Zoe reflects on two-year journey as ward councillor

ROUGH and tough, she comes from the Bluff.

Armed with a hands-on approach and a feisty spirit to tolerate the demands of serving in the current political whirlpool as ward 66 councillor, Zoë Solomon, looks back on her journey, two years after her appointment.

Solomon feels blessed to have been at the helm of creating change in the community she holds close to her heart.

Despite the challenges of her demanding job, which sees her sharing the trials and triumphs of the Bluff and surrounding communities, Zoë’s calm nature and Zen energy allows her to skillfully accept both the cheer and criticism from the public.
Finding herself in the role of ward councillor was no surprise to her family and friends as Zoë had been no stranger to politics and serving her community.

8 interesting facts about Zoe
1. She loves cooking
2. Is a doting grandma to six grandchildren
3. Studied journalism, majoring in political science
4. She was a political activist in the struggle
5. Adopted and fostered three boys permanently and five children temporarily.
6. She has naturally premature white-grey hair
7. A professional Latin and ballroom dancer
8. She was born and raised on the Bluff

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Proud of being able to fulfill her role with the support of her ward committee, Zoë said working in the community has allowed her to uncover both the best and worst parts of it.

“The Bluff is a beautiful place. Things that warm my heart include how the community pulls together and works so hard to make the area a great place to live in. There are always volunteer groups and sponsors who rally to assist with clearing and cleaning verges, weeds and staircases, which makes the stairways safer and neater. We even had trees trimmed through initiatives, which ensures both safety and cleanliness of the area.

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“Watching how people uplifted each other and how many volunteers assisted with water distribution, how the road groups encourages interaction and build relationships among neighbour’s, is amazing. Security is tightened and problems are shared daily, which makes the community a strong one,” said Zoë.
Along with the rest of the country, Zoe says the crumbling infrastructure has caused a compounded issued, especially in the eThekwini Waster Services Department, with overflowing sewage leading to the deterioration of the area.

“I am aware of the truck issue which is causing untold traffic problems as the harbour area, which becomes busier and the congestion causes so many issues for residents trying to access the Bluff. We are working on resolving this issue to the best of our ability,” Zoë added.

She wishes she could change the state of the beaches in Bluff. Zoë’s dreams includes opening a free rehabilitation centre, providing a halfway house to residents being integrated back into the community, and starting a safe house for abused women and children.