13 Nov 2016

Away from the din and bustle of the town, somewhere in the Kgalagadi district lies Struizendam.
Basic amenities of life such as water and electricity are there but unlike in other villages which are in proximity to the city, things like electricity are still a luxury as only a few homesteads, the primary school and tribal offices are electrified.
This secluded community which has a population of around a thousand inhabitants is determined to change all that despite the fact that there is no source of income as the buying power is from few civil servants who have shown real patriotism by agreeing to serve in remote areas.
The village leadership and the community at large over the weekend organised a horse race in a bid to raise funds which will be used to electrify and renovate Village Development Committee houses in their village and managed to raise around P10 000.
One of the event organisers Mr Klaas Mathys said they saw it fitting to come up with such an initiative to help uplift the standard of life in their village.
He pointed out that they were currently renting out the houses at very cheap prices because they were not electrified adding that, that irked tenants alike because they could not use their electric devices such as fridges and television sets.
Mr Mathys expressed confidence that though it’s the first time they held the event of that kind, they intend to hold it annually and at some stage by adding off road vehicles from their village to Khawa.
He thanked all the stables and all those who contributed meaningfully in their fund raising activity.
The area Councillor Mr Gideon Martin also echoed the same sentiments with Mr Klaas that the funds will come in handy in their bid to electrify their VDC houses.
He applauded the horse owners for ensuring that the event becomes a success.
The councillor went on to ask for assistance from the private sector adding that developments in any village need concerted.
Mr Johannes Roman of Team D Racing stables from Jwaneng said they will donate all their winnings to the VDC
He revealed that though they spend a lot of money maintaining their horses, they know that they have a duty to give back to the community. ENDS