Plenty of positives for which to be thankful

WITH readers regularly barraged by bad news – anything rampant from crime to the recession – it is pleasing when there are plenty of positives on which to report.

The first is the good news of the planned multi-million rand upgrade at the Boardwalk Nkwazi shopping centre.

And with the regular complaint of ‘there’s nothing for young people to do’ ringing in our ears, topping the excitement of that reportis the fact that the renovations will include the establishment of an ice skating rink and entertainment centre.

What an attraction that will be for both children and parents alike – let’s hope it comes to fruition speedily.

A second encouraging development was the successful lobbying of Eskom by the City of uMhlathuze, with the outcome that load shedding times would be greatly reduced in future.

Loss of electrical power is not just inconvenient and disruptive: it is both life- and business-threatening.

There was a further note of great optimism when BHP Billiton ASA presented a look into the near future and the formation of the South32 mining and minerals company.

Not only do we breathe a sigh of relief that the local smelter business is in no danger of being disposed of, but the implications are reassuring for the many community organisations and projects that lean so heavily on BHP Billiton’s benevolence.

Another positive was the amazing response of the local business community to the plight of the 15 stricken Ukrainian seamen aboard the impounded vessel MV Iskandar.

Donations, including goods to a whopping R10 000 value from Spar, ensured they will not starve or be forgotten during what could be a lonely three-month stay at the outer anchorage.

As always, the collective heart of Zululanders opened wide – as we know they will again this weekend for the annual Cansa Shavathon.

Thank you, one and all.