Local councillor becomes MP

Former ward 32 councillor, Clr Darren Bergman, has been sworn into parliament as a new Member of Parliament (MP).

He will have to make weekly trips to Cape Town as his work starts in Cape Town and ends in any constituency office in Gauteng.

The difference between a member of parliament and a ward councillor are the duties which need to be performed, as well as the salary.

According to Clr Bergman, MPs earn a better salary but have less duties, whereas a ward councillor earns less but has more duties to execute.

“MPs get a higher salary but are less accountable to the community,” said Clr Bergman.

He is optimistic about the future plans concerning Modderfontein.

“Nothing will look the same in the coming five years; people must expect a lot of development.”

He said that the developments have advantages and disadvantages. He also added that a lot of good will come from the projects with community activism and involvement.

“The lows are that we still live in a world of haves and have nots. The vast difference in infrastructure is clearly visible.”

He is hopeful an attempt to bridge the gap is underway.

There will be by-elections held on Wednesday, July 2, where all parties will have to contest the elections for a new ward councillor.

@Modder_Journo