WARD 31 councillor Remona McKenzie is bidding farewell to her constituency after announcing that she has been entrusted with a new assignment by the DA, bringing her current chapter in public service to an end.

The DA announced its ward councillor candidate list on Monday, with McKenzie’s name notably absent.

Bidding farewell to residents, ratepayers, community leaders, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders who supported her during her tenure, McKenzie said: “Serving as your ward councillor has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”

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Reflecting on her time in office, McKenzie acknowledged the challenges that came with serving the community, including long days and sleepless nights.

“There were times when serving this community required everything I had to give,” said McKenzie. “But I want you to know something, I do not regret a single sacrifice.”

She said public service was not about holding a title, but about being available to people and standing up for what was right.

“It is about showing up, being available when people need you. It is about standing for what is right, even when doing so is difficult.”

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McKenzie said that while her assignment was changing, she intended to continue serving Ward 31 with the same energy and commitment until her final day in office.

“If there are outstanding matters that need attention or matters that we need to bring to conclusion, please engage with me,” she said.

Despite leaving office, McKenzie said her vision for the ward remained unchanged.

“Ward 31 will forever remain in my heart,” she said. “Thank you for trusting me and challenging me. Thank you for opening your homes, your organisations, your businesses and, most importantly, your hearts to me.”

As she prepares for the transition, McKenzie urged residents to continue building the community, protecting vulnerable people, supporting one another and holding leaders accountable.

“This moment is therefore not simply an ending. It is a transition,” she said. “The sleepless nights were worth it. The sacrifices were worth it. The journey was worth it. And the people were worth it.”

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