27 Dec 2021

Torrential rains coupled with strong winds that swept through some of the villages of the North East District disrupted a number Christmas activities.

The rainfall, which started ahead of the Christmas festivities and continued into the festive season, disrupted activities such as Christmas parties, picnics, weddings and football tournaments in the villages of Siviya, Jackals No 2, Senyawe, Nlaphwane and Kalakamati, among others. 

Kgosi Louis Siviya told BOPA in an interview that the rain disrupted an annual picnic that was supposed to be held by Siviya village dam.

 “We had some weddings that were also disrupted by the rain,” he added.

He also said the rainfall was accompanied by strong winds that uprooted some trees and destroyed some property.

Kgosi Siviya also indicated that there were those who wanted to use the days to cultivate their fields, but failed because the soil was waterlogged.

However, he thanked his people for having celebrated the festive season peacefully, adding that he had not received any report of unruly behaviour.

At the time of going to press, in Siviya an ongoing game between Siviya Young Fighters and Butale Football Club was played by soaking wet players even though the game was previously halted twice because of the heavy downpours.

One of the organisers of the tournament, Mr Reetsang Chigu said the games were played under strict COVID-19 protocols.

He said all players were certified to have been fully vaccinated and that all spectators were also required to produce full vaccination cards before entering the football grounds.

Meanwhile, some residents of the North East District used the holidays to gather mophane worms, which is currently in abundance in most part of the district.

Mr Autumn Jeremiah of Siviya said he decided to take his family to the woodland to gather the delicious worm in order to make ends meet in January, which month is notorious for bankruptcy, as people would have spent their savings on festivities. Ends