Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck believes it takes time and tenacity for a ward councillor to see the change in a suburb – but it’s all worthwhile when you see incremental improvement.
The friendly councillor who has resided in Parkhurst since 1997 said he decided to run for councillor in 2011 after being involved in residents’ associations for years.
“It’s frustrating to only get so far as a member of a resident’s association. I wanted to see more change and have more power to see that happen,” said Truluck.
Having studied geography and urban history at the University of Cape Town, worked as a journalist for some time and later sold over 6 000 copies of a book on the history of Parkhurst, Truluck knew that he had a heart for the community.
“Serving the community and making a real difference is important to me – I want to leave something behind that I can be proud of – but it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he said.
“Sadly, ward councillors have become the escalators of problems instead of community builders. I want to be part of starting new projects, raising funds, building capacity, connecting people and giving feedback to community members.”
Having been in the role for eight years now, Truluck’s greatest victories have been removing paid parking in 4th Avenue, creating a Rosebank Crosswalk between parks (which is still in the process of being implemented) and working with the community to build capacity.
He highlighted the importance of key community members like Fran Haslam of the Zoo Lake User group who has been instrumental in bringing about massive change in the area and creating a vision for Zoo Lake.
“Building up capacity in community associations is vital because you can’t do it alone,” he said, also thanking Shirley Tebbutt for her work in building up Delta Park.
“I’m also excited about the Jozi Trails Legacy Project, which has been driven by a group of passionate mountain bikers, which will change how people use the Spruit and upgrade trails in the area. We can use successful projects like this and replicate them elsewhere in the city.”
Truluck listed a lack of coordination from City entities, a massive infrastructure backlog and a large number of homeless people as challenges he has encountered as ward councillor.
When he isn’t escalating problems or attending meetings, Truluck enjoys taking his two dogs for a walk or enjoying a game of Pétanque with friends in Parkhurst.
“Parkhurst is like a little bit of Europe in Africa with coffee shops on the street and a neighbourhood where you can walk everywhere. I’m lucky to be a councillor here.”
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