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MAYOR VISITS
ELDERS ON HIS BIRTHDAY
By Genevieve Vieira
On 12 July, the Executive Mayor of Matlosana, cllr Thamsanqa
China Dodovu celebrated his 37th birthday with elderly persons
in Doornfontein. Mr. Dodovu shared this day with a remarkable
old woman who has reached the outstanding age of 108. As a
declaration of awareness to the degrading situations of our
rural communities, this day was dedicated to the aged.
It is evident that the social status of our rural communities
remains to be a challenge. Poor sanitation, housing, no access
to health facilities, unclean water, no access to grants and
home affairs are just a few of the problems that the people
living in this area have to face on a daily basis. It is due to
such frustrations that this day was chosen to be shared with
those living in these dreadful conditions.
Mrs. Kiti Clara Sekana is one of the farm elders who turned 108
years on 11July. She has embarked upon many journeys, witnessed
life-changing events and still manages to survive in such
poverty. Her wisdom has carried her through three centuries and
it is truly a miracle to witness her endurance. Mrs. Martha
Doorin Letlojane, a fellow neighbour, was entitled “Nelson
Mandela's twin” for her and Mr. Mandela share the same age.
As residents on this farm, these elders challenge many monstrous
conditions but as a witness it is fair to say that “there is
great fellowship in poverty”! This day was also the 50th
anniversary of the women's struggle, when they marched to the
union building, protesting against pass laws.
A day of many gestures, in honour of those who carry with them
knowledge and understanding of the world, was uniquely a joyous
occasion. The Department of Health brought along a mobile clinic
which provided necessary medication and has made a contribution
to ensure that routine checkups will be conducted. Municipal
councilors treated the elders to a pedicure and massage session
as a memorable gesture.
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THUPI RESIGNS AS MM
OF MATLOSANA
By Genevieve Vieira
On 10 July, Thupi Mokhatla resigned from his position as the
Municipal Manager of the City of Matlosana. Mokhatla would like
to clarify his resignation as merely an opportunity for
embarking to greener pastures. Recent media has construed this
decision in an unsound manner.
Mokhatla returned from Merafong Local Municipality in 2001 to
serve the people of Matlosana as the Municipal Manager. Before
this time he served the city council of Klerksdorp under the
Executive Mayor, Dr Masike followed by Executive Mayor, Jaycee
Nxamakele during which the name was changed to the city of
Matlosana. As the accounting officer at the time Mokhatla
challenged head on to deliver to the mandate of the people of
Matlosana.
It was during this time that Executive Mayor, China Dodovu who
then was representative as the Housing Manager created conflict
between the two parties. Mokhatla obtained a judgement against
Dodovu in a lawsuit where Dodovu was instructed to pay R100 000
plus interest. The amount stated has thus far not yet been paid.
Although these matters have not yet been resolved and Dodovu has
been reinstated as Executive Mayor, which now ranks his position
as Mokhatla's boss, it is not these petty grievances which have
lead to his resignation.
Mokhatla has served the city with loyalty and dignity and will
leave behind not only a financially stable city but also a solid
administration to deliver the needs of its community. He will
pursue his career as a Municipal Manager at West Rand District
Municipality, where he feels he is subject to make a difference
as a professional.
Mokhatla said “I believe who ever will succeed me will continue
to enjoy the support of both politicians and officials in
serving the people of Matlosana.” We would like to wish Mokhatla
a dignified departure and may his future be a successful and
proactive one. |
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