Although the ward has been dominated by the DA in past elections, the ANC is promising to speed up service delivery, stimulate economic development, intensify the fight against crime, unemployment and poverty.
Coplan, who attended the 1955 Congress of the People in Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was adopted, has a vast political history. In the 1980s she was part of the Black Sash and Jews for Social Justice Movement, where they advocated for the release of Nelson Mandela. “I would stand on Oxford and Glenhove roads with ‘Release Nelson Mandela’ posters”, she recalled.
Since the unbanning of the ANC in 1990, Coplan has been active in the politics of the organisation. She is currently the Ward 90 PR councillor and serves as a member of Section 79 Economic Development at the City of Joburg.
“I believe very deeply, in the process of transformation that our country has undergone since 1994. Ward 90 offers an opportunity for working together to build a society that is inclusive and not exclusive… where everybody is involved and participates in the community,” she said.
The election will take place on Wednesday, 13 August and two parties are contesting. Anthony Still will represent the DA and the vacancy is a result of DA councillor Gordon Mckay being elected to Parliament.
The Ward 90 suburbs and their relevant voting stations are as follows:
• Clynton – George Lea Park
• Craighall – Craighall Primary School
• Craighall Park – Craighall Primary School
• Dunkeld – Rosebank Bowling Club
• Dunkeld – Rosebank Bowling Club
• Glenadrienne – George Lea Park
• Hurlingham – George Lea Park
• Hyde Park – Hyde Park High School
• Illovo (between Rudd and Oxford) – Hyde Park High School
• Melrose (between Corlett and North) – Hyde Park High School
• New Brighton – George Lea Park
• New Brighton – George Lea Park
• Parkmore – George Lea Park
• Riepen Park – George Lea Park
• Sandhurst – Hyde Park High School
