Last week, three uncommon events occured in the Northern Cape in the afterglow of the EFF’s #NationalShutdown.
The first uncommon occurrence was that this province was at last ranked and mentioned in national news coverage when national statistics were reflected.
When South African media groups report on statistics relating to national issues, the largest province by far is very seldom mentioned, and one dares to say “never mention”.
As if nothing happens in this province, which constitutes 30,5% of the country – in comparison with Gauteng, at 1,5%.
As if people in the Northern Cape do not know a thing about anything.
As if we are just waiting for people from other provinces to keep us busy, informed and entertained or to drive on our roads so that we can look at them with envy (they think it is envy – we know it is pity).
Last week the Northern Cape was prominently mentioned in a press release from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure when it stated at least 550 persons had been arrested during #NationalShutdown for various crimes, ranging from public violence to intimidation.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of arrests with 149, while the Northern Cape recorded the second highest number: 95 arrests. Although a questionable clame to fame, one is still delighted that the Northern Cape was not overseen.
A second uncommon but welcome event was the executive mayor of the Sol Plaatje Municipality delivering a press briefing on the two-day mayoral strategic planning session. Although Kagisho Sonyoni was elected as mayor back in November 2021 at the age of 26, he keeps out of sight of the media – hopefully this will change for all the right reasons.
A third unexpected event was that Kimberley was nominated by a hopeful person (or persons) for Kwêla on kykNET’s Dorp van die jaar competition. In the constant struggle for service delivery, no one saw this coming.
