Residents of Ward 54 which include Bantry Bay, Camps Bay, Bakoven, Clifton, Fresnaye, Oudekraal, Robben Island, Sea Point, Signal Hill will soon have a new ward councillor.
This comes after the resignation of their ward councillor Shayne Ramsay, last week.
When Ms Ramsay tendered her resignation – as ward councillor and DA party member – on November 27, she would not disclose her reasons, saying only that they were personal and she was now a private citizen.
She posted on Facebook: “After lengthy consideration, I resigned my seat in council and my membership of the DA, so I am no longer the ward councillor. I am nevertheless grateful for the challenge and the enormous amount I have learned in the role, and for the opportunity.”
The DA has had eight members resign in the past month, among them former mayor Patricia de Lille, former City chief whip Shaun August, and Mayco members Suzette Little and Siyabulela Mamkeli and Brett Herron.
Ms Ramsay was elect-
ed ward councillor during the local government elections in August 2016. Three months into her post, she landed in hot water after she slammed homeless people in Sea Point, calling on residents to stop giving to beggars, street people and car guards. She reportedly pleaded guilty to a disciplinary committee and was fined R10 000.
Residents had mixed reactions to Ms Ramsay’s resignation.
“Isn’t it unusual and high-handed to a constituency that voted for you to represent them to walk away from them and offer no reason?” said Lorna Levy. “What does that say about the person and the process that put that person in a safe DA ward? I think Shayne you owe us some explanation, not just a two-finger salute about being a private citizen now.”
Another resident, Jeremy Rich, commented on Facebook: “One day when the dust settles, it would be great to hear your views on your experience as a councillor. Particularly when you’re free to tell it as it is. You could educate those of us who are quick to criticise.
“Good luck and best wishes for whatever you do next.”
In the current absence of a councillor for Ward 54, councillor, Errol Anstey and sub-council chairperson councillor Matthew Kempthorne will be filling in and will assist with issues affecting the ward.
