With the Ward 90 by-election approaching on November 26, Democratic Alliance candidate Renate van Onselen said she is ready to bring steady hands and clear communication to the community.

Speaking to the Gazette, Van Onselen said residents deserve dependable services and visible action. She believes Ward 90’s greatest challenge is the gradual decline in basic service delivery, which has left many feeling frustrated and unheard.

Read more: Ward 90 residents urged to register ahead of upcoming by-election

Her plan centres on restoring a consistent water and electricity supply, improving road and infrastructure maintenance and supporting the neighbourhood’s vibrant sense of community.

Van Onselen hopes to rebuild trust between the city and residents by providing oversight that is both active and transparent. She said she will track service delivery issues openly, escalate ongoing problems and push the city to adopt a more accountable and business-like approach.

Community clean-ups, responsible contractor monitoring and long-term reform within Metro Trading Services form part of her strategy to ensure that ratepayers’ money is used fairly and wisely.

Safety remains a key concern for many households. Van Onselen said she will work closely with SAPS, the Community Policing Forum and private security partners to create better coordination on the ground. She also supports calls for a revived SAPS reservist programme to strengthen local policing capacity. A united and well-resourced ward, she said, is a safer ward.

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If elected, she promises to open doors, regular public engagement and clear communication that allows residents to follow decisions and spending.

Her hope is for a ward that feels functional, safe and proud of its shared spaces five years from now.

Residents of Ward 90 can cast their votes at the following stations on election day: Dunkeld Bowls Club in Hume Road in Dunkeld West, Hyde Park High School on 3rd Street in Hyde Park, George Lea Sports Club on the corner of Holt and Marie Street in Parkmore and Craighall Primary School in Rothesay Avenue in Craighall Park.

Van Onselen said Johannesburg’s best days are still ahead and that the journey begins with communities like Ward 90 choosing hope and accountability.

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