I received an inspiring email on 13 March 2023 from Mr. Henrique Strydom, a grade 11 scholar at Wittedrift High School. He expressed his concerns about the poor condition of the cemetery in Park Lane. This is a cemetery where generations of Plett residents have been laid to rest.

Very interestingly, he did not only complain about the condition, but saw it as a project that he wanted to pursue as part of the 20 hours of community service that he has to do for Mr. and Miss Wittedrift High School.

In essence, he saw himself as part of the solution and offered an idea that we could take forward using the Bitou motto ‘To be the best together’.

Human Rights Day, Tuesday, 21 March, was the date set. This day was chosen because it was a public holiday when schools are closed. This date was also set as the date the inauguration of the inaugural Bitou Junior Town Council.

This was an ideal community activity for these young councillors to use as their first community project.

After the elections of office bearers and plans being set for the remainder of the year, the Bitou Junior Town Council together with officials, the Mayor and Speaker proceeded to the cemetery for a 2-hour cleanup.

This was indeed a good initiative to celebrate Human Rights Day, and we managed to prove that government and the people can work to be the best together.

This was followed by a further clean-up by the Bitou Municipal Parks department on Wednesday, 22 March 2023.

Circulated by the Bitou Municipal Communications on behalf of the Bitou Executive Mayor, Cllr Dave Swart: