Blouberg Mayor Calls for Pride and Unity During Heritage Month Celebrations

Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor, Her Worship Cllr Maria Thamaga, has urged the community to embrace Heritage Month with pride and dignity, as it is a reflection of their identity and cultural roots. Speaking at the Heritage and Statue Celebration of Kgoshigolo Rachacha – Bahananwa Traditional Community in Kwarung Village, she highlighted the significance of honoring cultural traditions during this important month.

“We, as a municipality, participate annually in the heritage celebrations of our chiefs. We will continue to do so and strengthen these partnerships,” Mayor Thamaga said. She noted that September, widely known as Heritage Month, is a time to recognize and celebrate the richness of the community's arts, culture, and traditions. "It’s about who we are," she added, urging attendees to proudly display their traditional attire and perform cultural dances that symbolize their heritage.

Cllr Thamaga emphasized the importance of preserving cultural practices, stating that heritage is not only about the past but is a valuable resource for future generations. “Let us present all the costumes and dances associated with our culture. Let us show our true colors,” she encouraged. The mayor also stressed that celebrating heritage fosters unity and pride within the community, which are essential elements for societal progress.

In her address, Mayor Thamaga also touched on the practical aspect of Heritage Month within government cycles, which doubles as a month for service delivery. “September is a month of service delivery,” she said, underscoring the municipality’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. She outlined the strides the council has made in ensuring that sustainable services reach the people of Blouberg.

Highlighting recent service delivery achievements, the mayor announced that several communities have now been connected to electricity, thanks to the municipality’s efforts. “We have been able to provide electricity to 45 households in Swartz, 30 in Bayswater, 25 in Mochemi, 50 in Mongalo, and 70 in Sweethome,” she revealed. Additionally, a total of 305 households, including those in Simpson and Alldays, received electricity in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Mayor Thamaga also used the platform to announce upcoming infrastructure projects aimed at improving road conditions in various parts of the municipality. “We have handed over sites to contractors for the construction of roads in Kwarung, Thalane, Senwabarwana D1200, and Alldays,” she said. The mayor expressed optimism that these projects will significantly boost accessibility and mobility for the residents, especially in rural areas.

In acknowledging the traditional leaders’ pivotal role, Cllr Thamaga praised the ongoing cooperation between the municipality and local chiefs, noting that their partnership has been instrumental in driving service delivery initiatives. “We have been able to do all this because of the cooperation and partnership with our kings and our communities,” she said. Mayor Thamaga emphasized that working together is a fundamental part of the community’s heritage and a key driver of progress.

The mayor extended her heartfelt gratitude to the traditional leaders for their unwavering support over the past 30 years, during which they have walked the journey of service delivery with the municipality. “As we celebrate 30 years of freedom and democracy, we need to look back with pride. We have come a long way, walking side by side with our kings,” she reflected. Mayor Thamaga acknowledged that this collaboration has been vital in addressing the challenges that the community has faced over the years.

While celebrating the gains made since the dawn of democracy, Mayor Thamaga urged the community to remain resilient in tackling present-day challenges. “The achievements of the past thirty years give us the strength to face today’s challenges,” she remarked. The mayor also emphasized the importance of maintaining a connection to the land, stating that being rooted in traditional values has been a source of strength for the black community.

Mayor Thamaga encouraged the community to continue protecting and preserving their culture for future generations. “Let us continue to protect our culture and heritage for future generations,” she urged, highlighting the need for cultural preservation in an ever-changing world. She called on the youth to take an active role in learning about their heritage and becoming custodians of their cultural practices.

Reflecting on the importance of the event, Mayor Thamaga noted that such celebrations are not only a testament to the community’s rich history but also serve as a reminder of the journey they have traveled together. “This celebration is a reflection of who we are as a people and how far we have come,” she said. She urged the community to keep their heritage alive through continuous cultural practices and by passing on their traditions to younger generations.

The event, which was attended by a diverse group of dignitaries, underscored the unity between the traditional leaders and government officials in driving the community forward. Among the attendees were Council Speaker Cllr Blanco Boloka, Whip of Council Cllr Johanna Rangata, members of the Executive Committee (EXCO), Member of Parliament Soviet Lekganyane, and Kgosi Sello Molebatsi Moroka III of Lerala in Botswana.

In closing, Mayor Thamaga reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to improving the lives of its residents through service delivery and community engagement. She assured the public that the municipality will continue to work hand in hand with traditional leaders and communities to achieve common goals. “We will keep working together for the betterment of our community,” she said.

The Heritage and Statue Celebration of Kgoshigolo Rachacha was a momentous occasion that celebrated not only the community’s past but also the progress made in the present. Mayor Thamaga’s message of pride, unity, and service delivery resonated with those in attendance, leaving a lasting impression on the significance of protecting and celebrating their cultural heritage.