Meet Patrotic Alliance Ward 71 candidate, Carmen Bush
Ward 71 comprises of Davidsonville, Witpoortjie, Lindhaven, Grobler Park and parts of Princess.
Carmen Bush, 39, Patriotic Alliance Ward 71 candidate believes the time for change is now.
Q. What would you do differently as to the current ward councillor?
A. I am guided by principles that the Patriotic Alliance is founded on. This is to restore the heart of politics and not the art of politics, to put people above profits. Both principles will ensure that I am accessible and on the ground where it matters.
Q. How have you been involved in the community?
A. It started all in 2014 when I’ve been involved with many entities such as the LDAC, Davidsonville Community Block Watch and Davidsonville Community Forum (DCF). I have also engaged with other entities such as the Gauteng Shutdown Committee and Black Doek Movement SA. In 2018 I started a community gym to give youth an alternative to crime and to promote healthy living which heeded many positive results and is still in existence today. I also revived the block watch when crime got out of hand. In June 2019 as a DCF member I was part of the meetings with different entities such as SAPS, Social Economic Development, City Power, Housing, CoJ, ECD, to ensure that the issues of my people are raised and addressed. I have also intervened when residents of the ward had municipal issues such as water and electricity by logging calls, going out to site to ensure the matter was attended to, and providing constant feedback to residents.
Q. What past experience make you uniquely qualified for this role?
A. I believe that my vast community experience and involvement therein have uniquely positioned me to truly understand the daily needs of our people and how to go about resolving them.
Q. What is your vision for the ward?
A. I see a ward where we can live safely and crime-free. A youth that is not lost and only sees drugs as a way out. Residents that do not go to bed hungry. Minimum complaints about electricity and water issues. I want to see SMMEs getting equal opportunities and businesses within the ward must be the first to get the tenders – people who know the ward and the urgency of the matter.
Q. How do you feel this vision can be achieved?
A. My vision for Ward 71 is to put in place platforms and structures that will bring about opportunities for sustainable and lasting empowerment for all residents. With truth and transparency. Restoring integrity in politics. I would also tap into the empowerment policies of big corporates to assist the youth to meet the criteria the job market requires, also to assist SMMEs to become compliant so that they are able to access business and tender opportunities. The practice of awarding tenders and business to outside entities will become a thing of the past. I will strive to initiate a Community Health Care Programme will be put into place so that pensioners and the elderly can be taken care of.
Q. How does your party mirror your personal beliefs?
A. Like the PA I believe that Godly principles should be brought back into politics. Like the PA l believe that to serve people you need to have a heart for people. Like the PA, I believe that we need to preserve and restore this country for our children’s future. Like the PA, I believe in truth and transparency. Like the PA I believe in a better life for all South Africans regardless of race; and like the PA, I believe that all people of South Africa should benefit from the resources and opportunities first.
Q. Why should people vote for you?
A. Having been actively involved as a community servant I truly believe that my experience has moulded me to be able to understand the plight of our people and how to go about resolving them. With your vote, you will give me better access and a louder voice to ensure quicker service delivery for all residents. ‘Dinge moet balance’ and we need a balanced lifestyle. Change is inevitable to ensure a better future for our children, and our generations to come.
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