Ward 85 councillor Sonja Meyer bids farewell

With the local government elections fast approaching, residents of Ward 85 are guaranteed to have a new face at the helm post-November 1.

Councillor Sonya Meyer is saying a fond farewell after declining the opportunity to re-run as the Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate, bringing to an end her term of service that began after winning the May 2018 Ward 85 by-election.

She became actively involved in the DA in 2013, after which she would earn her chance to serve. “I was more humbled than proud. I feel privileged. I’m pleased that I’ve already had opportunities to prove that I’m willing to help the residents by simply being given the service they’re entitled to by being their voice,” she said of her time in the Ward 85 hot seat.

Inspired by a desire to serve and the chance to be a positive influence within the community, Sonja has relished the challenge. “The way that we can effect change and be visionaries starts from the bottom up, not the top down, which is why I decided to get involved in politics. I knew I had to be part of the change. If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organising,” she said.

The ward councillor position is just one piece of a larger puzzle that helps communities grow and she encouraged further participation and commitment, saying, “If you have not yet become involved, but support the great work the different organisations and members of the community are doing, this is a great time to step up and become engaged with a great network of dedicated and hardworking professionals seeking to improve our community.

“As my term comes to an end, I would like to thank my fellow residents for their hard work and commitment to our community. I would also like to thank all of you for trusting me with the responsibility of serving in the most challenging and rewarding position I have known to date. I want to thank you for electing me as your councillor and I hope I have not disappointed you,” Sonja said in a post announcing her farewell.

The end of October will signal the final days of her term and she will be focusing her efforts on her career as a Risk Advisor while also hoping to release her creative energies. “I also want to focus on what I love most – painting,” she added.

Although taking a step back for now, when asked whether she had any further political aspirations, she simply said, “Maybe”.