Alderman Haipul steps down as councillor

It is with mixed emotions that I take this opportunity to inform everyone that after more than 26 years of my committed involvement with the Alberton community, I am finally retiring as a councillor after the November 1 elections.

It has been an incredible journey, which started as far back as 1993 when I and a rather large group of disgruntled residents united to object against the exorbitant increase in property rates. That was a fight well fought and those valuers were never appointed again!

And as destiny would have it… history is repeating itself with the present unacceptable and highly flawed property rates valuations, which have been one of my latest battles. I am relieved to see that it is being taken forward by the DA, hopefully with success.

I want to thank every person who over the years has supported and encouraged me, who has worked with me and for me. There are people very close to my heart who have been there for me since the URAG (United Ratepayer Action Group) started in 1993.

Thank you to all the officials on whom I had to rely for service delivery!

I have had many successes and certainly some failures! It is not always possible to please everyone but it was certainly not for lack of trying or intentional.

I now hang up my boxing gloves and my running shoes and hand over the baton to Tim Denny who, God and voters willing, will be the new councillor for Ward 106.

My very best wishes go to the Alberton community and all the councillors who will be assisting it.

Alderman Bruna Haipel