Ward 5 residents to vote for new councillor
Residents of Ward 5 will be voting for a new councillor today, Wednesday October 12.
The position was left vacant after the resignation of Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Helen Carstens, in July. Ms Carstens said she needed to spend more time with her family.
Ward 5 includes Annandale Farm, Atlas Gardens Business Park, Bothasig, Burgundy Estate, Cape Farms, North of Tygerberg Valley Road, West of Contermanskloof Road, South of Potsdam Road and East of N7 Freeway, Bommelhoek Road, Edgemead, Montague, North of N1 Freeway, West of Montague Road, Petrosa Tank Farm, Richmond Park and Richwood.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) spokesperson, Kate Bapela, confirmed that a by-election would be held today.
Four parties are contesting the by-election: the DA, the African Restoration Alliance (ARA), the African Christian Democratic (ACDP), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The DA will be hoping to retain the ward, which it won in the 2021 local government elections with 88% of the vote. The ACDP and the Freedom Front Plus managed 2.7% and 2.5%, respectively.
Miquette Temlett, who lives in Melkbosstrand, will be representing the DA.
Ms Temlett said she understands that people are nervous about the fact that she does not live in the ward.
However, she said she does not believe that this would be a problem.
Ms Temlett adds that she has many years of experience in politics, knows what the job entails, and has a very clear vision for her work in the ward.
Ms Temlett shared some of her plans should she be elected as the ward councillor.
“This beautiful leafy ward deserves the best and I will endeavour to create solid networks on the ground as well as in the line departments of the City to enable me to do my job properly, and ensure service delivery as my priority,” she said.
Representing the ACDP will be Karin Verschoor, a Bothasig resident of 25 years.
Ms Verschoor said one of the challenges facing the ward has been the disconnect between the previous councillor and the community. She said community leaders such as the ratepayers’ associations, neighbourhood watches and sporting club chairpersons have not really been represented on the councillors ward committee.
“So one of my first priorities would be to actively set up a ward committee that represents all facets and leaders in Ward 5”, she said.
Ms Verschoor urged voters to use their vote wisely and vote for her to be the ward councillor. She said voters cannot vote out of fear; they need to vote for a candidate that has the heartbeat of the community.
Shana October who represents the ARA said should she be elected she would be more visible in the ward, and would also ensure more proactive measures to deal with issues faced by its residents.
Ms October said service delivery is an issue, and that roads and parks need to be maintained. She said she is passionate about seeing restoration in the community.
“Having lived in Cape Town all my life I have seen over the years how our communities have been overlooked by those in positions of power. I believe that if you have the power to improve the lives of others, you should do so, especially as a servant of the people”, she said.
Ms October is a resident of Goodwood, however she believes this will not deter her commitment to serve the people that elect her.
The other candidate contesting the by-election is Motlatso Selinah Maunatlala of the EFF. The party did not give comment by the time of going to print.
Voting takes place from 7am. Voting stations in Ward 5 are at:
- Riverside College, Burgundy Estate
- Edgemead Primary School
- Edgemead High School
- Edgemead Cricket Club
- Bothasig Community Hall
People can also SMS their ID numbers to 32810, to check their voter registration status online, at no cost.