to the normal that we so cherish and long for.
As we exit 2020 into what is hopefully a more positive and prosperous 2021, let us not forget that everything in life happens for a reason. But if you feel threatened or concerned that our lives might be mapped from the day that we are born, then by all means go out there and determine your own destiny in 2021 (don’t forget to take your mask along though)! Have a blessed festive season and a lovely New Year.”
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