Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe will move to Ward 132 in August.
The 53-year-old mother of two is excited about the new challenges waiting for her in the new ward. Although Deppe is the candidate for the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ward 132, she already regards herself as the new councillor and said her victory is certain.
“Yes, absolutely, no question about it. If every single DA-registered voter comes out on election day, my dreams will come true. We will win Joburg and we are ready to govern for the next five years,” said Deppe when asked to comment about her chances of winning the municipal elections to be held on 3 August.
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Deppe is not a push-over and is a tough woman. However, she is the kind of councillor who dances to the tune of the residents whom she serves. Last year, a contractor hired to develop an intersection on Witkoppen and Umhlanga roads, had his last payment delayed after Deppe declined to approve the project. Backed by Paulshof residents, Deppe confronted the contractor and ordered him to perfect his work before she would sign-off the project.
“I thrive on a challenge. I am tough, I have been told, but I would not hurt a fly. There is no grey area in my life, it is either black or white. You either follow the rules or don’t have them at all,” is what Deppe had to say when asked to reveal what makes her tick.
“I try to stick to my boundaries and don’t interfere in other people’s boundaries. I enjoy working with people and I have a good understanding of the bigger picture in politics.”
She wears political hats in both the Democratic Alliance and the City of Johannesburg. She is the Gauteng chairperson for the Association of Democratic Alliance Councillors and represents the Midrand constituency, as well as being the shadow Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning.
Apart from attending council, party and community meetings, Deppe has a husband, Paul, and two children to attend to as well. She has been enjoying a steady marriage for 28 years. Her daughter, Candace, an attorney, is 26 years old, and her 22-year-old son, Jared, is doing his honours degree at Afta specialising in visual effects.
She views herself as lucky to have a supportive husband and children who had to contend with her absence from home as she executes her community responsibilities. “My husband is a mentor to many people and is giving me all the support that I need,” said Deppe.
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She said she is disappointed to be leaving Ward 93 before sorting out the problems at Sunninghill taxi rank, the middle island on Maxwell Drive and the Paulshof taxi rank. The councillor said she raised the issues with the relevant municipal and government authorities, and added that it was taking too long to have her recommendations implemented.
Her new ward will include Waterfall Hills, Waterfall Valley, Waterfall Equestrian Estate, BBQ Downs, Kyalami Commercial Park, Kyalami Glen, Kyalami Estate, Kyalami Hills, Vorna Valley, Halfway Gardens, Halfway House, Crowthorn, Carlswald and Leeuwkop Correctional Centre.
Read more:
Ward 93 councillor shares her hopes for 2016
DA ward councillor considers himself an agent of change
Ward 94 councillor reflects on years served
