Welcome to 2024, by all accounts a momentous year both locally and internationally with some 40 odd countries, including South Africa, holding democratic elections throughout the year. The favoured date for the South African elections is early May but they could be held as late as August. With this in mind prepare to be bombarded in print, radio, TV and social media with all sorts of noise about who you should vote for, a lot of it complete nonsense.
Another round of voter registration will be held in February. If you have moved to the village in the last 2 years and have not yet changed your voter status please take the opportunity to do so. If the statistics are accurate then they should correspond to the census figures, the larger the population count the better the chance of Midvaal achieving an increase in our grade status thereby qualifying for greater government and provincial grants.
Henley was blessed with some magnificent weather over the December / January period, with temperatures hovering around 30⁰. What rain we had was generally in the late afternoon or night. Ever since my children left school and I no longer have to fit into their timetable I avoid going away during school holidays. The Highveld weather is perfect, the roads are quieter, the shops are quieter and everyone is more accepting of others, except on New Year’s Eve.
The anti-fireworks lobby and the pro-fireworks lobby will never see eye to eye. Fireworks have been around for 2000 years and many religions use them in their religious festivals and celebrations. The sooner the 2 lobby groups can find common ground the better.
Wishing all our residents a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024.

Contact your local Ward Councillor at : tonyonklip@gmail.com