Mitchells Plain’s Subcouncil 12 has set its priorities for 2026, with chair Solomon Philander emphasising the need for improved service delivery and transparency amid ongoing infrastructure challenges.
Speaking at the first subcouncil meeting of the year on 22 January at the Lentegeur administrative offices, he acknowledged that 2025 “was not without its challenges”, citing service delivery pressures, infrastructure demands and sewer problems.
“The beginning of the year provides us with an important opportunity to reflect, reset and recommit ourselves to the responsibility entrusted to us by the communities we served. As Subcouncil 12 our mandate is clear; to ensure local government is responsive, accountable and firmly rooted in the real needs of our communities.”
Regional manager Alicia Bosman announced the council will fast-track all processes as the municipal body prepares for likely disbandment later on this year due to the upcoming elections.
“The sub-council’s processes will be accelerated because in all probability, because this is an election year and subcouncils will disband at the end of August. We will continue as administrators, but the processes to council will be accelerated.”
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While administrators continue their work all council items must now move faster through the system to ensure completion before the anticipated disbandment, Bosman said.
Philander stressed the importance of good governance as the subcouncil approaches the end of its term, with elections scheduled for November 2026.
“Good governance begins with us attending these meetings.” He emphasised that preparation, understanding and ethical conduct are fundamental to the role.
Philander praised the collaborative spirit among the different political parties, noting that despite political differences “we have the same reason why we’re sitting here, which is to serve our community.”
New councillor joins subcouncil
The meeting saw the introduction of new Democratic Alliance PR councillor Cameron James, who replaces retired councillor Abraham Griesel.
“It’s a pleasure to serve on the subcouncil, and I look forward to working with everyone,” he said.
2026 priorities outlined
Philander outlined several key priorities for the year ahead, including:
- Strengthening service delivery and ward-level oversight
- Ensuring transparency and accountability in all subcouncil processes
- Supporting community safety initiatives with law-enforcement and neighbourhood-watch structures
- Promoting economic opportunities for youth and small businesses
- Improving communication between subcouncil wards and residents
Jobs Connect
Philander also invited “local businesses and also people looking for employment” to an engagement event planned for 4 February at Rocklands Civic.
In a press release about the event, the Mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said: “These services have supported thousands of Capetonians in accessing work opportunities, upskilling courses and equipping small business owners with information resources. In bringing our teams face-to-face with the communities in Mitchells Plain we can help people to sign up to Jobs Connect, answer questions about enterprise support and assist informal traders wanting to apply for trading bays, find out about available open bays, or other related queries.”
Applicants would need a working email address and cellphone number to register and must take their ID numbers along.
