Hart is chief whip

Clr Hart believes her new position will better enhance her chances to serve the residents of ward 18 and the broader constituency of Ekurhuleni.

“My mother was a member of the Black Sash and she participated in the famous 1956 Women’s March on the Union Buildings to protest against the National Party’s laws. She taught me there was no right way to do the wrong thing,” she said.

“I grew up in a highly politicised home and was taught to fight against inequality and injustice in all its forms,” said Clr Hart.

At the time, the fight was against the iniquities brought upon the majority of South Africans by the apartheid regime.

“Today the fight continues to bring sound, effective, corruption-free governance to all South Africans and in so doing, ensure economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation and equal opportunities to all through focusing on delivery in education, health and housing as priorities,” said Clr Hart.

Clr Hart’s father was an entrepreneur who started a company called Express Messengers, a forerunner of today’s Computicket, DHL and pamphlet delivery services.

“He showed me that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. He also taught me that if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well,” she said.

Clr Hart matriculated from St Mary’s School in Waverley before deciding to study further.

“I studied a BA, majoring in psychology and communication, through Unisa in my 30s. I was never able to complete it because life always managed to get in the way,” she said.

Clr Hart is a mother of two children. Her daughter Kim is currently living in San Francisco and studying Zen Buddhism. Her son Jarrod, who has a master’s degree in chemical engineering, is currently living in the United Kingdom with his wife Julia and children Sofie (9), Aiden (7) and Robyn (4).

“My children are products of South Africa and had the opportunities I aspire to bring to all the children of this country,” said Clr Hart.

She only decided a few years ago to dedicate the rest of her life to the service of the community.

“My first honour was to be nominated to represent the DA in ward 18 during the 2011 municipal elections,” said Clr Hart.

Since her election as ward councillor, Clr Hart has worked tirelessly to improve life in Edenvale for all the residents.

“Prior to accepting the position of chief whip, I was already extremely busy. Since taking up the position, my workload has doubled and yet, somehow, I manage to stay abreast of issues in the ward that I serve as well fulfilling my responsibilities to the caucus,” she said.

As chief whip, Clr Hart manages all DA councillors in Ekurhuleni.

“One thing is for sure, I never have a dull moment and I never question whether my life has meaning or value,” said Clr Hart.