Last year was both an exciting and frustrating time for Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck.
The exciting part was exploring the new terrain of being in power and being able to see just how complex and intertwined the city is.
“It has been interesting to negotiate new ways of doing things,” he said.
“For me, it has also been exciting seeing my new colleagues come into their own and also watch our mayor and his team grow in confidence and experience.
“The frustrating time is that as they find old power bases in the departments, depots and entities clinging to their old ways. Also, the legacy of benign neglect and squandering of money and resources makes it very difficult to effect changes.”
The Ward 117 councillor enjoys the challenge of turning Johannesburg around.
“I often liken… [it] to the renovation of an old and crumbling house. You have to do all the structural and basic work first – waterproofing and re-wiring before you put in the flashy things like furniture and paint.
“It takes lots of planning, money, effort and time. But slowly the house takes shape and, before you know it, you are living in a fantastically renovated house that is fit for purpose and works.
“We are one year in, there are many years to go. But, already I can start to see the difference. I can’t wait to see the changes that are coming and taking you on the journey.”
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