DA Ward 68 councillor fired
DA are confident that in the subsequent by-election in Ward 68, the DA will retain the ward and build a strong and productive relationship with the community.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has terminated the membership of Johannesburg’s Ward 68 Councillor, Lynette Pretorius.
“Having her membership terminated means that she is removed as the ward councillor because she is not a member of the DA,” said Khume Ramulifho, DA Gauteng South Regional chairperson.
“This is victorious for Riverlea Extension because Pretorius did nothing for us.
“We got rid of her because she was earning tax payers money for nothing,” said Dawn Gamiet, resident.
The DA maintains high performance expectations for all its public representatives and Pretorius did not meet these standards according to Ramulifho.
According to Armstrong Swartz the DA was pushed to fire Pretorius because we got over 3000 signatures in the petition in the removing of the councillor.
Tensions rose after the electricity was cut off from the area for more than two weeks and residents could not get hold of Pretorius.
Residents of Ward 68 embarked on a protest for the removal of the councillor earlier this year.
“We decided to go on a peaceful march until frustration levels blew over when the councillor had not come out to address residents,” said Susan Jacobs.
Residents went on the rampage protesting for days to help highlight the lack of service delivery in the area.
The protesters closed roads and burnt tyres, in the latest in a series of protests in the area.
“The party has several internal processes which are designed to hold public representatives to account and enhance the quality of services in all areas where they are assigned.
“After the internal processes were completed we found that she was underperforming and not acceptable to the standards of the DA,” said Ramulifho.
Residents have warned political parties that the next ward councillor would have to work with residents and not against them.
“If you are going to be the ward councillor for this ward, he or she would need to work,” said Gamiet.
The DA are confident that in the subsequent by-election in Ward 68, the DA will retain the ward and build a strong and productive relationship with the community.
“Ek is kla met die DA,” said Gamiet.
Party leaders addressed residents in Pennyville, Riverlea and Coranationville; the community welcomed the DA leaders and expressed their ongoing support for the party.
“The reception was very welcoming and supportive from residents when we were address residents of the ward,” said Raulifho.
