LOUIS TRICHARDT – The mayor of the Makhado Municipality this week paid warm tribute to the Mau Mau movement of Kenya.

Mayor Brighton Tlakula welcomed officials from the Kirinyaga County Council, Kenya, who are visiting as guests of the local Council. A twinning agreement between the Makhado Municipality, and the Kirinyaga Council is envisaged. Six officials, including the mayor of Kirinyaga Council, are on an all expenses paid week long visit to the Makhado Council.

Mayor Tlakula hailed them as descendant of one of the most productive sons of Africa, Dr Jomo Kenyata of the Kenya African National Union (KANU).

He commended the Kikuyo tribe for establishing the Mau Mau, an armed wing of KANU which he described as a brother of the ANC.

Mayor Tlakula also paid tribute to president Arab Moi of Kenia and, amongst others, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

He lamented the loss of African traditions like slaughtering goats for the Ancestral Spirits and the initiation of their children.

He informed the visitors that Makhado Municipality has a vision of Peace, Harmony and Prosperity in a healthy environment for all. He said the municipality is one of the most peaceful and progressive in the province. It has a mission to improve the quality of life of all inhabitants by rendering basic, efficient and affordable sustainable services through transparent, participatory governance and a dedicated efficient and accountable institution focused on developing the area as a growth point.

"We are able to achieve this through the participation of ward committees which represent all interest groups of our people. In other words we consult our people before making a decision in relation to whatever affects their daily lives," councillor Tlakula said.