ERNEST Smith, an energetic 27-year-old who has a long history with the Democratic Alliance (DA), will serve ward 27 as councillor.
Ernest grew up in Escourt where ‘everyone knows everyone else’ and where there is a true sense of community, something he is passionate about. He then moved to Port Shepstone where he attended school and joined the DA as a student activist. He represented the youth branch as deputy president of Ugu south region and did a lot of work on the ground.
His working life started as a shop assistant, slowly working his way up through the ranks to supervisor of an abattoir at the age of 19, before deciding to study a BA in Human Resources Management.
“I had to leave after my first year for financial reasons and returned home to work. Some time later I picked up my studies again and started studying education in the senior and FET phases through UNISA. I worked at a textile and manufacturing company on the coast, and went into the education system for two years as a student teacher, all while staying politically active and involved with the youth,” he said.
He worked as a staff member of the DA responsible for support services to councillors in eThekwini for many years, and through his engagement with various communities and organisations across eThekwini, Ernest has developed a good feeling for the needs and challenges of ward 27.
“I plan to be active in the community and hope to push the idea that the country can work when people work together. I am honoured at being afforded the chance to represent the community, they have shown their confidence in me and I am humbled. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it!” he said.
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Ernest’s aim is to work on social issues such as homelessness, which he believes is tied to economic issues and issues of crime and grime.
“There needs to be a change in the mindset of the homeless as being ‘the other’. I feel there needs to be a plan to deal with social issues and hope the new municipal representatives will take these issues seriously. I hope to over the next three months settle into the job and develop a working relationship with officials. I also want to see the community getting engaged in CPF forums and for them and businesses in the area to participate in community initiatives,” he said.
When he is not working on ward responsibilities, Ernest said he enjoys running, trail running, obstacle course events, as well as cycling and mountain biking.
“I also bodyboard and surf, although I haven’t been in the water in over a month! Living in ward 27 will enable me to take these hobbies up again,” he said.
Former ward councillor Martin Meyer said the DA had a vigorous system of appointing candidates, and the party had full confidence in Ernest.
“He is a hard worker, a dedicated person and someone who will always put this ward first,” he said.
Residents can contact Ernest on ward27@ethekwini.org and 079 214 0020.
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