As this year draws to a close, several councillors from the east of Pretoria have reflected on a year marked by difficulties, resilience, community spirit, and important milestones.

In their Christmas and New Year messages, they express gratitude to residents, acknowledge ongoing challenges, and share their hopes for 2026.

The Garsfontein CPF also shared warm festive season wishes and safety tips.

Ward 44 councillor Samantha de la Rey extended her heartfelt thanks to residents for their continued support, partnership, and trust.

She said one of the ward’s greatest highlights was winning the July by-election, an important milestone made possible through residents’ belief in a shared vision for Ward 44.

De la Rey said despite the challenges, the community made significant progress, from responding to fallen trees after storms and assisting with restoring power, to supporting upliftment initiatives.

“As we look ahead to the new year, my commitment remains firm: to serve residents with dedication, transparency, and accountability,” she said. She wished residents “a joyful, peaceful, and safe festive season”.

Ward 101 councillor Malcolm de Klerk shared a message celebrating the character of Pretoria east communities.

“Pretoria east is a stunning place of strong community, helping each other and resilience. Some of the qualities that remind us about the message of Christmas,” he said.

He thanked residents of Ward 101 for their support throughout the year and wished them well for 2026.

“[2026] is an election year and a reminder to make sure you are registered correctly,” he added.

De Klerk said he wished every resident in his ward a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch reflected on what he described as a difficult, but also exciting year for many residents.

He acknowledged the way the community united during water outages, home fires, and various emergencies, while also recognising the impact of community upliftment projects, both formal and informal.

Lesch said one of the key highlights in Ward 83 was the relocation of the people who occupied Wolwespruit wetland as one of the year’s most significant achievements.

“The occupation of the area brought nothing but [an] increase in crime, noise, health hazards, fire hazards, nuisance to ratepayers and pollution in the area.”

Lesch urged everyone to stay safe and take care of their pets.

“My family and I wish every resident of Ward 83 a joyous and blessed Christmas and a wonderful 2026. May God bless you all during this special time of the year,” he said.

For Ward 41, Councillor Ben Chapman delivered a message that reflected both honesty and hope.

“This has been a difficult year for all of us. In my 21 years as a councillor, I have never seen service delivery decline to the levels we have experienced in 2025,” he said.

Chapman said he understands the frustration and strain residents have endured, but added that some wins came with 2025.

He encouraged residents to look ahead to next year’s elections as an opportunity for meaningful change.

“While we unfortunately cannot give you a new government this Christmas, next year you have the power to give yourself and our ward a real and meaningful gift,” he said.

Chapman wished residents a peaceful festive season, urging them to ‘hang in there this December’ and look forward with hope.

Ward 91 councillor Henning Viljoen extended heartfelt festive wishes to residents, thanking the community for their constant support and vigilance throughout the year.

“A big thank you to all residents who were always there to share information on matters in the ward concerning the improvement of the quality of life for our rate-paying residents. I have hope for Ward 91 to tackle and eradicate the problems plaguing our community,” he said.

Viljoen encouraged residents to return in 2026 with renewed determination.

“I wish all residents a blessed festive season, and let’s get back with new vigour in jointly tackling the issues of the ward. Nothing is insurmountable,” he said.

Reflecting on the year, he said there were many highlights, but a few stood out clearly:

The near completion of the refurbishment and upgrade of the Mooikloof Substation, a crucial development for improving power stability.

The formation of a Ward Committee dedicated to assisting the councillor in resolving service delivery issues at a senior Tshwane metro level.

The installation of new streetlights along Sinovich Drive in Grootfontein/Rietvlei View and in Eland and Foxtrot streets in Rietfontein AH.

Viljoen said these achievements were made possible through strong community co-operation, adding that he looks forward to further progress and community engagements in the New Year.

Ward 59 councillor Shaun Wilkinson said he wishes every family in Ward 59 a blessed Christmas filled with peace, love, and quality time with their loved ones. May the new year bring renewed hope, good health, and prosperity to all.

“This year, despite many challenges, we managed to achieve several wins together.”

Successful installation of new water pipes and valves in parts of Muckleneuk to reduce water losses and ongoing repairs to potholes and stormwater systems across the ward (with special thanks to residents who kept reporting).

Continued pressure on the metro to keep the lights on, with cable theft still occurring but far less disruptive than in previous years. This was done with the support of the GRA and CSI Private Security (Groenkloof Residents Association).

Community clean-ups and CUP partnerships with local initiatives such as Magnolia Dell (Huckleberry’s Restaurant and Masakhane), Waterkloof Golf Estate, Friends of Klapperkop, Project #KLAPPIES, MLPORA, and Sunnyside UP that help the ward.

Wilkinson also extended his warmest festive wishes.

“Thank you to all residents for your continued support and community spirit. May this festive season bring joy and happiness to your homes, and may 2026 be a year of growth, peace, and achievement for all of Ward 59.”

He expressed gratitude to residents for their patience, activism, and support throughout the year.

“In 2026, we can continue to make Ward 59 a great place to call home. Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026.”

Aris Ruyter, Chairperson of the Garsfontein CPF, extended his warm wishes to all residents.

“This period often sees an increase in crime, including home burglaries, robberies, and vehicle thefts. With vigilance, we can reduce these risks,” he explained.

The CPF shared the following safety tips:

Home Safety:

Activate alarms, lock all gates, garages, and sliding doors.

Trim bushes, ensure lights work, and avoid leaving vehicles outside.

Don’t share holiday plans publicly; inform security or neighbours if you go away.

Personal Safety:

Stay alert at shopping centres, ATMs, and intersections.

Scan streets before entering your home; avoid walking alone at night.

Vehicle Safety:

Lock vehicles, install trackers/immobilisers, and never leave valuables visible.

Park in well-lit areas and avoid stopping for unknown persons at night.

Partnership Reminder:

The CPF, SAPS, and security partners work tirelessly, but community vigilance is key. Small, consistent habits prevent major incidents.

“Thank you to residents, patrollers, and security groups for your commitment. Wishing you a blessed, safe, and peaceful festive season.”

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