“MY philosophy in life is to be a good listener and a problem solver. Hence I earned the nick name 911.”
These are the words of Roelf Basson, newly elected Councillor of Ward 51 in Kariega. His expertise in local government stretches over 42 years, 20 years of which he served as the Town Secretary of KwaNobuhle Town Council and later Town Secretary of the then Uitenhage Municipality.
From 2000 Basson was seconded to the Port Elizabeth Executive Mayor’s office to establish the now Executive Mayoral Office. He served 17 Mayors until he retired during November 2021 to take up his position of Ward Councillor.
“I wish to thank the residents of Ward 51 for the mandate to represent them with an 85% majority. My main goal is to work to improve the general appearance of the Ward,” said Basson.
“Residents will have to understand that it is no longer business as normal and we have to adapt to the current political scenario of being managed with a coalition government, which is a very difficult process.
“We must create participative governance in the Ward, where residents can participate in improving circumstances and not only report faults.”
Apart from tackling the daily service delivery issues like water leaks, potholes, cable theft, sewer issues and engaging with role-players to solve the issues effectively, one of Basson’s big concerns is the non-availability of reclaimed water, specifically with reference to getting the Strelitzia Dam operating again.
“Some of the other focus areas are the beautification and restoration of parks in the area as well as addressing the safety issue and state of the Hillwacht transfer dumping site.
“Also, in consultation with the water division, to ensure water stability within the available resources given the drought.”
What is of great importance to Basson is building relations with service departments with the objective of serving residents better.
“I wish all residents a blessed Christmas, happy and safe holidays and a prosperous 2022,” said Basson.
