Registered voters are heading to the polls on Wednesday 4 November to elect their ward councillors, with residents’ associations across Cape Town calling for accountable leadership and urgent action on pressing community issues.

With crime, service delivery, housing and the maintenance of public spaces among their concerns, the associations have outlined the priorities they want newly elected councillors to address once in office.

Petula Fortuin, Maitland Ratepayers and Residents Association (MRRA) secretary, said gang violence and drug abuse are some of the biggest challenges in the area and need to be addressed.

“We expect the ward councillor to work closely with police, metro police, law enforcement, the CPF, neighbourhood watches and other safety structures to improve police visibility, strengthen crime prevention and ensure consistent action against criminal hotspots.”

Community Needs

She adds that residents need improved municipal services, cleaner public spaces, proper maintenance of roads and pavements, and action against illegal dumping, unauthorised building activities and other by-law violations.

Jane Meyer, co-ordinator of the Mouille Point Ratepayers’ Association, said residents want stronger traffic enforcement to curb speeding on Beach and Bay roads.

She said other concerns in the area are speeding e-scooters, e-bikes and reckless driving as well as homelessness.

“Our current Ward 54 Councillor, Nicola Jowell, is very accountable, accessible and responsive. Mouille Point will fall into a different ward after the municipal elections and we trust that the newly elected councillor will be just as approachable and effective,” she explained.

Leslie John Swartz, chair of the Kensington Factreton Residents and Ratepayers Association (KFRRA), said the area needs reliable service delivery, responsible spatial planning including more green spaces, and community safety.

Ward Accountability

He said community safety must be strengthened through collaboration with police, the CPFs, municipal departments and community organisations, alongside practical interventions to improve traffic management and pedestrian safety.

“The Kensington/Factreton LSDF must serve the long-term interest of the community while promoting inclusive and responsible development.”

Swartz said ward councillors must represent all residents fairly, regardless of political differences, and should not exclude or silence those who hold opposing views.

“Ultimately, leadership must not and never be measured by election promises, but by accountability, responsiveness, and tangible improvements in residents’ quality of life.”

Chloe van Biljon, co-chair of the Woodstock Residents’ Association, said the priorities of the new councillor should include affordable housing, better public transport, safe and well-maintained public spaces, support for vulnerable groups and improved basic services such as street lighting, waste management and road maintenance.

Van Biljon said councillors should prioritise regular transparent communication and accountability to residents.

“Host public, in-person ward meetings every three months at different venues across the ward. Keep the community posted between meetings and respond to queries timeously.

“Support a ward committee that is representative and independent. Step down as councillor if community-led evaluation shows that the councillor is not doing their job,” she concluded.

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