As the dust settles on the local government elections, Atlantic Sun speaks to the three ward councillors – two of them new – who will be serving the wards 54, 77 and 115, which fall into Atlantic Sun’s distribution area, for the next five years. All of the wards were won by DA councillors when voters went to the polls on Wednesday August 3.
Dave Bryant was re-elected to serve another term as ward councillor, but this time round, he is responsible for a new ward, Ward 115 which includes Three Anchor Bay, Green Point, De Waterkant, parts of the CBD, the Waterfront, Woodstock, Salt River and Paarden Eiland. “Development pressures in the new ward will be a key challenge during this term of office and how we develop in the next five years is of critical importance,” said Mr Bryant.
“I do foresee development challenges for all neighbourhoods in the new ward and improving channels for engagement between communities and developers will be key to ensuring that development occurs in a way that benefits all members of the community.”
Mr Bryant added that the new ward will have the highest concentration of vulnerable people and “rough sleepers” in the metro. “One of my key goals is to increase overnight sleeping space dramatically to ensure that the vulnerable members of our communities are not forced to sleep under bridges, in doorways and in public parks just to stay safe from the elements.”
Mr Bryant said two of the main areas of focus would be the Cape Town Stadium and affordable housing near the CBD. “The future of the Green Point Stadium Precinct is of utmost importance and I am already in discussions with a variety of role-players to see how we can maximise on the potential for the area, without unreasonably prejudicing local residents.
“We would like to see more affordable housing located closer to the CBD, although this can only be made possible with the assistance and cooperation of the private sector along with the City, Province and National Government.”
Mr Bryant can be contacted at Dave.Bryant@capetown.gov.za or 071 855 9554.
* Shayne Ramsay is the new ward councillor for Ward 54, the boundaries of which have changed since the election. The ward now incorporates Sea Point and Camps Bay following ward demarcation changes. She told the Atlantic Sun that she was delighted to have been elected. “The result gives me a real mandate to ‘keep making progress’ and to develop on the incredible success of our erstwhile councillor, Jacques Weber (who stepped down following one term as ward councillor). I believe the essence of service delivery is responsive, accountable governance and I will therefore endeavour to be as responsive to social media posts, emails and calls, as is humanly possible.”
Ms Ramsay said Ward 54 was now one of the best tourist places in the city. “I am hoping that during my term we will see the completion of a walkway that extends all the way from the Waterfront to Bakoven, to create potentially the most beautiful seafront walkway in the world. This should be accessible to all, including ward residents, people from greater Cape Town, other provinces and international tourists (as well as our furry friends).”
She promised that affordable housing in the area would be a priority during her term in office. “Not only is Ward 54 among the most physically beautiful, but it is also possibly the richest ward in the country. So I would also like to see us build a haven for those without homes, to take them off the streets, parks and beaches, into a shelter of relative comfort. And extending from this, I would also like to be proactive in finding suitable sites for purpose built affordable housing for those who otherwise travel great distances to work in the industry of servicing our ward.”
Ms Ramsay added that she would be working in conjunction with law enforcement, the Sea Point City Improvement District and the Sea Point, Fresnaye and Bantry Ratepayers’ Association to keep the ward safe. “This ward will truly become the most magnificent jewel in crown of the Fairest Cape.”
Ms Ramsay can be contacted at shayne.ramsay@capetown.gov.za or 083 264 0800. You can also like her Facebook page, “Cllr. Shayne Ramsay”
* The new Ward 77 councillor, Brandon Golding, thanked those who voted for him. He said Ward 77 was now mostly a residenial one following the elections. It includes Bo-Kaap, Tamboerskloof, Higgovale, Oranjezicht, Vredehoek, Devil’s Peak, High Cape, part of Lower Gardens and District Six.
Mr Golding said urban densification was rapidly increasing in a heritage-rich area. “I believe that where development occurs, it should be done in consultation with the existing communities and stakeholders and be cognisant of the heritage impacts. I hope to work and communicate with all the respective role players in this sphere to better understand and inform.”
He added that with increased growth comes mounting traffic and parking congestion. “I believe it is imperative that growth planning, better traffic management and an accessible and connected public transport infrastructure are key to the future of the ward.”
He also promised to maintain green spaces in the ward such as parks and sports fields.
“Providing a safe environment for all is of paramount importance and I will therefore strive to further capacitate community safety and social development structures,” he said.
“While there are strong neighbourhood watch structures within Ward 77, there is always room for growth and better cooperation between all role players.
“While we have residents from all socio-economic groups, special attention needs to be given to those less fortunate or vulnerable. This may take the form of advocating the City’s rates rebate programme to driving the Give Responsibly campaign. Homelessness is a social issues with a social cause and remedy – it cannot solely be dealt with as a safety issue.”
Mr Golding can be contacted at Brandon Golding@capetown.gov.za or 082 565 8228.
