Sbusiso Mthembu of the Democratic Alliance (DA) has won the position of councillor for Ward 96.
His new position means he will act as councillor for the Chartwell, Dainfern, Cedar Lakes, Broadacres, Chartwell Estates, Chartwell North and Craigavon areas.
“It was very exciting to find out that I won, it was not an easy ward [to win]. Now I need to make sure that I strike a balance between the informal settlements and the suburbs in my ward because they have very different needs,” Mthembu told Fourways Review.
While it was a tight race, Mthembu, who has lived in Broadacres since 2012, eventually won by 1 005 votes over his closest rival. “My next step is to reach out to residents’ associations in the area, such as the Dainfern Residents Association.
“I want to establish relationships and get a feel of what is needed by the people who live here. I’d prefer to meet with associations every quarter.”
Mthembu takes over the position from Matome Mafokwane, also of the DA, who is now the councillor for Ward 115.
Cameron McKenzie, DA Member of Parliament for the Fourways area, was absolutely delighted that Mthembu is the new councillor for the area. “As a result of the demarcation changes [of voting districts in the area], Ward 96, which was once a very strong DA area previously, has become less strong,” he said.
“But the fact that he won anyway is phenomenal. There’s no doubt that Mthembu worked very hard for it.”
