Mayor's Speech
EXECUTIVE MAYOR'S YEAR-END MESSAGE
It is that time of the year when we all have to reflect on our efforts for the past year. For some, it is a time to rejoice with our families and friends and rekindle our relationships. For others, it is a sad time when you remember that you are either orphaned by HIV/Aids or reckless driving and indulgence.
Irrespective of what perception and experience we have of this time, for all of us, it is a time to take stock of what our contribution has been to a host of things: be they social, be they individual, and resolve to do even better given another new year.
In a matter of four days from now, we will be entering the festive season. December is a month that reminds us that as we relax and enjoy our holidays, may they not turn into our death warrants.
The Almighty Lord who is the giver of life extends his warm hands to embrace all of us and we need to accept that gift of life for as long as we breathe.
We look forward to the birth of a new year, with new beginnings. Our existence is not a mistake, and may we grow to fulfil our purpose on earth and more so in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. May we reflect on our past year and fuel our energies to make the best of what we were unable to accomplish.
Honourable Councillors, may your life experiences be used positively to guide our people along their journey into the future. How we conduct themselves as grown ups has an impact on the young. Let us not spread the message that excessive drinking, neglecting our families and reckless sexual behaviour, is the right way to behave. May you also use these life experiences to better your lives.
Dr Kennneth Kaunda District Municipality has endeavoured to make this past year, a year of service to our people and where communities take pride in being co-governors in the affairs of our respective municipal councils.
We meet in the second day of the Sixteen Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children, an important national campaign which enjoins us all to fight all forms of abuse, especially gender-based violence in our homes and communities. Too many women face abuse in their daily lives. Many prefer to suffer in silence. As leaders, we must do more to lead society in the fight against this scourge and encourage the victims to speak out and report abuse.
I would urge you to look back at 2009 and commit yourselves to providing a better service to the communities of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
The health of our community and nation rests on your shoulders, and this is your calling to making our District a better place where people enjoy quality of life.
To all those who will be traveling to various destinations, please take care on the road. Remember the golden rule: Don’t drink and drive. Speed kills!
I wish all of you a blessed holiday and look forward to an even successful 2010.
I thank you.