MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The Mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Councillor Brighton Tlakula, received a brand new official chain and Coat of Arms on August 15.

"We believe in buying at home," Tlakula said. He said this when it was found that local businessmen could manufacture the chain for R28 000 less than their Johannesburg counterparts.

The new official chain of the mayor was manufactured locally at a cost of R81 000, whereas the quotation from Johannesburg amounted to R109 000. "We are glad and encouraged that you focus on local businessmen. Locally you get the technology, as well as better service and aftercare," said Messrs Johan Laubser from Jewel King and Herman Fick from Zebra Engraving, who jointly undertook the project. They completed the chain and emblem in two months and used 527 grams of gold in the process. The insurance value of the chain is estimated at R130 000.

The new chain consists of sixteen gold plates in the form of calabashes, on which the names of mayors will be engraved. Councillor Tlakula's name has already been engraved. Sixteen other plates in the form of a calabashes, with the letter M inside, and four rows of links, complete the chain which holds the golden plate with the word "Mayor" engraved on it and the Coat of Arms, which is also made of gold. Makhado, the name of the Municipality, appears in gold on a blue sky, indicating the sub-tropical climate. A rising sun represents pleasant weather and the warmth of the people, whereas a green mountain indicates the Soutpansberg Mountain and the diverse vegetation forming the backbone of the economic activities in the area. The calabash points to the cultural strength of the area. Cattle horns represent cattle farming and wildlife activities. Rivers and dams of the area are indicated in blue in the middle and bottom of the Coat of Arms. The words "Peace, Prosperity, Harmony" are engraved underneath. The design of the Coat of Arms originated with the council. The manufacturers were responsible for the design of the rest of the chain.

The previous chain was worn by 39 mayors. It will find its resting place in the museum where it will be on exhibition. The old chain was engraved for the first time in 1934 and the last engraving was done in 2000. Councillor Tlakula's name is the last to appear on the old chain.

The Mayor will wear the new chain, together with a new gown, matching the colours of the coat of arms, at the next Council meeting in September.