Victor van der Merwe, Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) local elections candidate councillor for Ward 10 recently answered the Herald’s questions regarding the upcoming elections.
1. Name:
Victor van der Merwe, 45
2. Ward running for?
10
3. Areas that fall under the ward:
Toekomsrus
4. Why should the community vote for you?
I am passionate about youth development and will make sure that we build a skills development and training centre for our constituents in Ward 10. This training centre will also have a placement partner that will be responsible for recruiting and placing these people in jobs as soon as they graduate from their respective courses. This will assist in alleviating the high incidence of unemployment in the area and will also give people a sense of hope for the future. People must and will vote for me because I represent a new dimension of hope and liberty, coupled with a substantial, sustainable succession plan for the constituents in my ward.
5. What will do differently?
Establish a culture of trust and reinforce the spirit of Ubuntu in Ward 10, because a large number of black people currently stay in Ward 10, but they have always been made to feel that they don’t belong because of the ethnic differences. Therefore I will strive to unify all people under my leadership and make sure that opportunities are equal for all constituents irrespective of their race, creed, language or ethnicity.
6. If you were elected, what would focus on and why?
The high unemployment rate, and decreasing drug usage and criminal activity. I strongly believe that by providing sustainable jobs, I will give constituents back their dignity, pride and value.
7. Outside of local council duties, how are you involved in the community?
I am an ordained pastor and have major influence in my area.
