Ward councillor Tim Truluck reflects on 2017 and looks ahead to this year

Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck shared some of his highlights of the year as well as some of the downsides.

“The past year has been a very exciting and frustrating time for a ward councillor,” he said.

“Exciting, as we explored the new terrain of being in power and being able to see just how complex and intertwined the city is. It has been interesting to negotiate new ways of doing things. For me, it has also been exciting seeing my new colleagues come into their own and also watch our mayor and his team grow in confidence and experience.

Truluck added that it had been a frustrating year as a ward councillor while trying to come to grips with the former power structures within the city. “‘The legacy of benign neglect and squandering of money and resources makes it very difficult to effect changes.

“I often liken the job of turning Joburg around to the renovation of an old and crumbling house. You have to do all the structural and basic work first – waterproofing, re-wiring, septic tanks, build up walls, put in new windows, etc. Only once all that is done can you put in the flashy things like kitchens, furniture and paint.”

He said while this took a lot of planning, money, effort and time, the ‘house’ was beginning to take shape. “Before you know it, you are living in a fantastically renovated house that is fit for purpose and works.

“We are one year in, there are many years to go. But, already I can start to see the difference. I can’t wait to see the changes that are coming and taking you on the journey.”