“Whenever I looked at the ward committee agenda, I always saw my name there in the future.” So explains Cheslyn Steenberg.
And his dream finally became a reality on Wednesday 8 February when the Patriotic Alliance (PA) claimed its first ward seat in the City of Cape Town, making Steenberg the new Ward 56 councillor.
Steenberg (30) is also the youngest person to take up this position in the ward.
“I have always dreamed about serving the community on a better platform, any vehicle that I can use to empower and develop my community. For me it wasn’t about the money or the status or about benefits, it was about helping my people.”
Steenberg has a National Diploma in public management and a B-tech degree in public administration.
He says: “If I had to graduate and be ready to be called into the church as a minister before this opportunity came, I would’ve taken that opportunity because for me it’s all about empowering and helping my people.”
The Kensington resident explains that since his teen years, he has always been involved in community projects. “I have been part of the youth sector. I have been part of unemployment drives, learner license programmes, education programmes, and food security drives. I have been part of safety and security teams by establishing neighbourhood watches. I was also the chair of the community policing forum.”
He says being part of various projects previously will now enable him to better lead the community.
“I can now use these skills and contacts which I have built up over the years to benefit the community. I am not only going to focus on what government can do for the people, but also what the private sector can do and also what the people can do for themselves.”
He adds: “I am saying to people, you bring me what you can put on the table, and I will bring you what I am able to bring to the table. This will not be a one-man band. And I won’t be working in isolation.”
Steenberg says his vision is to see the youth excel.
“I want to make our youth employable. This will be a continuous journey, and that is why with the learner license programme, we will not stop until our young people have their driving licences. We are not going to stop until we get them skilled. Our children must get into schools and be educated.”
The father of one encourages young people to rise above their circumstances.
“I know what poverty is. I have lived in poverty. And now I am rising above poverty. I want to encourage young people and say I know where you come from, but together, we can move to a space where you can also say that you know poverty and now, you’re rising above it. I will help them help themselves.
“They must work with me and not expect me to work for them.”
He describes his family as his biggest support system.
“My family has been extremely supportive. My wife, Hjordes, and my grandmother, Eva, stood behind me 24/7. I really appreciate them. I can only thank God for these two women.
“My two-year-old son Noah was almost like my campaign manager. My broader family supports me as well.”
Steenberg calls on residents to work with him.
“The residents must work with me and not against me. If they see something they must report it, to make sure that we improve this ward. I need residents to take responsibility. I am accountable to them, but I am also accountable to myself. They shouldn’t see me as a miracle worker, we need to work together.”
Steenberg’s office is based behind the Kensington Civic Centre or he can be contacted on email Cheslyn.Steenberg@capetown.gov.za
