When residents have a problem that they would like to raise with authorities, one resident has dedicated herself to making sure that their concerns are heard.

Yvonne Ackerman, the chairperson of the Wilgeheuwel Honeydew Residents Association, became involved in community matters after seeing residents deal with service delivery issues, safety concerns and infrastructure problems.

She said many residents felt unheard, and she wanted to help co-ordinate efforts so their concerns could reach the appropriate authorities.

“I believe that when people work together, positive change is possible, and I wanted to play a role in making our community a better place for everyone,” Ackerman said.

Her role involves listening to residents, gathering information and taking their concerns through the relevant channels for them to get the necessary attention.

Ackerman said she collects photographs, reference numbers and detailed descriptions of problems before reporting them. She then follows up with the responsible departments and keeps residents informed about progress.

“Persistence is often the key,” she said.

Addressing infrastructure and safety challenges

One matter that required significant effort was improving responses to ongoing power outages. Residents were also concerned about cable theft, and Ackerman said they worked with local law enforcement, security providers and residents to improve communication, reporting and visibility.

For Ackerman, community advocacy also means dealing with delays and managing expectations. She said departments can face limited resources and multiple priorities, while communication can sometimes be difficult. These challenges make consistent follow-up important.

“There have certainly been frustrating moments, particularly when issues persist for long periods despite repeated efforts,” she said.

Ackerman said seeing residents come together and witnessing improvements motivates her to continue. Her approach to working with authorities is based on respect and co-operation.

“I focus on building relationships based on mutual respect, open communication, and problem-solving,” she said.

She explained that she has also experienced situations where her views were questioned or her abilities underestimated. She said she has learned to remain consistent and resilient and to let her actions demonstrate her commitment.

Reflecting on Women’s Day

As Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on women’s contribution to their communities, Ackerman said her work allows her to honour women who have stood up for others and helped create positive change.

She encourages women who see problems in their communities to speak up, even if they do not hold a formal position.

“Every voice matters,” Ackerman said. Her vision is for a community where residents and authorities work together, services improve, and people look out for one another.