Masilo Francina: Yes, a councillor acts as a liaison between the community and the council or municipality. I believe the councillor has the authority to come up with answers to the problems we face as residents.
The ward 102 by-election saw residents make their way in and out of Bordeaux Primary School all through the day, as they voted for their new ward councillor.
The venue was one of five voting stations open on August 23, and it was one of the busiest. It saw party gazebos set up outside the school grounds, which were busy all day long with councillors and party members interacting with residents.
Only the ANC, DA, EFF and Organic Humanity Movement (OHM) contested the elections.
In the end, Lucinda Jane Harman of the DA won. Her party retained its seat in the ward with a resounding 94.67% of votes.
On the day, Sandton Chronicle asked residents the following question: Do you believe a ward councillor has power to effect change?
This is what they had to say…
Peter Paulse: Sometimes they can and sometimes they are not heard. With our load-shedding and power issues, there is not much they can do.Marry Modisaotsile: When we vote for the councillor, we are doing so that he or she can go out there and talk with relevant people about the transformation and improvements that need to be done within the community.Cathy Heyns: They can effect change but it also depends on who is in charge of delivering services. There is only so much a ward councillor can do.Brenda Lee: I have seen how a ward councillor can effect change. I am a community liaison officer at the Joburg Roads Agency and Mapitsi Civils on Ferndale’s stormwater drains project and the councillors work well with us.Sheila Paadi: Yes, I agree that the councillor has a lot of power, for example, if there is water scarcity, the councillor ensures that he talks with different departments that might help in ensuring that the community has access to water.Portia Nukeri: Definitely yes, he possesses the power to lead the community, to go knock on every door in order to ensure that community members receive the best services. The councillor has the power to come up with solutions to the problems the residents are experiencing.Cavin Phillips: Without a doubt, because the councillor is the only individual that community members can speak to when they are experiencing difficulties, and speeds up the process and ensures that community members receive the services they need.
