Ward 96 Councillor Matome Mafokwane answers some questions that could help the community understand his daily schedule and challenges.
What are the challenges that you are facing as a Ward councillor?
One of the challenges experienced on a daily basis is dealing with an ANC-led City that is non-responsive on service delivery issues.
I am dealing with officials who mistook their mandate to roll out service, to that of politicians.
Administration without doubt, should focus on implementing council resolutions.
What is the turn-around time after a person has lodged a complaint?
It differs between municipal-owned entities, i e Joburg Water often responds within between six to12 hours.
JMDP’s time is around 30 minutes to one hour. Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) may take anything between five days to a month.
As a councillor I encourage residents to obtain reference numbers so that I am able to track the progress of resolution.
What do you as a councillor go through every day?
Most of my time is spent doing call-centre work; logging complaints on behalf of residents; email queries are also high on my to-do list. Nowadays, with unstable power supply, I find myself interacting with City Power and Eskom more often.
On a weekly basis I do walkabout with Urban Management in various part of the Ward, logging issues.
How long have you been a councillor ?
2011 to date.
What are the achievements that you have made as a councillor?
The resurface programme by JRA is one of the main issues I have driven since taking up office. Sanitation and water supply in the informal settlement has increased, thanks to my IDP document. Finding funding to secure Kya Sand Landfill which has been a problem with crime and illegal dumping for many years.
To move society forward, service delivery should not be rolled out based on political affiliation but rather the needs of communities if we are to advance to a democratic non-racial society.
I was raised by a man who believed in standing up and creating opportunists as oppose to waiting for opportunity to come to you.
We young people need to start making things happen.
What are the areas that you cover as Ward 96? Craigavon, Waterford, Johannesburg North, Maroeladal, Witkoppen Farm, Inanda, Riverbend, Farmall, Millgate, Nietgedacht, Broadacres, Chartwell, Bloubosrand, Kya Sand, Lanseria, Dainfern and Steyn City.
What is the process a community member must follow to get hold of you, do you prefer email or a call?
Matomem@joburg.org.za or 084 854 4950.
