Getting to know your new ward councillor
Western Extension resident Jacques Meiring (39) has a passion for politics and making a difference in people’s lives. He has dedicated the past two years to a campaign for the DA. He was recently elected the new Ward 27 councillor.
What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?
JM: I’m hard working and dedicated. I got involved with the DA, because I am driven to make a change.
What do you do in your spare time apart from being a ward councillor?
JM: Mostly anything that has to do with politics. We have not had much time to do anything else, as we had a two-year campaign. Other than that I enjoy reading. I’m quite a boring person, but I am into documentaries, history and fiction. My four dogs take up a huge portion of my life but other than that, that’s about it.
What are some of the challenges you would like to tackle as ward councillor?
JM: Infrastructure is a general problem. Ward 27 has an immensely strong economic base and that base needs to be taken care of. We can assist businesses, such as assisting with rezoning applications. Another major issue we have is people not being aware that if they are battling financially, are unemployed or pensioners, they qualify to apply for an indigent policy and subsidies from council.
While you were shadowing the previous Ward 27 councillor, Gerrie Kriek, what were some of the skills that you learned from him that you will now implement in your term?
JM: Gerrie had a hands on approach, so if there were queries and issues, Gerrie would deal with the different departments directly. I have seen the results in how quickly you can get service delivery by dealing directly with the departments. Having a good working relationship with departments is an absolute essential.
We know it’s still early days, but what are some of the challenges that you have faced so far as the newly-elected Ward 27 councillor?
JM: The Benoni Country Club and the Bunny Park issues are priorities. Water, road markings and road conditions are all the usual challenges.
What or who inspires you?
JM: People who set goals and meet those goals and any person who overcomes challenges. Patricia de Lille inspires me; she is an amazing woman.
Also read: BREAKING: Benoni Country Club public participation meeting postponed
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