Current Edition >> Archive Section >> Letters to the editor >> 1-16 October 2005

Dedicated cargo airport for Free State

I read your article on a dedicated cargo airport for the Free State in your edition of February 2006 with keen interest, as I am heading the Task Team in the Matjhabeng Municipality that is driving this particular project.
I agree that we as Free State might lose this opportunity if we do not unite and speak with one voice. My contention is that if only the Provincial Government can exercise leadership and pronounce themselves on where they prefer this airport to be located.
We as a Municipality have made several presentations to the Province, trying to convince them that we have made proper research on this project. The facts we presented were well researched. It does not only make logic but economic sense as well to establish this airport in Matjhabeng, an area that has been ravaged by unemployment and poverty (±150 000 jobs lost in the last nine years!).
By the way, Matjhabeng is the only Municipality in the Free State that has included the establishment of a dedicated cargo airport in its IDP and contrary to your article the concept is captured in the FS Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, with Welkom (Matjhabeng) quoted as the likely location for this distribution hub.
We are ready! All we need is political support from the Province.

BA Montshioa
MMC:ED&SP
Matjhabeng Local Council

Ward councillors' integrity and skills

The process of appointing Ward Councillors was completed and we are now left with the wait and see situation. We all observed the dissatisfaction of residents around the country with regard to the appointment of ward councillors - some were so brave to talk about the failure of their organizations to consult extensively, while others chose to be quiet because they fear that they might be removed from organizational membership lists or be disciplined for raising their views.
The State President, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, highlighted during his election visits to some towns that our country needs leaders with integrity and skills to deliver the quality services - not populists who are going to forget the mandate of the national government. Experience has taught us that populists are not effective.
All municipalities are currently facing a challenge to capacitate Ward Councillors to be able to deliver quality services. Some people have already made several bad remarks about new councillors who do not have leadership background - but please let us stop pre-judging our leaders if they are appointed by the people (even if it was a small number of people that appointed them). Give them a chance to lead. If they fail, remember the State President has made it clear that we must contact him / his office.
To those who have been appointed, please: “Do not be the community boss but be leaders who respect the resident's mandate”. May God give you light and vision to lead us correctly.

Ishmael Kgapola
Resident of Matjhabeng