Four candidates are running in the Ward 102 by-election on August 23.
These potential ward councillors were contacted by Randburg Sun and asked why they were running in the election, and what their plans were for the ward should they win.
This is what they said:
Lucinda Jane Harman (55) – Democratic Alliance (DA)
I have successfully run several companies including my current business which specialises in facilitation and training.
I am a TEDx speaker and author. I am the former chairperson of the Kyalami AH Ext1 Residents Association, Ward 94 committee member for health, and vice chairperson for Ward 94’s DA branch.
I am also a former division director for Toastmasters Southern African.
I will build strong relationships with Johannesburg Water, JMPD, City Power, JRA and City Parks to make sure services such as unblocking municipal and stormwater drains, fixing potholes, clean-ups, tree trimming and law and order are urgently attended to. I will make sure that faults are escalated and followed up timeously, with accountability. As a firm believer in strong communication, I will keep residents updated at all times.
The Randburg CBD needs to be cleaned up, revitalised and redeveloped into a precinct we can all be proud of. Active citizenship and healthy partnerships will be key in all these matters.
Together we can make a positive impact.
Councillor David Foley said, “Lucinda is a committed DA activist. She is a person who wants the law to be understood and enforced. She took on the role of sorting out the Kyalami Ext 1 suburb that was in a state of flux for almost eight years and became the chairperson of the residents association. She hates illegal signage and litter and always conducts clean-ups to improve the community. I know she will work hard to deliver services to the residents of Ward 102.”
Matthew William Pienaar (28) – Organic Humanity Movement (OHM)
South Africa has a broken political system and we, as the Organic Humanity Movement, are trying to change that. We need a smaller government that has far less influence on the lives of ordinary South Africans and a better electoral system that allows us to hold our leaders more accountable. We realise that most systemic changes need to happen at a national level, but we can still start pushing our principles, especially liberty and self-reliance, in local government.
Residents I’ve spoken to want a councillor who hears their concerns and is willing to take up the fight for them, especially with the little things. I know that ward councillors aren’t directly responsible for the maintenance of infrastructure, but I will make sure all issues have the attention of the city whether it be major infrastructure upgrades, or the little things, such as repaving holes in the road when it’s been dug up for maintenance.
Mboshwa Zephaniah Thwala (52) – African National Congress (ANC)
When I win this ward I will ensure that by-laws are enforced. This means engaging JMPD to issue fines for illegal parking and selling on the pavement.
Very close to this will be cleaning up Randburg to make it a safe and healthy environment free of drugs and general crime that is now uncontrollable. Unlike the previous councillor who was not calling community meetings, I will be accessible and accountable to the community I lead.
Bernadictor Mini (48 ) – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
The EFF was given an opportunity to respond to these questions but didn’t by the time of going to press.
How to vote on August 23
Only those registered to vote in the ward will be able to vote on August 23, and they will do so at their registered voting station any time between 07:00 and 21:00.
To vote, residents must bring their ID book.
Ward 102 covers much of Blairgowrie, Bordeaux, Randburg CBD and surrounding areas.
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