Following the announcement of the national election results, Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle has started preparing for the upcoming municipal elections.
Set to be held in 2021, the elections will see community members make their mark for municipal leadership.
Rundle said within his ward the 2019 results were good for the Democratic Alliance.
“In my opinion, this is due to the solid support from the branch structure members and activists who rallied and worked on the day and during the run-up to the elections, as well as to the voter support given by the residents.”
Rundle said since he was elected as ward councillor in 2011, election results in his ward have been consistent.
Also read: End of year message from Rundle
“I would like to think that the voter’s understanding of the vote concept and purpose is well understood.”
Despite the success in the local ward, some social media users criticised the party and expressed frustration. When compared to the results of the 2014 elections, this year the party saw a 1.46 per cent drop in support nationally and a 3.33 per cent drop in Gauteng.
“There is a review of the election results by all party structures and the reasons for the decline in support in some areas are being documented,” said Rundle.
“The final input will be analysed, assessed and the results will be incorporated in the planning strategies of the party for the 2021 local elections and also future objectives.”
Rundle explained that the strategy for the local elections will be set by the party at national level.
As the man on the ground, Rundle will endeavour to make use of all facilities available to him within his mandate to secure quality and adequate service delivery for the residents of Ward 19.
Also read: Rundle prepares his plans for ward 19
He will pay special attention to the proposed Rietfontein development and allegations made against the Don Mattera Child and Youth Care Centre.
“Not much will come of the engagement if the residents do not come out and demand their rights. This needs community involvement, which is currently not at very high levels,” said Rundle.
“There are many good comments and proposals on Facebook and other social media platforms. There they remain comments. What is needed is to try and implement them.”
Rundle encouraged community members to attend public meetings and forums.
