The Western Cape Trafficking in Persons Provincial Task Team hosted a two-day event in Beaufort West on the 14th and 15th November 2024 at the Lighthouse Ministries Church.

This initiative addressed the town’s growing human trafficking concerns as Beaufort West has been identified as a trafficking hotspot with the N1 highway running through the town, where busses, taxis and trucks pass through.

On the first day, a Local Task Team (LLT) was established and representatives from various departments received training on their roles and responsibilities in combating trafficking, which includes, human trafficking and Labour trafficking. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen coordinated responses to trafficking cases in the area.

The second day featured a Trafficking Public Imbizo, where Deputy Mayor, Mrs, Georgina Duimpies delivered a message of support underscoring the local government’s commitment to fighting trafficking.

Representatives from multiple government departments were present to educate the public on services available to those affected by trafficking and how the community can support anti-trafficking efforts

KwaMandlenkosi, Rustdene, and part of Industrial Area

Due to extremely essential maintaince work in your area, a powe outage is planned for Sunday, 10 November 2024 from 09:00 to 17:00

During this period all installations must be considered live as the power can be switched on any time during the said time. If the weather does not allow it, the power outage will be postponed to a later notification date.

Selma Murray is a municipal worker and has been working for the municipality for the past twenty years. She started her career at the municipality as an inquiry clerk. She held the position for four years.

In 2004 she was appointed in Mrs Otto's place and became a senior clerk. Her work involves answering the phone, receiving customers and general administrative tasks. She was responsible for the marathon for years and loved it very much. She really enjoyed the arrangements. She learned to be very tolerant at the workplace. Patience is a key word to success. Selma is an early morning person, she likes to get up early. She likes gardening and therefore here where she spends time with God.

She likes reading a lot. She is involved in the church's choir and women's service where they do a lot of mercy work. Her favorite color is blue.

My message to my fellow colleagues is keep your eyes fixed on the Lord. She wants to encourage all the workers with Proverbs 3 verse 5 which says Trust completely in the Lord and don't rely on your own insights. Selma went through a very difficult time when she had a mild stroke during her mother's death. "I didn't think I would ever be able to work again but here I am today and I can work".

My grandchildren inspire me. They give me courage to go on. So for me a privilege to see them grow up.

Finally, she wants to encourage every worker that it is the Grace of God that makes us get up every day. It is a great privilege and honor for her to be able to work for the municipality.