Ward 108 councillor Deborah Francisco has shared her Christmas and New Year message with residents of Alexandra, emphasising unity and cooperation in the face of ongoing challenges in her ward.

She said, although this year has been quite challenging, and she has had to endure being insulted and abused by some residents, the festive season was a time to spread festive cheer and messages of goodwill. “I am not going to choose people; I work with everybody, whether you love me or hate me,” she said.

Francisco wished residents a joyful festive season. “I wish them a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the new year bring change in their lives. If I were able to bring about those big changes that everybody could see, I would have. But unfortunately, it is difficult.”

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Her hope, she added, is that 2026 will be a year of progress for all Alexandra residents. “My wish is that 2026 should be the year of all people who live in Alexandra, including my ward.”

She also noted that the festive season, though it is joyous and welcomed, also comes with its own challenges of crime. Reflecting on incidents of crime that plagued the township this year, Francisco recalled a time when residents could walk freely through Alexandra without fear.

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“It is going to be difficult, but I am saying to the community of Alexandra, that we used to walk freely from 1st Avenue to 22nd Avenue without getting mugged. I wish we could go back in time through cooperation. Now, criminal activities are a lot.”

She also highlighted the issue of illegal immigration, which she said has sown divisions in the community. According to her observations, many criminal activities in the community can be attributed to the influx of undocumented foreign nationals. “Some do not work, and when they pounce on you, they don’t even feel for you. Even when they commit the crimes, police cannot trace them through fingerprints or anything.”

Despite these challenges, Francisco stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing issues of crime. “We should work together. I even called a crime meeting last time. The patrollers came to me once, trying to establish some sort of cooperation. I will also talk to the patrollers and tell them that I am willing to work with them.”

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