Continuity for Gara executive as chairperson elected again at AGM
Gara chairperson John Mphatsoe vows the association will fight tooth and nail to stop illegal land invasions in the area.
![Gara chairperson John Mphatsoe addresses residents. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/IMG_8176_29960-e1710933179865-780x470.jpg)
For the fourth year running, the Glen Austin Residents Association (Gara) has elected John Mphatsoe as the chairperson unopposed.
Mphatsoe was elected at the Gara AGM held at Midrand Chapel in Glen Austin on March 16, to elect the 2024 executive committee.
He will be assisted by Judy Bird, who comes in for Martin Dohm as the deputy chairperson, secretary Nicolene Badenhorst and Frans van Zyl as treasurer.
He thanked the community for the confidence they have in his leadership abilities.
![Katherine Bezuidenhout, and Lesley and Dave Allanby inare attendance at the Gara AGM. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/IMG_8188_27707-e1710933807646-520x333.jpg)
Mphatsoe urged members to report illegal land invasions and said there was a court interdict in place to prevent this.
“I give selflessly to the community to ensure that Glen Austin is a habitable place to live in. My message about illegal land invasion and property hijacking to the community is for them to remain vigilant and report such acts with immediate effect to get law enforcement to act swiftly to deal with it… However, we cannot rest on our laurels, hence, we ask the community to be our eyes and ears.”
![John Mphatsoe is appointed Gara chairperson for four years running. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/IMG_8182_00319-e1710933831827-520x338.jpg)
He also urged residents to refrain from contravening building regulations. “You cannot build while your building application is still with the city. Some residents are building without an approved building plan and this is likely to increase your monthly utilities. This will mean you will incur stiff fines… Please build after the building application has been officially approved.”
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