I read the letter published on the Alberton Record online platform on January 8 with a deep sense of concern and understanding.

The frustration expressed by residents is real, justified, and shared by many who live and work in Alberton.

The state of our roads, pavements, traffic infrastructure, and public spaces has undeniably deteriorated, and residents are correct to demand better service delivery and accountability from the municipality.

As Ward 38’s councillor and as a resident of Alberton for the past 15 years, I want to state clearly that these concerns are not being dismissed or ignored. I believe firmly in meaningful community participation, not as a slogan, but as an effective governing model.

Residents must be heard, be involved, and be able to hold those in authority accountable through proper and effective channels.

As the ward councillor, I remain available and accessible to residents. I continue to convene public meetings and community engagements where issues can be raised, debated, and followed through with clear action items.

Beyond engagement, accountability is critical. Where there are failures in service delivery, these are escalated through formal oversight mechanisms, written submissions, and structured follow-ups with municipal departments.

Officials must account for delays, missed targets, and poor performance. This is the work I will continue to do in ensuring we can all be proud of Alberton again.

Fixing Alberton is not impossible. Although the level of deterioration is serious, it is not irreversible. Meaningful improvements can and must be made through better and fairer budget allocation, stricter accountability measures, and consistent oversight.

I would like to see more residents become actively involved in the budget formation process to ensure that Alberton’s needs are properly prioritised and that funding is aligned to the most urgent infrastructure and service delivery backlogs.

Alberton was once a town we were proud to call home, and I believe it may be that again. Achieving this will require transparent leadership in the City of Ekurhuleni, cooperation between residents and their elected representatives, and a firm commitment to doing the basics right!

I encourage residents to continue raising their voices, attending public meetings, and engaging constructively. Anger is understandable; however, progress comes when frustration is channelled into action, oversight, and robust accountability.

My commitment is to remain present, responsive, and unwavering in the pursuit of a safer, cleaner, and better-run Alberton.

Sincerely,

Clr Thavha Maifala-Masebe
Ward 38 Councillor

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