Subcouncil 12 held its final meeting of the term at the Lentegeur chambers on Thursday 27 August, with chairperson Solomon Philander reflecting on five years of service delivery, infrastructure investment and community development.

“Public service is not measured by the number of meetings we attend or the reports we produce; it is measured by what the residents see and experience in their communities,” he said.

He said that since 2021, the subcouncil had focused on turning budget allocations into visible projects. Allocations had supported traffic calming, CCTV cameras for public safety, parks and recreation facilities, community cleaning, libraries, youth and senior programmes, and environmental initiatives.

“Infrastructure is not simply about buildings, roads and concrete. Infrastructure is about creating communities where people can live with dignity. Where children can grow safely, and where residents can access quality municipal services,” he said.

Progress included the demolition of a problem building, progress on the MyCiTi bus service, which had been off the road for a short time before being restored and significant lane and bus stop infrastructure which is still under construction on AZ Berman Road. The long-awaited Tafelsig clinic upgrade is also currently underway after much persistence by the subcouncil and ward councillor Washiela Harris, Philander said.

Another notable achievement was the reopening of Lentegeur Sports field, that had been long dormant, on 6 May.

“We see sports returning to the field,” Philander said.

Philander highlighted the role of neighbourhood watches, NGOs, churches, schools, volunteers and businesses in the community, saying government could not do the work alone.

“The city of Cape Town is not able to do things alone. We need the partnership between the city, community and civil society,” he said.

More work needed

PR councillor Grant Classen congratulated Philander on becoming an alderman but said much more needed to be done in the next term.

“The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. We need more. We need a different result,” Classen said.

Classen wore a bright pink blazer to represent awareness of gender-based violence and the young people dying on the streets.

“The sewers are still flowing. The litter is still around. Those are issues that we’re going to have to work through and get the basics right next time,” he said.

The councillor called for unity, saying the country had been united under former president Nelson Mandela and urging that spirit to return.

“If we can change a person, we can change our home. If we can change our home, we can change our community. When we can change our community, we can change our nation,” he said.

Philander thanked fellow councillors and municipal officials for their work.

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