'Don't stab; get the jab' - Booysen

GEORGE NEWS - This is Women's Month and we are celebrating our women. So said Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Mayor Memory Booysen in Tuesday's council meeting, with a short address on the two things foremost on his mind - the Southern Cape's crime stats and the ongoing vaccination programme against Covid-19.

"We are very good at celebrating events, year after year, and developing policies," said Booysen.

"What still gives me sleepless nights are the headlines in the media. The crime stats are horrendous. If it is not boyfriends killing their girlfriends, it is children killing their parents. We really need to have an engagement with judiciary. The crime stats in the Garden Route are too high, compared to other districts." Booysen said the district needs to lead by example.

He furthermore encouraged all residents to get vaccinated without hesitation, saying people should not worry about side effects because it's to be expected. "I am a living example of someone who did get side effects, but it is normal. Please, please, please go and get your jabs."

The GRDM recently deployed 20 health care workers to help at various vaccination sites.

PBI Councillor Virgill Gericke concurred with Booysen's concern about the ongoing violence in communities. He referred to a recent incident where a young child allegedly intimidated other primary school learners on a side walk in Borcherds, near a primary school, in an attempt to stop them from going to school.

According to Gericke the child was armed with an okapi knife (type of pocket knife). In addition, he said the general public must dismiss all the conspiracy theories on vaccination.

"Scientists proved that vaccination is an effective counter measure against this deathly pandemic. Therefore we encourage everyone to make haste and get their jab."

ANC Councillor Nthabiseng Lichaba said there is a huge problem in the fabric of society. "Children of 10 are having children. Our communities are in turmoil. We need intervention with an impact," she said. "And on top of everything we are dealing with the Covid pandemic."

Municipal Manager Monde Stratu said the third wave in the Western Cape is lasting too long. "Stay home, don't travel unnecessarily and keep to the protocols."

District Mayor Memory Booysen