Bluff community activist runs for council

A FAMILIAR and fond face, Zoe Solomon, has been selected as the DA’s councillor candidate in the upcoming ward 66 (Bluff) by-election.

To make the cut, she had to undergo a gruelling interview which was followed by a selection panel. She was chosen as the ideal candidate out of four other people who applied for the position. Being a member of the political party was the main criteria for applicants.

Zoe is no stranger on the Bluff as a resident herself. She is also a community activist and the chairperson of the Ward 66 Vulnerable Groups and Gender Committee. She has always had a passion for people and her community. She met the former councillor, JP Prinsloo, some years back while she was juggling work and helping the community independently in any way she could. Some of her projects back then included raising and take care of abandoned and less fortunate children.

“After some convincing from Prinsloo, I joined the ward 66 committee as a member and volunteer. When I joined the party, I become the branch chairperson for the Bluff and I was on the provincial executive council for the DA’s women’s network. I also worked as a staff member to help run campaigns for elections in 2018/19. Outside of politics I’ve always supported gender-based violence marches and built up awareness in the community,” she shared.

There have been two major crises on the Bluff, the destructive storm in 2017 and more recently, Covid-19. Zoe was among other role players who proactively rolled up their sleeves to assist the community in their hour of great need. She helped escalate the storm damage to departmental heads of the disaster management and also rolled out a massive food drive for local families who suffered due to the impact of Covid-19.

“I am already known to officials. I’ve built good relationships with so many people from all those years of being part of the community and they came through for me when I needed shelter to place people who had lost their homes, food, urns and beds – all this just for being here and networking with people. Through that kind of affiliation, people realised that I was able to be trusted with their donations and I would make sure it went to good use and would always be accountable.

“I didn’t aspire to take up Prinsloo’s position but when he announced that he was leaving my heart just opened up. My love for the Bluff is just too much. I was slightly terrified about considering being a public servant but I’ve always done it anyway, in my personal capacity and as committee member.

“I love everything about people and I love the Bluff. I really believe that I can do this. There is never a day where I hear or see someone complain about something – be it a pothole, faulty street light, leaking pipe or someone in need – that I don’t want to help fix it. That’s just my personality. It’s gratifying to help someone and my community. To be a councillor would be an extension of what I already do. I have a track record and couldn’t be more passionate if I tried. It’s not about the politics or wanting to be a winner.

“I’m ‘#LoveTheBluff’ and I’ll never ignore people when they need something. Even if I don’t win, nothing will change, but if I am chosen in a democratic election, by the people, to represent them to the council, then the community can be confident that there will be major representation from my part. If you put your faith in me and we work together, you’re always going to be assured of my best,” she said.

The by-election date has been announced for Wednesday, 9 December from 8am to 9pm. Residents of ward 66, will go to the polls to vote for a new ward councillor. Unregistered residents may register on the weekend of Saturday, 31 October and Sunday, 1 November. Check your registration on the Electoral Commission of South Africa website or SMS ID to 32810 for R1.    

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