Tau puts name in hat for Tshwane DA chair
We are not moving from one race to another,we are a party where everyone can find their voice regargaless if their race, religion, sexuality and other factors”.
DA councillor Abel Tau has put his name forward for election as party Tshwane chairperson.
Tau, councillor for ward 92 – Pretoria CBD, Sunnyside and Arcadia – said he decided to run for the position while working on the ground and meeting citizens.
“I decided to run for chairperson because I realised that as a party, we need to be more inclusive. We are looking for activists. We are a party where everyone can find their voice regardless of their race, religion, sexuality and other factors,” said Tau.
The DA regional conference is expected to take place on 21 October but Tau said he would not step down as councillor should he be elected regional chair.
“I will remain a councillor. Our people must know that we remain fully committed and supportive of mayor (Solly) Msimanga as he continues to bring change in Tshwane,” said Tau.
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He said he had noticed while working on the ground that black DA supporters felt that their voice was not finding expression in a way it should.
“I wanted to bring change. 2019 is just around the corner. We ought to include (in the leadership) activists who understand ordinary people and their challenges,” he said.
Tau gave some updates about what was happening in his ward.
He said a place where mothers could drop off their unwanted babies instead of dumping them had been established at 50 Vos Street.
“We noticed that there were a number of babies who were thrown in streams and bins in Sunnyside, so we decided to ensure that there is a solution to the problem,” said Tau.
The two parks, one in Arcadia and the other in Sunnyside, would be upgraded.
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“We have partnered with the private sector to upgrade these parks. Arcadia park will be fixed by mid-October, while Springbok park in Sunnyside will be attended to before the end of the year,” said Tau.
He said other problems which needed urgent attention were drugs and prostitution.
“Rampant drug use and prostitution are still a problem in my ward. Prostitutes are always roaming around the corner of Stanza Bopape and Beckett streets, their hotspot,” said Tau.
He said that corner of Park and Leyds streets was a hijacking hotspot.
“Another problem we have is the increase in illegal street traders popping up and trading without permits. The city is doing its best to address the problem, but more still needs to be done,” he said.
Photo: Supplied
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