Meet ActionSA Ward 85 candidate, Elmari Atterbury-Nell
Ward 85 comprises of Kloofendal, Strubens Valley, Carenvale, Honey Hill and parts of Horison Princess and Florida Park
Elmari Atterbury-Nell, 45, ActionSA Ward 85 candidate answers a few question on the upcoming local government elections.
Q. What would you do differently to the current ward councillor?
A. I will be available to all the residents in my ward. I understand the frustration of not having electricity, potholed roads, etc. reporting such and then not getting any feedback. Thus I will strive to give my residents speedy and informative updates regarding such matters. I will work hard at getting our roads fixed, the streetlights working the way they should and general improvement in service delivery standards.
Q. How have you been involved in the community?
A. My husband and I have a small glass business in the area. This affords us the opportunity to assist members of the community who sometimes find themselves in very difficult circumstances . We help charitable homes in the broader Roodepoort area with free window installations. I am also part of a group which helps out folks in need with food parcels, clothing, etc. Safety and security is my latest pet project and I am involved as admin with my local community safety group as well as with a national network of social security groups.
Q. What past experiences make you uniquely qualified for this role?
A. Having lived in Roodepoort for the past 8 years and having had first hand experience with the daily difficulties we face in our community; paired with the added concerns and stress brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown we all experienced, (especially as small business owners), doubled with my NPO-work, I believe I am in the unique position to understand what is needed in the community. Adding my calling to serve and assist I believe I will be an asset to all in Ward 85 and greater Roodepoort.
Q. What is your vision for your ward?
A. Geographically, Ward 85 is the epi-centre of Roodepoort. I want us to be just that! I want to restore Ward 85 to its former glory. We can be the heart of Roodepoort with our nature reserves, shopping malls and don’t forget the theatre! I would like to see us as the thriving, economical, ecological and cultural hub of Roodepoort, nay Johannesburg!
Q. How do you feel this vision can be achieved?
A. By taking ACTION we can achieve just that! By advocating job-creation, by partnering with local businesses. Investing time and effort in cleaning up our neighbourhood. By highlighting our nature reserves and by team efforts like blood drives, we can place focus and ensure the longevity of these institutions. By encouraging school and amateur productions and exhibitions, by promoting the Arts, we can showcase our beautiful theatre. I get so excited when I start to think what can be achieved if we as a community come together and fix our Ward 85. It will be my absolute pleasure and an honour to spearhead this ACTION!
Q. How does your party mirror your personal beliefs?
A. I had a dream of a political party that would truly put THE PEOPLE first. That would realise that a public representative’s calling is to serve and not to be served. A party that focuses on the community’s well-being. With a leader who cares and loves this country and wants to see it grow and thrive. I found all of that in ActionSA and Herman Mashaba, the President of my Party and former hardworking Mayor of Johannesburg.
Q. Tell the residents of your ward why they should vote for you.
A. I am ready, willing, and able to serve the residents of Ward 85 with dedication and distinction. My offer to my neighbours in Ward 85 is this: give me a chance to serve you, by lending me your vote and I promise that together we will fix our little part of our beautiful Johannesburg and South Africa.
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