Central ward councillors reflect on 2023

The Capital City CBD experienced tumult and triumph in 2023, so Rekord decided to catch up with some inner-city ward councillors to hear how they saw the year.

Ward 59 councillor, Shaun Wilkinson said 2023 brought a variety of different challenges to his ward.

“Ward 59 almost stretches from Loftus to Laudium and it has diverse challenges. It is a constant challenge to strive for excellence in the ward and also manage the expectations of ratepayers and residents. But, every day has its opportunities to remedy issues and try to encourage, influence and escalate reference numbers for better, quicker and quality service delivery,” Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson added that his biggest highlight of 2023 was his support and involvement in the ongoing charity efforts of The Greater Love Foundation. The effort is also supported by Villa San Giovanni, Wonderboom, Bird & Co., Groenkloof and the Union of Jewish Women.

“Through the amazing efforts of Pastor Jeff and Pastor Cookie, vulnerable households, women and children, the elderly and the homeless continue to receive meals, food hampers, fruit and vegetables, bread, plus toiletries, clothing, blankets and household items when available,” he said.

The Groenkloof precinct plan was among the councillor’s highlights of the year which was approved by the council for public participation after several years. The plan will promote revenue growth and economic development for ward 59.

“I have experienced an improvement in the collaboration and support from the Sunnyside police station under the leadership of Brigadier Kgoadi. Unfortunately, crime is ever-present and the law enforcement efforts from SAPS and the TMPD have to be maintained and improved to boost community safety in perpetuity,” he said.

“One serious headache is the ongoing cable theft that affects parts of the ward regularly. I am working with the new Tshwane municipality regional head and other management and leadership in the administration to ensure sustainable energy/power supply to the affected stakeholders.”

Wilkinson also thanked Axon security company for its ever-constant presence in ward 59.

In the future, Wilkinson hopes that his ward will embrace more “active-citizenry” whereby property owners, residents and ratepayers consider their roles and responsibilities to improve the communities they live and work in, holistically.

He also aims to promote Tshwane policies like the soon-to-be-launched CUP (community upliftment projects) and existing ones like “Adopt-a-Spot” opportunities, as well as the IMSD policy (internal municipal service district) which can be a combination of a residential and commercial improvement district.

“I want to simply wish all the residents of ward 59 and their loved ones a joyful Christmas and a safe festive season filled with warmth, laughter and cherished moments. May the spirit of togetherness bring happiness and peace to your home and heart.

As the ward 59 councillor, I am committed to addressing the concerns and advocating for the betterment of the ward,” Wilkinson concluded.

Ward 59 residents are encouraged to visit. www.facebook.com/DAWard59 to give their inputs, and suggestions and engage with the councillor and fellow residents.

Ward 92 councillor, Leanne De Jager says that signing an Adopt-a-Spot at Springbok Park and seeing the progress made thanks to the involvement of stakeholders was her highlight in 2023.

One of the challenges however was the municipal strike that lasted for over three months.

“The strike especially was a challenge. The waste not being collected added to increased dumping, particularly in Sunnyside, and huge initiatives were required to start removing these and get the community actively involved which they did,” De Jager said.

De Jager added that illegal dumping remains a problem and an education campaign on the necessity of responsible litter disposal had to be carried out.

“Water and electricity supply has been fairly stable with minimal incidents except for one major power outage where new parts were required on ageing infrastructure. This was resolved. Streetlights remain an issue and are not replaced fast enough. The grass is not cut regularly and parks are not maintained regularly,” she continued.

The councillor said Colbyn residents created their own project group, in conjunction with The Moot Project, under the leadership of Liezel van Eeden. Arcadia CID and the CBD cleaning team assisted with security and cleaning operations in the ward.

The Arcadia residents Association (ARRA) played a proactive in cleaning and maintaining historical buildings in the ward.

De Jager said his other highlights for 2023 were getting rid of vagrants, cleaning and maintaining the park with the Springbok Park Stakeholders, leading volunteer groups in many cleaning campaigns, especially Asez Wao and assisting other community groups like Arcadia Warriors.

De Jager hopes for a clean and safe ward 92 with service delivery being provided proactively and says she is looking forward to the rejuvenation of Church Square in 2024.

“There is hope in the face of adversity and I wish you a peaceful and festive season and hope to see everyone energised in 2024,” she concludes

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