Ward 17 Councillor urges change as festive season approaches

As the festive season approaches, Ward 17 Clr Simon Lapping reflected on a challenging 2025 and the urgent need for change in the year ahead.

“The lack of service delivery has reached an all-time high. Residents struggle to get the municipality to perform even the most basic tasks, and even then, it can take weeks before their pleas are heard,” Lapping said.

He added that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry findings had exposed a serious erosion of ethical governance in Ekurhuleni.

According to Lapping, residents are treated as powerless, while politically connected individuals continue to benefit from mismanagement and plunder.

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“This situation has left residents feeling powerless. It is clear that we are not living in a police state but rather in a system where the politically connected enjoy the spoils while ordinary citizens bear the burden,” he said.

Looking to 2026, Lapping urged voters to take action.

“Cry for my beloved city. 2026 is the year voters can end this selfish carnage by ensuring political parties and their cronies are finally held accountable,” he said.

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Expressing his frustrations, Lapping added, “I am gatvol [fed up], and I know many others feel the same. Only we, as voters, can bring about change. I want to see happiness and joy in my city, not despair.”

Despite the challenges, Lapping extended festive wishes to the community, “I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year, with renewed hope for what 2026 can bring.”