The Louis Trichardt Ministers Forum this week added their voice to the countless other voices expressing growing frustration with regard to the annual Makhado Show.  

The show, which took place from 1 to 4 August, once again caused many a resident a sleepless night. In view of the disturbance, and seeing that the show was extended to Sunday this year, the local Ministers Forum addressed the issue on 13 August during their weekly fraternal meeting and issued a statement.

“It is a given that the annual show will take place, and this to promote the town and other vested interests; with this the forum does not have a problem. The problems arise when there is a total lack of respect for others in the town with regard to the noise that was produced at this event,” the Forum states. They say they have to question the planning of such an event, taking into account the municipal rules and regulations for holding such an event. “The general rule applies, namely that what is good for one person is just as good for the other, regardless of position or group represented, and these rules need to be obeyed at all times,” says the Forum.

The Forum adds that the fact that the show was allowed to continue on a Sunday, which is traditionally a day of worship for many religious groups, presents a problem. “The fact that the Good Lord sent rain during the period of worship was a blessing in disguise - this allowed the services in various churches to continue undisturbed by the loud music and allowed for a few hours of peace and quiet. Added to this is the fact that there was no proper advertising that this event would continue on a Sunday and if there was, it was done very discreetly - hence there were no objections for the show committee to observe and address,” says the Forum.

The Forum says that, added to this frustration that the residents have to bear each and every year, is the letter posted by “A concerned and upset resident (Eltivillas)“  in the Zoutpansberger of 9 August in which they also lodged a complaint regarding the noise. “A point to note is they made contact with the police and were told to ‘take it up with the municipality’. This is unacceptable! Surely it is  the duty of the SAPS to maintain law and order of the community/society? Their duty is to uphold the laws of the municipality, as well those of the country,” says the Forum.

The Forum states that the rules are there for the protection of all citizens and not a few select as seems to be the order of the day. “The unknown letter writer also made mention of the fact they were celebrating Ramadan and the total lack of consideration shown for this attests to the fact that there was no proper planning, control or even thought for others around the show grounds,” says the Forum.

The Forum requested to have a face-to-face meeting with the show committee, in which they will be afforded the opportunity to respond, as well as to be included in any future planning of events of this nature. “This will help to pave the way forward,” says the Forum. They indicated that they would also like to meet face to face with the mayor “to hear his side of the story”.