Reverend Anton Ethan Raphael Ramkuar says he would prioritise installing streetlights, addressing drug-related concerns and strengthening community engagement if elected as Ward 23 councillor.

MK Party Ward 23 candidate Reverend Anton Ethan Raphael Ramkuar says he wants to improve service delivery and build a community that moves beyond racial and cultural divisions.

Ramkuar describes himself as a former councillor, community activist and human rights activist. His proposals include installing 360 streetlights within his first 360 days in office, hosting four community events and working with the SAPS drug unit to identify areas affected by drug activity.

He also says he would push for greater accountability from municipal officials and establish a direct communication channel for residents to report service-delivery concerns.

Here, Ramkuar explains his priorities and how he believes residents should be able to hold him accountable 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?

I am Ethan Ramkuar, the MK Party ward candidate in Ward 23, Ekurhuleni.

I believe my experience as a former councillor, community activist and human rights activist has equipped me with skills needed to serve and fight for the community. Having experience in different trades can better equip a person to serve the people.

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 for election in Ward 23 because it is time to break down barriers of racism and work towards a free, fair and just South Africa.

It is time to move beyond the idea of “predominant areas” and look past skin colour, culture and race. We must serve everyone beyond those divisions.

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

The three biggest challenges in my ward are streetlights, drugs and antisocial communities.

Almost every street is in complete darkness. I believe many young people are using some form of drugs, and people have become antisocial. To improve a community, people must move beyond their own social bubbles and engage with one another.

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

During my first 360 days in office, I will ensure that 360 streetlights are installed.

I will also host four community events, one towards the end of each term, to bring people together and encourage greater community engagement.

Lastly, I will work closely with the SAPS drug unit to identify areas affected by drug activity.

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

The biggest step would be to bring a resolution before council to hold municipal staff accountable.

As political office-bearers, we have approved initiatives and allocated money for them, so why are there delays? I believe delays indicate that some officials are not doing their jobs. We would use labour laws to address officials who fail to perform their duties.

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

All communication from residents should be sent to me. I will communicate with the municipality and provide feedback. This approach would make the process transparent.

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

Since all communication will be sent to me, I believe this will allow me to respond to each concern appropriately.

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?

Many people before me have campaigned for streetlights to be repaired, but the problem remains.

If elected, I believe I have the necessary skills and knowledge of council processes to ensure that matters raised before council are implemented for the benefit of residents.

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?

I will sign a performance agreement with my party. If I fail to deliver on my promises within the first year, the party will have the right to remove me.

Alternatively, the community can call a meeting after 12 months and ask for my removal. As someone who follows democratic processes, I will respect what the people want.

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

People have tried other candidates who have let them down. They have given others a chance, and that has also failed.

I am asking residents to give me, Ethan Ramkuar, a chance to lead and show them how service delivery can work for everyone.