Residents of Ward 33 have been putting their faith in councillor Ashley Hoods for four years.
Ward 33 includes Witfield, Lilianton, Berton Park, Hughes, Comet Village, part of Angelo informal settlement, Delmore Park, Delmore Gardens, and a portion of Jet Park.
Close-up with Hoods:
Q: Please explain the roles and responsibilities of a ward councillor.
A: The roles and responsibilities of a ward councillor (part-time councillor) are governed by the relevant provincial and local government legislation. I believe not enough is said about these roles and responsibilities, which leads to misinformation or expectations not managed correctly.
Ward councillors are expected to play a political role in representing residents and other stakeholders, therefore, providing the political linkage between the council and the community.
Hence, ward councillors play a key role in facilitating consultative processes envisaged in the Systems Act as well as in the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), particularly with regard to budgets, IDPs, budget-related policies, tariff setting for services, indigent policies, long-term borrowing.
In addition, the Systems Act and the MFMA, expand the role of councillors to include an oversight role through council or committee meetings.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you are facing in your ward?
A: Human settlement (referring to informal settlements) that has been around just for far too long in the area. The conditions people are living under in these settlements is dire and the list can go on and on about other human rights violations as a result.
Lack of law and by-law enforcement by the SAPS and EMPD in the area.
Infrastructure vandalism and theft, referring in particular to electricity/energy/streetlights.
How do you plan on tackling these issues?
I’m holding a close eye on the housing developments as the City promised it would address the human settlement crisis in the area (although I’m not totally convinced it will). The questions I believe everyone wants to know the answers to is whether we will ever be free from informal settlements in the area and if the dignity of the people residing in these inhumane conditions will ever be restored.
Law and by-law enforcement is a continuous battle on a local and provincial level and I will continue to raise it within the necessary CPF meetings I attend.
The energy crisis within the City squarely resides with the executive of the city to resolve. My colleagues from the DA and I will hold the executive accountable for its actions or in-actions.
Q: You have been a ward councillor for about four years now. What has been the highlight for you?
A: The highlight for me is always when I’m able to assist and resolve some of the matters residents might bring to my attention. Not every query or message I receive relates to the city or the municipality, but I’m now placed in a position to give guidance or advice. Not something I take lightly because for some I am that voice of reason or that person they could talk to.
Q: Can you give us five interesting facts about yourself?
A: • I have a twin brother.
• I seem to support everything blue: Chelsea FC, SuperSport United, The DA.
• My wife and I have been together since 1997.
• I joined the DA in 2012 and haven’t belonged nor held membership with another party.
• I’ll be 48 years young in November.
Q: What hobbies do you have?
I try to remain fit and active by working out regularly. There may be some truth in the old adage of ‘healthy body, healthy mind’. My other passion has always been cars and motorsport. I read up, follow reviews and try to get to local motorsport events where possible.
Q: How can residents get hold of you?
I can be reached on 083 607 5724. My landline number is 011 999 3546, send an email to Ashley.hoods@ekurhuleni.gov.za for official correspondence. You can also follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
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