Meet Democratic Alliance Ward 84 candidate, Johannes Wilhelmus Goosen

Johannes Wilhelmus Goosen, 22, Democratic Alliance candidate for Ward 84, answers a few question about the upcoming local government elections.

Q. What would you do differently to the current ward councillor?
A. Simply put, as a unique individual in my own right it is undeniable that my characteristics assuredly set me apart from the incumbent, and they ought to surpass any other factor that defines my ability to effectively serve the residents of Ward 84, which is why I believe my empathetic and compassionate demeanour can improve the work I’ll be inheriting as the hopeful successor; building on his success.

Q. How have you been involved in the community?
A. In 2018, I was afforded the opportunity to serve alongside the stalwart municipal councillor, Alderman Bruna Haipel, on her Ward Committee as the Youth Sector Representative, entrusted with the profound duty of verbalising the shared thoughts and opinions of my peers, as well as preparing myself for the privilege of one day representing the interests of residents in Council on a much larger scale.

Shortly thereafter in 2019, I further extended my influence in communities by being selected as the top civil rights ambassador of a national non-governmental organisation, focused on issues faced by marginalised groups in our society such as senior citizens, women, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.

Q. What past experiences make you uniquely qualified for this role?
A. Apart from actively serving on a Ward Committee, having been exposed to the workings of a municipal council, I served under and learned from numerous public representatives in all three spheres of government ever since joining the Democratic Alliance in 2017, thereby shaping my way of thinking from an early age and developing a strong sense of responsibility for active citizenship and participation.

Q. What is your vision for your ward?
A. It would be easy for me to describe a utopia, but misplaced faith in an imagined place could lead to disappointment. Fortunately, with the right mindset and plan I envision a Ward 84 that is unburdened by years of urban decay; efficiently handling the infrastructure demand of an ever growing community, which in turn provides basic services and a revitalised environment that attracts social and economic development.

Q. How do you feel this vision can be achieved?
A. As a rather hopeful and optimistic individual, choosing to believe anything is possible through sheer perseverance, I know there are many challenges I’m faced with that can be countered with workable solutions. These are:

– Infrastructure Development and Upgrading
The upgrading and preventative maintenance of key substations and their power supply cables, water reservoirs, traffic signals and road maintenance, as well as improving refuse removal (Pikitup) services for a better upkeep of general cleanliness and environmental health.

– Informal Transportation and Trading
The implementation of refined transportation hubs that incorporate informal trader and taxi associations into clearly demarcated, well-located areas with enough foot traffic for efficient commerce while abiding by the law regarding clean spaces.

– Crime Prevention and Public Safety
The integration of policing by private security companies, community forums and neighbourhood watches, including a partnership with the South African Police Service and Metro Police, for better surveillance in preventing crime and disorder that will ensure a safer public.

– Illegal connections and land invasions
The regular inspection of water and electrical grids for illegal connections, protecting infrastructure power cables against theft. and preserving public and private property from an invasion surge by securing it for better use in a time of severe housing shortages.

Q. How does your party mirror your personal beliefs?
A. It goes without saying that I cherish our democracy and my ability to choose a political party I’d like to support without fear or favour, a choice that is now well known. Back in 2017, however, when I decided to join the Democratic Alliance it wasn’t as much about our shared beliefs as it was their decision-making abilities that directly affected my future. Through their values and principles, I could partly determine how the next ten to 30 years would play out; having a glimpse at a reconciled society that is united in diversity, after which the realisation came that I made the right choice in line with my own convictions.

Q. Tell the residents of your ward why they should vote for you.
Despite being much younger than the incumbent, and most likely all the other candidates contesting in Ward 84, I am in a unique position to set a new kind of leadership example, one that resonates with both young and old, and demonstrates the qualities of humble confidence and respectfulness, regardless of who it is that crosses my path.