Lionel Greenberg is the newly elected DA councillor for Ward 72
JOHANNESBURG – The party did not only win the by-elections but they've also increased their votes.
The Democratic Alliance has retained Ward 72 and newly elected councillor Lionel Greenberg will now lead the residents in the City of Johannesburg.
Greenberg was elected following the by-elections held on 24 April in the Johannesburg north-eastern suburbs, which followed the resignation of Steven Kruger who stepped down from his duties from the council, citing health issues.
Kruger resigned last December leaving the ward councillor’s position vacant for about five months.
The party retained the seat it won in the 2016 municipal elections, increasing its margin to 91,69 per cent of the votes cast compared to 82,67 per cent in the 2016 municipal elections.
Read: Parties to contest Ward 72 by-elections
According to the Independent Electoral Commission, the voter turnout for the by-elections was 32,49 per cent.
Greenberg, who has been a member of the DA’s Ward 72 branch for a number of years and a long-time resident of Sydenham, is said to be very familiar with the issues in the ward.
He was nominated following the DA’s selection process to choose a candidate who would best represent the voters of this ward.
Ahead of the by-elections, Greenberg committed to cracking down on overcrowding, noise, illegal dumping and other by-law offences.
He said he will ensure that municipal departments do their job in fixing roads, cutting grass and collecting refuse. “I will do this working together with residents, security and business associations to improve the area.”
The new councillor, who is a legal expert in the enforcement of by-laws, said he will also assist with billing and valuation issues which has been a major concern in the suburbs.
The DA Johannesburg constituency leader Jack Bloom has thanked the voters for their resounding support for the party and expressed full confidence in Greenberg.
Read: Kruger resigns as Ward 72 councillor due to health issues
He said they did not only win the by-elections but also increased their voter support since the 2016 municipal elections.
“I am sure that councillor Lionel Greenberg will be an excellent public representative who will attend to problems and improve the area,” said Bloom.
He defeated the African National Congress’ Pheladi Mafalo and the Economic Freedom Fighters’ Thabiso Mmako.
Details: Ward 72 councillor Lionel Greenberg 084 247 7000; ward72da@gmail.com
What issues do you think the newly elected councillor should first prioritise in Ward 72? Tell us on the North Eastern Facebook page
