Zillah Maguire, 32, Democratic Alliance (DA) local elections candidate councillor for Ward 39 which includes Pinehaven, Protea Ridge, Oaktree, Sterkfontein, Swartkranz, Kromdraai, Heuningklip, Honingklip, Steynsvlei, Northvale, Driefontein and Tweefontein recently answered the News’ questions regarding the upcoming elections.
1. What have you done during your time in office?
Protecting property rights and values of the residents of Ward 39. Upholding laws and by-laws to the best of my ability under the current administration regarding illegal land occupation, guarding of municipal land and structure control. Fostering solid relationships with key stakeholders.
Ensuring that services and assistance are rendered by the Municipal departments under a wide range of complex and diverse ward issues, including electrification programmes, infrastructure repairs, water and sanitation challenges, sustainable farming for low-income, poverty-stricken households, social upliftment programmes working closely with NGOs, NPOs and local clinics.
I have been a sitting councillor on the Department of Economic Development Section 80 portfolio committee for five years, as well as Infrastructure for one year and Public Safety for four years. In these portfolios I have relentlessly given valuable inputs, submissions and posed questions on behalf of the residents of Ward 39 and the greater Mogale City.
2. If you were elected, what would you focus on and why?
Many ward issues are not resolvable in a single term. Should I be re-elected, I’ll continue to ensure that the area’s infrastructure and assets are upgraded and secured, that properties remain safe from illegal invasions, and tirelessly push local and provincial government to develop land previously earmarked for controlled township establishments where residents can live in a safe and clean environment with adequate services.
Current projects which are yet to be finalised are bulk services and formalising Plot 11 for displaced residents in the low-income bracket so they can live in dignity and peace, electrification of Portion 26 Kromdraai as part of the pre-paid electricity roll-out plan which will ensure safe and legal electricity connections in the area, and minimise theft and damage to transformers, water reticulation correction, and amendment for various areas within the Cradle of Humankind.
This will minimise tanker water costs to the municipality in the long run and provide safe, clean drinking water to outlying communities of Ward 39, road upgrades including main roads to be tarred due to high traffic volumes as developments continue to grow within the area.
Good infrastructure is vital for a local economic boost as well as for increased tourism within the Cradle of Humankind.
3. Why should the community vote for you?
Protection and sustainable development within the Cradle of Humankind with all the challenges within the greater Muldersdrift region. Ward 39 has been less affected by socioeconomic challenges and I intend to minimise the impact further. This will increase local investment which will create more jobs for residents, where everyone will have the opportunity to better their circumstances, in turn this will reduce crime in the area, boost property value and create better lives and foster freedom for all the residents of the area.
4. Outside of your council duties, how are you involved in the community?
I’ve worked closely with relevant stakeholders within Ward 39, including businesses, NPOs, NGOs, churches, clinics and schools where we have a constant flow of upliftment projects to work on, ranging from hunger relief, gardening projects, medical awareness programmes, gender-based violence programmes, ABET schooling programmes, donation drives.
5. What past experiences make you uniquely qualified for this role?
I’ve been with the DA for the last 14 years, starting in the Youth League. At the age of 20 I opened my own furniture business where I started to mentor fellow youth. I have an intimate knowledge of SMMEs which play a vital role in economic growth. As for being a ‘farm girl’, I can always closely relate to my residents’ needs and their issues.
A good leader serves their community selflessly with full dedication, transparency and perseverance. This creates a working environment of respect and support from the community.
The municipal elections will take place on Monday, November 1.
Candidate councillors who wish to introduce themselves to the public through the News’ Get to Know Your Candidate segment need to contact the News before Thursday, October 21.
Also read: Leer jou DA-raadslid kandidate ken: Jaco Holtzhausen
DISCLAIMER: Caxton Local Media is always objective. When we report on the views of politicians or political parties, the reasonable reader should be able to gather that the views are those of the interviewees, and not of the publication interviewing them. If an editor believes that there may be room for doubt in this regard, a disclaimer will be added to the reporting, stating: “The views expressed in this report were expressed by the relevant interviewee(s) and the party or parties they represent, and are not held by this publication.”
