‘I was shocked to see Graaff-reinet this December’

Billy Lloyd from Ermelo writes:

I work and stay in Mpumalanga in a town called Ermelo.

I come to my farm I call home about 200km from your lovely town Graaff-reinet five times a year.

On these occasions, I stop for my favourite coffee and the Graaff-reinet Advertiser on the way there and back.

You guys are welcoming friendly and open warm hearted people. When I speak to Transvalers I refer to you as my people. And although I am still 200km away from home if I reach your town it feels as if I have arrived.

I came through town on 20 December and the following morning, while I was sitting looking over the sea in Port Elizabeth, I could not get the urge to write this letter out of me because I was shocked to see the town.

I was greeted by masses of paper blowing in the streets of once the most beautiful town in our country.

At the filling station, none of the washing basins were in working order and only two urinals could be used. As usual, the coffee was good and the people friendly. So I bought the Advertiser - I must say that I mentioned to the cashier that I am only buying it to prevent it from blowing around in the wind. With tired faces, the staff mentioned to me that the people moving through town in their thousands is having an impact on them and the whole town. In the paper of 20 December, I read that there are numerous challenges within the town. I also read that there are people standing up to these challenges.

Littering has a detrimental effect on all people as it shapes the very environment that shapes us and our state of mind.

I want to bless all the people of Graaffreinet - you were given the power and the strength to rule over this dry, but most beautiful, place.

Stay positive and do what you can. Remember the solution to these challenges does not lie in our comments on social media or in the hands of government but in your own endeavours to bring this town to its former glory for the sake of our children.

Your actions will set the example for them to treasure this special part of creation. Bless you!