SPEECH BY THE MAYOR COUNCILLOR B. JAMES AT THE FAREWELL FOR MR. CEES MEIJER – THE MUTARE HAARLEM CITY LINK COORDINATOR FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS (JANUARY 1994 – SEPTEMBER 2009)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to express on behalf of the people of mutare my most profound gratitude for this grand occasion of bidding farewell to Mr Cees Meijer – who has been the Mutare Haarlem City Link coordinator for the past 15 years (January 1994 – September 2009.

In January 1994 Cees Meijer was appointed as the Mutare City Link coordinator after having settled in Mutare in 1993.  At that time the Mutare Haarlem City Link was still in its infancy after the signing of the Twinning Relationship in October 1991. It is pleasing to note that since then, the twinning relationship has moved from strength to strength. It would be amiss of me not to mention that Mr Meijer played an integral part in the whole positive evolution which involved working with various local stakeholders.

This has seen the original programs evolving from focusing on linking schools, in the two cities, to bigger and more diversified programs in the areas of:

In all these developments Mr Meijer established good working relationships with the local stakeholders, which helped in ensuring that the purposes of the twining relationship are not diluted, off railed or side tracked. Indeed through the profound concept of sustainable development in which the two communities of Mutare and Haarlem compliment each other for a better future, the following shared goals remain our everyday targets in all our activities: 

Ladies and Gentlemen allow me to make mention of some and not all (for they are too numerous to mention) of the tangible benefits that have resulted from the twinning programme.

Some of the Athletes have went own to excel in other local, regional and International tournaments.

I’m sure you will agree with me that we cannot ignore the fact that Mr Meijer has clearly done us proud in his efforts through City Link to make this city a better place over the years, we know it has not been easy, but he has proved that with enough determination, will power and vision, anything is possible.
 
May I hasten to say that the twinning relationship is targeted at the entire community of the city and not just council. It is without any political, religious or ethnic affiliation and is open for all possible stakeholders.

In conclusion, may I say Mr. Meijer we truly appreciate the wonderful working relationship we have enjoyed with you. Words can never say it enough. We wish you the very best in your future endeavors and remember that you will be solely missed by the Mutare community, but its our belief that the successes we have recorded working together with you will forever remind us of what a wonderful workmate, colleague, friend and associate you have been and will remain forever. 

Wherever and whatever destiny awaits you ahead, remember Mutare appreciates you and will always welcome you. It is your home as much as it is ours.

I thank you!

"To be a city of prime choice preferred by all investors residents and tourists "