All you need to know – upcoming by-election

WITH the Ward 36 by-election on Wednesday, 2 July, Northglen News asked the DA and ANC candidates a few questions before voters make their mark. 

Shaun Rylie – DA

1. In two lines, explain why people should vote for you.

Through the DA’s vision for an open opportunity society for all I will endeavour to represent each and every resident of the Ward 36 community with transparency and accountability. Accessibility is a key component of being a councillor and I want residents to bring their issues to me.

2. What are the two most important issues facing Durban North residents?

The first is infrastructural maintenance and development. Ward 36 makes a massive contribution to the rates base of Durban and although residents understand the need for this money to be spread across the city, they deserve to see an appropriate return on their expenditure.
The second is crime. It is something that we have all been affected by and it is a continual threat. Crime prevention is of paramount importance. I urge residents to always be aware of their surroundings and to take necessary precautions.

3. As you know, crime in the Durban North area is spiraling out of control. Name two things you would do to curb it.

There are two facets to this. Individually, I would make a concerted effort to establish and maintain a good relationship with the crime fighting organisations of of our area; namely, SAPS, Metro Police and community policing forums. Secondly, as a community we all need to take a collective stand, and the first step is to attend community policing forum meetings and get involved in neighbourhood watches. This allows you to have a better idea about what is being done to combat crime. Individuals need to be directly involved in this in order to have a combined effect.

4. Is Durban North, in your opinion, under threat in the same way Glenwood is with Whoonga users moving into the area?

It is an issue that could potentially affect any area and it would be naive to think that we are immune to such an influx. We need to remain extremely vigilant and be aware of any signs which might suggest such an infiltration was imminent. Thereafter, close work with the relevant authorities would be needed.

5. Discribe yourself in one sentence.

A dynamic and passionate South African and Durbanite who is not adverse to getting his hands dirty.

6. If you could change anything you can in South Africa, what would that be and why?

Access to quality education. It is an issue that is close to my heart and I feel that we have the resources to implement a world-class education system. We were recently ranked the lowest in the world for maths and science and there is no reason for this to be so. A good education is the first step toward creating employment opportunities, which would in turn alleviate a number of socio-economic problems that South Africa faces.

Constantina (Tina) Tsepouras – ANC

1. In two lines, explain why people should vote for you.

As a candidate for Ward 36 I have a great understanding of the position for which I seek your vote and the importance of doing it well and with integrity. As a community, we need to rebuild this area and realise that together we can do great things.

2. What are the two most important issues facing Durban North residents?

Crime and service delivery.


3. As you know, crime in the Durban North area is spiraling out of control. Name two things you would do to curb it.

Once you start thinking broadly about crime prevention, it becomes clear that it’s not just a job for the police. One of the challenges facing community groups that come together to help prevent crime is to move from talk to action. No one initiative will control crime. An effective crime reduction programme brings together and integrates proven approaches and applies them consistently over time. 

4. Is Durban North, in your opinion, under threat in the same way Glenwood is with Whoonga users moving into the area?

The root problem of whoonga is a social one and there are several initiatives attempting to deal with the issues. The courts are flooded and huge amounts are being wasted on prosecuting these addicts and then incarcerating them which makes rehabilitation even more difficult. People enter the system as drug users and exit as schooled criminals. We should be diverting our resources into meeting the treatment needs of those suffering from addiction and improving the socioeconomic and environmental conditions of those who are using to escape the hardships of their existence. 

5. Describe yourself in one sentence. 

I was raised with a very strong work ethic and consider myself a determined and highly motivated person.

6. If you could change anything you can in South Africa, what would that be and why? 

As South Africans we are blessed with one of the most beautiful countries, acclaimed for its wealth of resources and its resourceful, innovative people. Why then do we have more than 40 per cent of our population still living in poverty? If I could change just a single thing it would be to help overcome poverty, not just dealing with its seemingly never-ending symptoms. I believe that it is possible if community groups, government agencies and businesses work together to address the root causes of why poverty continues to exist. 

Voting times and stations

Residents can vote from 7am to 9pm at the voting station they registered at on Wednesday, 2 July. The Ward 36 voting stations are: Northwood School, Glenashley Junior Primary School, Chelsea Preparatory School, Durban North College, Northcrest Primary School and Rosehill Primary School. 
Voters will only be allowed to vote with their bar-coded green ID book, a temporary ID or a new ID card.