Ward 73 councillor Sinethemba Matiwane used the word turbulent to describe his term as the appointed councillor for the Western Extension, Benoni CBD, Mackenzie Park, New Modder, Rynsoord, and Kingsway areas.
Matiwane was appointed as councillor in 2016 and highlighted that it has not been an easy ride, as he sat with the City Times to reflect on his achievements and concerns in his ward.
“Due to the separation of power, we cannot instruct officials to do their jobs, while residents insult us due to the lack of services, which result in us begging officials to do their jobs.”
He highlighted the following achievements;
• Upgrading of parks
Three parks have been upgraded in the Rynsoord, Mackenzie Park, and Western Extension areas.
• Mobile EMPD office in Kingsway
Previously residents would have had to travel long distances to make use of the services provided by the EMPD, which include community safety, traffic policing and related security services, and personal protection of the community, political offices, council, and visiting dignitaries.
An agreement was reached for a mobile office to be placed in Kingsway, within walking distance for residents.
• Improved service delivery in Msholozi informal settlement
Residents previously stole water from Rand water and used pit toilets, they have now been provided with taps and chemical toilets.
Locals have been hired to clean up the area and a skip was placed there for all waste to be disposed of.
A high mast light was placed in the area to provide better lighting in the evening and the department provides free transport to school for the children living in the area.
• Operational lifts
The metro recently handed over the lifts to residents at Deneys Conradie Residentia and Pauline Davis Court.
Matiwane said that there had been ongoing issues since 2015 before he was appointed as councillor.
“I had to start from scratch with getting a budget for the repairs and deal with contractors and various other issues.”
While he had made changes in his ward there are a few challenges that he is still working on which include:
• Ailing infrastructure
Sewerage is the biggest challenge as it had not been upgraded to accommodate the growing population.
• Illegal activity
Crime, illegal mining, prostitution, business robberies, and vagrants.
“We are working hand in hand with the SAPS to try and find a resolution.”
• Budget challenges
“There are more upgrades needed in the ward, but with no budget we are unable to complete road repairs, upgrading the Benoni Town Hall, and renovating the tennis court in Rynsoord.
“My whole adult life I’ve been working for the government and it was my love for people to uplift and see change is the reason why I took this position,” concluded Matiwane.
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