Ekurhuleni\u2019s executive mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, has the following festive message for residents:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve come to the end of 2016.<\/p>
\u201cAs usual, there were ups and downs in various aspects of our lives, but fortunately by God\u2019s grace we live to see another day.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany lost their loved ones through the criminal violence, that continues unabated.<\/p>
\u201cMany more lost their homes and their prized possessions in many different ways, including the recent flash-floods.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbject poverty, hopelessness, joblessness and inequality continue to pummel our people.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, not all is lost.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis time of the year gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year that was, while putting our ducks in a row in preparation for the New Year.<\/p>\n
\u201cChristmas should be a time of joy, when families come together to celebrate the festive season, while New Year gives us time to look forward with hope and resolution.<\/p>\n
\u201cGone are the days when we had no reason to celebrate and little to look forward to in the year ahead, due to the atrocities that characterised our struggle for liberation.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty-two years into our democracy, we have every right to appreciate this hard earned freedom and join the rest of the people in the world, in participating in the festivities that go with the festive season as a free, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, just and prosperous country.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet us use the festive break to relax and recharge our batteries, so that when we come back in the New Year, we are better individuals with the necessary energy to do better than we did this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we close this year, we must continue to open our minds and hearts to the struggles of others. \u201cThe Christmas break mustn’t disconnect us from the spirit of our work.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead, it must reconnect us with our communities and remind us that we live to serve them.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of us must know and internalise the idea that a life of service to others, is worth more than a life of selfishness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe book of Corinthians 9:7 says: \u2018Each one must give as he’s decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo those of us our people who’ll be hitting the road to various destinations, either to visit family or on holiday, we wish you a safe journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cRemember that speed and fatigue kill.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdhere to the rules of the road and be patient with other road users.<\/p>\n
\u201cAllow me on behalf of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, to wish you all a joyous, peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet us all come back in 2017 oozing with confidence and energy, to continue making our city a better place to stay, work and play.\u201d<\/p>\n