Another year comes to an end…

The year 2014 was another exceptionally successful year for the DA. In May this year South Africa held its fifth democratic elections, which was our most successful election to date.

Not only did the DA receive its highest voter support levels yet, but it was the first time our party received in excess of four million votes nation-wide.

So too, the 2014 elections changed South Africa’s political landscape and the coming 2016 municipal elections will undoubtedly be a watershed election for South Africa, as the ANC’s grip on power begins to unwind.

Thanks to the continued and ever growing support from residents in Steve Tshwete, it is in this municipality where the DA enjoys its highest percentage of support. We thank every resident who supported us in so many ways over the past year and we will strive to continue being of service and assistance to our entire community in 2015.

This year our community once again showed their kindness and caring heart by supporting each other and many fellow residents in time of need. It is this caring spirit that makes our community great. To all residents who will be on the road during the festive season, safe travels and arrive alive.

God Bless. See you in 2015.

Middelburg Business Chamber CEO, Anna-Mart Ott:

A Christmas message from all of us at the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry… With best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2015.

The MCCI’s reputation as the voice of the business community and the advocate for business issues remains strong. Our ongoing relationship with the South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Steve Tshwete Municipality enable us to effect real change at a level impacting all businesses.

MCCI believes that planning is the cornerstone of a successful business and is again planning to have a well-structured effective vehicle for

our members to network and lobby. We are actively involved in making our voices heard and we encourage our membership to bring to any issues of particular concern to us, so that we may bring this to the attention of the responsible persons.

The MCCI staff remains committed to the business community we serve. Thank you for working with us during 2014. We look forward to the next year and wish a successful and prosperous 2015 to our members and the business community.

ANC mayoral committee member, Ms Ena Pilodia:

It feels like yesterday when we celebrated Christmas and New Year, and yet it is another festive season upon us once again.

Many things happened during this year. We had the national elections, together with a by-election. As a municipality we achieved also many more accolades. Unfortunately, we also said our goodbyes to too many loved and dear ones.

My wish to all is that we need to learn from this. Life is just too short to keep fighting and to keep grudges. We never know when it will be the last time you get an opportunity to hug a loved one or a friend. Let us learn to forgive more and faster, and to embrace each other.

I want to thank all my Community Police Forum and Radio Group friends, colleagues and connections, my Facebook friends, colleagues and employees at the municipality, as well as everybody that knows me, for their support during this past year. If it was not for all of you, I certainly would not have been able to achieve the things I do. Please continue doing so, because that is what makes it possible to continue doing what I’m doing.

Please allow me to wish all residents of Steve Tshwete Municipality a very blessed Christmas and a prosperous and positive 2015.

If you are going anywhere, please drive safe. Think on behalf of other road users, and come back safely. If you are staying at home, like me, make the best of this time to spend quality time with loved ones, and please please please do not drink and drive.

Ensure your car is properly locked, and so is your house. Criminals thrive this time of the year. Be safe, be responsible, and remain accountable for whatever you are doing.

Middelburg SAPS Cluster Commander, brig. Moses Bolton:

Middelburg residents are introduced to the new SAPS Cluster Commander, a Middelburg resident himself, brig. Bolton.

Theft out of motor vehicles in the CBD and in residential areas have increased sharply. Victims of these types of crimes are requested to drive to the station as soon as they become aware that their belongings are missing so that fingerprints can be taken.

People are urged to safeguard their belongings and not leave valuable items in their vehicles. Brig. Bolton has committed himself to call more members to action to combat the current problem.

Residents who are going away must inform their neighbors of their movements. People staying at home this festive season must be vigilant and report any suspicious people or activities. “Lets rather be safe than sorry.”

Avoid going to banks and deserted ATM’s late at night and the early hours of the morning.

Residents must be aware that there are a current trend of gate motor thefts. Thieves have targeted Gholfsig and Kanonkop recently. Brig. Bolton urges people to secure their gate motors with padlocks and cages.

Regular police operations will be held through the festive season. So far more than ten people have been arrested for drunken driving and seven for possession of drugs.

Parents must be aware that the Middelburg police have seen a direct link between drug use and the smoking of “Hubbly Bubblies”. They are advise to forbid their children from smoking Hubblies.

If people struggle to get through to the respective stations, they must make use of the station commanders’ cellphones and the cluster commander’s cellphone if they are still not being helped.

Have a merry Christmas and safe festive season.