A large number of smiling residents of Kurhuleni outside Vuwani turned up to celebrate receiving electricity during the ‘Lights on" ceremony held at Ntsumele B last Saturday afternoon.

The event was organised by the local Sanco branch and was aimed at acknowledging those who had made efforts to ensure that the village was electrified. Ntsumele B is an extension of Kurhuleni Village, established more than 12 years ago.

With load-shedding affecting the entire country, the people of Kurhuleni had all the reason in the world to celebrate as more than 70 houses were recently electrified.

The entertaining event was attended by a number of high-profile guests, including a delegation from local and regional Sanco branches, the Makhado Municipality, the Levubu SAPS, Chief Simango and other community stakeholders. Musical performances by various artists made the atmosphere more enjoyable for the attendants.

Despite the occasion having begun on a high note, it nearly turned into chaos when a very drunk woman started harassing and hurling insults at innocent people, demanding that they give her R50. The police later had no option but to handcuff her and force her into a police van. The shameful drama unfolded while the ward councillor was delivering her speech.

Mr Owen Makhubele, the community representative and first resident of Ntsumele B, said that getting their village electrified was not an overnight issue. He urged the community to tighten their belts and pull up their socks.

He further praised Cllr Avhapfani Ngwana for her outstanding cooperation and her competency in using her governmental influence to bring priority services to the people. In response, Cllr Ngwana urged the people to continue working together and to report all developmental problems to the government through ward representatives.