THE 2016 local government elections are over and the results show that ward 64, Montclair and surrounding areas and ward 68, Wentworth and Merebank (Merewent) remain under the DA rule.
Councillor Aubrey Snyman remains as Merewent councillor,for his third consecutive term and Montclair welcomes a new councillor, Gavin Hegter who succeeds former councillor Billie Prinsloo.
Residents from both communities turned out en mass to make their mark in the 2016 elections, with 72.97% support in ward 68 and 52.84% in ward 68. Although some who voted for opposing parties expressed their disapproval. A community member, Angel Arends is not happy. “We needed a change, nothing has happened with the party ruling for over a decade,” she said.
Prominent figure, Patricia Dove said the vote must be respected. “When people speak we must respect them and their decision. I feel they do not know what other parties like the ANC have done for the community such as SASSA, the Ark, housing and the war room which received no support from the councillor. But at the end of the day we have to respect their vote,” said Dove.
In ward 64, community members appear to have accepted Gavin Hegter as the new councillor. Robyn Needham has faith in him and said he will be big on safety and security, “I would like to see him work with the community in this regard. He also attends all the community meetings and just generally seems to know the answers to questions posed. There is a need for more youth activities in the area in order to reduce drugs and crime emanating from the lack thereof,” she added.
In other areas such as Lamontville, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) boxes allegedly filled with ballot papers were found at a recycling dump.
Head of KZN IEC, Mawethu Mosery said the boxes were found but there were no ballot papers inside.
Lamontville police were still dispatched to the area to monitor the situation.
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