Reach out to others this festive season, ward councillors say

With 2022 drawing to a close, central, west and Moot ward councillors are taking the time to reflect on the year that was and wishing the residents well.

Ward 92 councillor Leanne de Jager says that since she took up the post a little over a year ago, there have been significant strides made in the upkeep of her ward.

“Looking back on 12 months of sweat and negotiations, we have achieved a lot in ward 92, in particular, with our parks. All 11 parks have been regularly maintained and brought up to standard for the first time in many years,” said De Jager.

“Of these, Venning Park has been taken under the mayor’s wing as a mayoral project and we are looking for investors in the park to take over the structure that was previously rented out as ‘Rosies’. We are very pleased with this achievement as the upkeep has resulted in families returning to, and enjoying our parks.”

De Jager hopes to apply this standard of park maintenance to all the parks in Tshwane.

“Thank you for loyal support and assistance in 2022, your continued support and encouragement would be much appreciated in 2023. To all the readers, we wish you a happy and safe festive season,” De Jager concluded.

Ward 59 councillor Shaun Wilkinson appealed to the community to look out for one another during the festive season and reminded them that not everyone has a large supportive family to spend time with during this season.

“Many people have no-one to spend this time with and are overwhelmed by loneliness. We all need caring, loving thoughts throughout the festive season and beyond. Try to give support to all those who have family problems, health struggles, job issues, or worries of any kind and just let them know that someone cares. Do it for all of us, for none of us is immune. I wish everyone a happy festive season and take care of yourselves,” said Wilkinson.

Ward 54 councillor, Elma Nel says that the WhatsApp groups started in her ward have resulted in issues being reported and handled faster.

The ward also started a sales group in which residents can support one another’s businesses, creating a strong sense of community.

The ward also hosts monthly braais, in which, community members can meet up and bond. The next braai is scheduled for January 14 in 2023, to kick off the year.

Nel also called on residents to look out for those spending the festive season alone.

“So many of our residents lost loved ones in the past few years and are not looking forward to celebrating Christmas alone. Please reach out to each other and give the greatest gift beyond monetary value: your time or an act of kindness.

“May God bless you always and in abundance, and may we all look forward to 2023 with refreshed excitement and renewed energy to tackle the challenges that come our way,” said Nel.

“I will be available in Pretoria for the whole of December. Don’t hesitate to contact me if l can assist with any outstanding municipal matters.”

Ward 3 councillor Malesela Rakabe said that power outages in Kwaggasrand and West Park will be the main issue to address going into the new year.

Rakabe also apologised to residents for the lack of adequate service delivery this year.

“We are going to put pressure on the municipality and councillors alike to address the concerns of our residents. We want to see everyone return safely from their holidays to enjoy a well-functioning residential area,” said Rakabe.

“It has been a tough year because of the dire financial crisis the City finds itself in, but we are here to stay, here to help and we will not roll over. We wish all of our residents a safe and happy festive season.”

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