Nicole Whyte says tackling crime, addressing sewerage infrastructure problems and improving road conditions would be her priorities if elected as Ward 17 councillor.

DA Ward 17 candidate Nicole Whyte says she wants to improve safety, strengthen service delivery and restore residents’ pride in the area.

A Kempton Park resident, wife and mother, Whyte says her involvement in the community has reinforced the importance of listening to residents, representing their concerns and providing feedback.

She has identified crime, the sewerage network and the condition of roads as three of the biggest challenges facing the ward. She also wants greater scrutiny of developments that she believes may not comply with the City of Ekurhuleni’s by-laws and policies.

Here, Whyte outlines her priorities and explains how she would approach the role if elected.

1. Please introduce yourself to residents. Who are you, and what experience, skills or community involvement do you believe are relevant to serving as a ward councillor?

My name is Nicole Whyte, and I am standing as a candidate for Ward 17.

I am a wife, a mother of a daughter and an active community member in Kempton Park.

Over the last few years, I have noticed what I believe is a general decline in service delivery in Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni as a whole. Now is the time to get involved and be part of the solution.

My involvement in the community has taught me to listen to community members and be their voice. Everyone deserves to be heard, and it is also important that feedback is provided to the community.

2. Why have you decided to stand for election in this ward? What motivated you to put yourself forward as a candidate?

I have decided to stand because I care about the community of Ward 17.

I am ready to take on the challenges facing the ward and work to make it a better place for all residents. From security to service delivery, I will leave no stone unturned.

I will be accessible to all residents and provide feedback.

3. What do you believe are the three biggest challenges currently facing your ward?

The three biggest challenges are the increase in crime, the sewerage network and the condition of the roads.

4. If elected, what would be your top three priorities during your first year in office?

Crime: I will work with private security companies, community policing forums (CPFs) and law enforcement agencies to protect all residents.

It is important that we work together to report crime and corruption and make our ward a safe place for children to play and residents to walk freely and feel safe.

Sewerage network: I will advocate for an upgrade of the sewer line in the area. I believe that, due to developments in the area, the municipality did not plan adequately for the sewer system, which is now under significant strain.

This is not only a health hazard but also a safety hazard because residents are trying to deal with the problem themselves.

Condition of roads: The roads are in a terrible state, partly because of the sewerage issues the area is facing. Improving their condition will be a priority for me.

5. What specific steps would you take to address the biggest service-delivery challenges in the ward?

Firstly, I will ensure that issues are reported to the municipality and that reference numbers are obtained.

I will follow up with the relevant departments and provide residents with feedback received from those departments.

I will also visit sites to follow up on complaints. I will be hands-on and accessible.

6. What would you do to improve communication between the ward councillor, residents and the City of Ekurhuleni?

I will hold regular community meetings and set up information tables in the area where residents can raise their concerns with me directly.

I also welcome residents’ input and suggestions regarding service delivery.

I will establish dedicated service-delivery groups where residents can raise their concerns. I will be accessible and transparent.

7. How would you ensure that residents’ concerns are followed up and that they receive feedback on issues reported to you?

It is important for residents to be part of community WhatsApp groups and service-delivery groups because information and feedback will be provided through these groups.

8. What do you believe is one issue in the ward that has not received enough attention, and what would you do about it if elected?

Development in the area that allegedly does not comply with the City of Ekurhuleni’s by-laws and policies is an issue that needs attention.

Quality housing is very important for residents’ dignity, as described in our Constitution.

As I move through the ward, I have observed properties that I believe may not comply with regulations and that contribute to a general decline in the area. This issue will receive my attention.

9. How would you measure your performance as a ward councillor? What should residents be able to hold you accountable for at the end of your term?

What I believe is important for a ward councillor is being accessible to all residents and being honest.

Residents need to understand that councillors are also residents and experience many of the same issues. We drive on the same streets with potholes and experience the same electricity outages.

What is important to residents is important to me.

10. Why should residents consider you when deciding who to vote for as their ward councillor?

I am first and foremost a resident, and I will always put residents and their concerns first.

The old saying, “A new broom sweeps clean”, comes to mind. Ward 17 requires attention, and it will get all of mine.

I will work tirelessly for all residents and get things done.

Let’s work together to create a safer, cleaner and more prosperous community for all. Let’s restore pride in Ward 17.