Pieter Erasmus, 40, Democratic Alliance (DA) local elections candidate councillor for Ward 6 which includes Greenhills Circle and the area above Laerskool Randfontein recently answered the Herald’s questions regarding the upcoming elections.
1. What are you going to do differently?
Infrastructure in Ward 6 is in poor condition; potholes, street lights not working, sewage in the streets, leaking fresh water.
I would fight for control of Ward 6 and where the municipality lacks in execution I would step in. Where did the yearly allocated funds for Ward 6 go? Not into the upkeep of infrastructure.
2. If you were elected, what would you focus on and why?
• Things that can have an immediate impact on service delivery, getting the phone system of the municipality to work so that the public can get hold of them
• Service level agreements; I want a commitment from the municipality on how long it takes to get things repaired and I want them to be accountable for it
• Communication and feedback to residents of Ward 6
3. Why should the community vote for you?
Because once I start I don’t stop. I tend to develop an obsession with whatever I’m busy with, this means I go out of my way to get things done by going the extra mile with a smile. The DA has been running municipalities in the country successfully, and the voters can be assured that I have their support and the knowledge to assist me with getting things done.
5. Outside of your council duties, how are you involved in the community?
I try to help the old age homes and the elderly as much as possible. I enjoy their friendliness, their stories and I learn a lot from them; I have been brought up to respect my seniors.
6. What past experiences make you uniquely qualified for this role?
I’m an accountant, and I have also audited various municipalities for the Auditor General, which included Kgetleng Municipality in Koster, Dr Kenneth Kaunda in Orkney, Makwassie Hills in Wolmaransstad and more. I have in-depth knowledge of the Municipal Finance Management Act and therefore I know what to look out for and get the municipality to comply.
