WITH the 2026 Local Government Elections just around the corner, councillors will be elected for all district, metropolitan and local municipalities across the country’s nine provinces.

This week, the Northglen News took to the streets of Ward 34 to meet and greet some of the councillor candidates assigned by the different political parties to compete for the hot seat come the November 4 Local Government Elections.

Ward 34: Avoca, Effingham, Kenville, Greenwood Park, Redhill, Sea Cow Lake

Background: Andrew Akkers brings a combination of business experience, professional expertise and grassroots civic involvement to his candidacy. He is a third-generation Ward 34 resident with decades of business, professional and community experience. He owned and operated a scholar transport business serving local families for more than 20 years (1991–2021) and spent 24 years in HSSEQ and security across the retail and corporate maritime sectors (2000–2024).

Also Read: LGE 2026: Resident calls for changes in service delivery

Elected as Ward 34’s independent councillor in August 2024 with 43.93% of the vote, Akkers is committed to practical solutions, community representation and holding the municipality accountable.

Top Four Priorities:

1. Formal Housing and Dignity: Holding the municipality accountable for acquiring suitable land and advancing formal housing opportunities for communities living in informal settlements.
2. Reliable Services and Infrastructure: Improving basic services and prioritising the upgrading and renewal of ageing water infrastructure throughout Ward 34, alongside better roads, stormwater drainage, sanitation and refuse removal.
3. Safer, Cleaner Neighbourhoods: Tackling illegal dumping, neglected properties and crime while demanding greater municipal accountability and service delivery.
4. Restoring public and recreational facilities.
The rehabilitation and maintenance of parks, sports fields and recreational spaces form another priority. The restoration, funding and ongoing maintenance of the Firwood Road Municipal Swimming Pool is identified as a particular objective.

“Ward 34 does not need another politician making promises. It needs a councillor who will fight, follow up, and demand results.”

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