By Emily Setona
PAUL ROUX — A renewed spirit of unity and reflection filled the Fateng Community Hall on Thursday, 27 November, as residents concluded a two-day Social Cohesion and Healing of Memories programme aimed at strengthening community bonds and confronting shared trauma.
Dihlabeng Municipality Community Services representative, Thoko Vanqa, commended residents for their commitment and active participation.
“I am overwhelmed to see how committed the community of Paul Roux is to events organised for them. We must take advantage of every opportunity that takes place in our community,” Vanqa said.
A pivotal moment of the programme came during the Healing of Memories session, where residents openly shared painful experiences, allowing for emotional release and mutual understanding. Psychosocial support practitioners Lebohang Thames and Pappie Mothekge facilitated the session, creating a safe space for participants to confront and process deeply rooted trauma.
“Healing is a collective journey — one that requires a community to stand together as it confronts trauma and works toward restoration,” they emphasised.
Community safety concerns also surfaced, with Community Policing Forum Chairperson Tsietso Radebe noting a worrying increase in livestock theft, particularly sheep. He urged residents to remain vigilant and safeguard their property.
The involvement of traditional leadership added historical and cultural depth to the event. National DSAC representative Patrick Letsatsi said the presence of Morena Ntsane Mopeli, traditional leader of the Basotho in QwaQwa, highlighted the community’s potential to bridge old divides.
“We are very blessed and honoured to have Morena Ntsane Mopeli amongst us. This shows that the Paul Roux and Fateng communities will definitely find a way to achieve peace and reconciliation for the betterment of their lives,” Letsatsi said.
The programme concluded on a hopeful note, with residents embracing unity, accountability and collaboration as essential tools to build a stronger, more cohesive community.
