The year 2020 was tough. Tough for all of us, as it challenged us in almost every facet of what it means to be human – facing the unknown with an unprecedented virus outbreak, financial and economic uncertainty, hardship, anxiety about our own health and that of our loved ones; and being challenged to constantly adapt to go about conducting all the previously normal things such as meetings, a greeting, going to church, watching a sporting match or enjoying birthday celebrations.

Every one of us has our unique story of 2020 to tell – of transformation in a new world, of dealing with uncertainty, and most probably of illness or of loss.

At the NWDC we know that our closest clients – our tenants and SMMEs – endured tremendous hardships during the various levels of the national lockdown and the economic restrictions that came with that. Since June 2020 our project team have been working relentlessly to capture, evaluate and pay-out the over 6 200 applications received for the North West Covid-19 SMME Relief Fund.  The project team continues to forge ahead to ensure that every qualifying application will receive their pay-out.

As we fast approach the end of this historic calendar year, it is my wish that in addition to its challenges, your 2020 story also contains pages that speak of a new-found appreciation for the simple and priceless things in life that previously we might have taken for granted:  family, friendships, neighbourly relations, health, tight hugs, socialising unrestricted, cheering a child on during a sporting match.. may your list go on.

The festive season is upon us; may you experience the peace and hope that Christmas brings with it.

When we ring in quite an uncertain 2021, may you embrace the new normal with a new-found sense of appreciation for the simple things and the commitment to play your part in being safe in 2021, for as long as it takes.

Wishing you a blessed and grace-filled Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.

Radichaba Malapane

Acting Chief Executive Officer, NWDC