LOUIS TRICHARDT – The mayor of Makhado Municipality, Cllr Brighton Tlakula this week apologised for misperceptions that might have been caused by his reference to the Mau Mau organisation. He recently referred to this Kenyan rebel organisation when welcoming a group of officials from the Kiriniyago County Council in Kenya.

Cllr Tlakula's remarks led to an outcry from especially white community members who pointed out that the Mau Mau allegedly committed various atrocities. These include the brutal slaying of white and black Kenyans and the killing of nuns.

According to Cllr Tlakula his statements when greeting the delegation may have been taken out of context. He was especially concerned that some residents may interpret the statement to mean that the municipality is "anti-white"

"It is a known fact that this municipality, through the Mayor, has established good and sound relationships with all communities and ethnic groups around our municipality. It is our resolve and commitment to make sure that this relationship is maintained and sustained. The Municipality of Makhado and the Mayor in particular believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it irrespective of the colour, sex, nationality or ethnic groups," the statement from the Mayor's office reads.

In the statement the Mayor explains that the reference to the Mau Mau was made during the welcoming speech and the aim was to briefly reflect on the history of the two countries. "The statement was never meant to discriminate or inflict fear amongst the white community," he says.