My name is Gloria Busisiwe Thabo, and I have proudly served on the Ward 91 committee as part of the infrastructure services portfolio for the past five years.

I have lived in Kempton Park for more than 27 years, and it is a place that has shaped my life in many ways.

It is where I built my career, established my home, grew my faith through my church, and formed lasting community connections.

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Kempton Park has taught me that hard work, perseverance, and people working together can make anything possible.

One of my favourite memories of living here is the early morning energy around OR Tambo International Airport.

Even at 05:00, the city is already alive with taxis, trains, cars, and shift workers heading to their destinations.

That constant movement and determination remind me that Kempton Park is a town of doers. It inspired me throughout my working journey, from my first job at MAN Truck and Bus near the airport, to the demanding 12-hour shifts I worked as a young miner at AfriSam South Africa, where I balanced both day and night shifts.

What I love most about this community is its resilience and diversity. I have met people from every corner of South Africa and beyond, all working hard to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Neighbours look out for one another, and small businesses support each other. There is a genuine spirit of “we’ve got you” that makes Kempton Park special.

Kempton Park is also full of hidden gems. At the heart of it all is the airport, arguably our greatest landmark and economic hub.

The airport is named after Oliver Reginald Tambo (1917–1993), a teacher, lawyer, freedom fighter, and former president of the ANC who led the movement in exile for nearly three decades during apartheid.

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Known affectionately as “OR,” he played a vital role in mobilising international support against apartheid and remains a symbol of unity, selflessness, and leadership.

In 2006, the airport was renamed from Johannesburg International Airport to honour his legacy, and today the City of Ekurhuleni proudly identifies itself as the OR Tambo Region.

Beyond the airport, my ward in Glen Marais offers wonderful community experiences.

The Harvest Night Market is one of my favourite gathering places, where residents enjoy local favourites such as pap and vleis, kotas, samoosas, mala mogodu, and hard-body chicken. We also host community food markets and flea markets that bring people together.

For relaxation, I enjoy spending time at the golf course, attending events at Barnard Stadium, or participating in community walks and night runs organised by Arwyp Hospital.

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Entertainment is never far away, with concerts, gospel events, sporting activities, and family outings.

Emperors Palace remains one of my favourite destinations for celebrations and family dinners, while Festival Mall offers great shopping, ice-skating, and exciting family entertainment.

One of the most life-changing experiences for me was becoming a ward committee member. As a naturally shy person, I never imagined myself serving in such a public leadership role. What once seemed far-fetched has become one of the most rewarding journeys of my life.

Through this role, I have learned valuable lessons about leadership, service delivery, and community engagement.

There have been sleepless nights when residents called after hours during power outages, seeking answers I did not always have.

Yet those moments taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of serving people during difficult times.

Like many communities, Kempton Park faces challenges.

Unplanned power outages, delayed service delivery responses, and youth unemployment remain significant concerns. However, I firmly believe our young people are one of our greatest strengths.

We have produced outstanding individuals such as world-class sprinter Akani Simbine, talented actors, artists, and community leaders. Many of these remarkable individuals come from Ward 91 and the surrounding areas.

By investing in skills development programmes, apprenticeships, and training in sectors such as logistics, safety, and hospitality, I believe we can create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Stronger partnerships between local government, businesses, and schools could also make a real difference through mentorship and practical work experience.

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The young people who inspire me most are those who excel in sport despite limited facilities.

Even without adequate infrastructure in our ward, they continue to train, compete, and represent South Africa with pride. Their determination shows that circumstances do not define potential.

If I had to describe Kempton Park in three words, they would be: resilient, connected, and always moving.

Many people may not know that I am passionate about sport and community development.

Over the past three years, I have participated in aerobics and catch-ball, while also coaching soccer teams for boys and girls under 8, under 15, and under 21.

I have balanced these responsibilities with my role as a Ward Committee Member, raising a family, and supporting various community initiatives.

I am also skilled in organising large-scale events and have successfully coordinated gatherings attended by more than 500 people.

If I could bring one positive change to Kempton Park, it would be the creation of a community skills hub for young people offering free training in areas such as food safety, forklift operations, and basic financial literacy.

I would also like to see stronger community communication platforms, including a local radio station to keep residents informed about developments in our area.

Most importantly, I would advocate for the construction of sports facilities that provide young people with safe spaces to develop their talents and stay away from negative influences.

Community programmes that engage unemployed youth in projects such as school registration support and indigent awareness campaigns would also create meaningful opportunities.

The best advice I have ever received came from my first supervisor at MAN Truck and Bus. He constantly challenged me to push beyond my limits, and under his guidance, I achieved three promotions within a single year.

His words remain with me today: “If you take care of your people, your people will take care of the job.” That principle has guided my leadership style in both my professional and community work.

For me, home is where you are known, where you feel safe, and where you are building something meaningful. Kempton Park is all of that and more.

It is where I learned leadership, where my work has purpose, and where I can walk through the community and see familiar faces. It is not simply the place where I live; it is the place where I contribute, serve, and continue to grow.