Ward 74 election candidates promise big change
JOHANNESBURG – Ward 74 election candidates promise big change, if voted into power.
The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) candidates of Ward 74 went head-to-head in a public debate at HA Jack Primary School on 28 July.
The debate was chaired by Anna Cox and community members came out in their numbers to hear what the candidates would offer if voted into power.
Municipal councils are responsible for services that impact the daily lives of citizens in their areas which include water, electricity and sanitation.
Ward 74 covers the suburbs of Melrose, Melrose Estate, Birdhaven, Orchards, Rouxville, Highlands North, Raydene, Greswold, Kew, Bramley, Elton Hill, Winston Ridge and The Gardens.
A number of issues affecting Ward 74 were discussed including the development of Paterson Park, potholes, hijacking of buildings, developments on Louis Botha Avenue, and Pikitup issues, among others.
Dave Fisher of the DA, who has lived in the northern and northeastern suburbs of Johannesburg throughout his life, has been active in politics for many years and promised that he would give 100 percent commitment to the job if voted into power.
“I encourage all the citizens to vote and think about what it is that they are voting for and vote for the person that they think will be good enough to lead the ward for the next five years,” he said.
On the development of Paterson Park, Fisher said, “The inclusiveness of public participation has not happened and residents have not been engaged enough. In so many issues in the city, we do not have the inclusiveness that makes us feel that this is our government, governing for us on our behalf.”
Sol Cowan of the ANC, who has been involved in local government for many years and with the Johannesburg City Council, said if residents are looking for someone with experience with the right connections to take the ward forward, then he is the right man.
“One of the aspects of a councillor is that they have to be readily available to the residents and adhere to their needs all the time. You have to get things done as the leader of the people, put pressure and follow up and you do not need a PhD for that – just your work ethic,” expressed Cowan.
