For 22 years Bruce Herbert has been involved in politics; initially as part of the ward committee and later, as the ward councillor, where he has served for two terms – a total of 10 years.
As soon as the new ward councillors are sworn in, set for 22 August, at the inaugural council meeting, Herbert will bid farewell to his ward councillor duties in his extensive ward.
Before he retires Herbert wanted to ensure that street names are repainted on the curbs, traffic-light poles are repainted and with the help of residents and churches, main streets have beautiful and maintained gardens. “Bins must be placed in the right areas and emptied, and the general area must be well maintained,” he said.
Over the last two years, over R190 million has been spent on infrastructure upgrades, such as resurfaced roads, replaced water junctions and switches as well as new aerial bundled cabling with aluminium wire in the ward. But, Herbert will be the first to admit that it cannot be done alone.
“Auriel Kabola, Ward 99 Urban Inspector, worked tirelessly and was always available to assist me,” he said. Even though Herbert still receives “about 400 calls a day” the councillor said he is confident the ward will be looked after by the incoming Ward Councillor, Nicole van Dyke.
The outgoing ward councillor said that if the working relationship with municipal-owned entities like Pikitip and City Power as well as with the City of Johannesburg is maintained, ward 99 will continue to have services well delivered. “Along with all the new developments and numerous wonderful family-oriented restaurants opening, Linden will remain a prime residential suburb and a wonderful place to raise a family and retire to,” he said.
“I thank you for all your support over the years and am sorry to those who think I did not do a good job. I believe I did the best I could do,” he said. Herbert will remain a resident of ward 99 in Linden, a place he calls the most beautiful suburb in Johannesburg.
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