Residents of Ward 5 have welcomed the election of DA councillor, Miquette Temlett.
Four parties contested the by-election on Wednesday October 12: the Democratic Alliance (DA), the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Restoration Alliance (ARA).
The DA won the by-election by a landslide, receiving 92.26% of the vote. The ACDP were runners up with 7.46% of the vote.
The position was left vacant after the resignation of DA councillor, Helen Carstens, in July.
Ward 5 includes Annandale Farm, Atlas Gardens Business Park, Bothasig, Burgundy Estate, Cape Farms, North of Tygerberg Valley Road, West of Contermanskloof Road, South of Potsdam Road and East of N7 Freeway, Bommelhoek Road, Edgemead, Montague, North of N1 Freeway, West of Montague Road, Petrosa Tank Farm, Richmond Park and Richwood.
Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch (ENW) spokesperson, Mark Richards, said Ms Temlett has already shown her keen support of the neighbourhood watch by attending some of their meetings and getting to know some of their members.
“Councillor Temlett’s willingness to work closely with ENW and other civic organisations within our ward is very apparent and sincerely appreciated,” said Mr Richards.
He adds that they look forward to a long and mutually beneficial working relationship with Ms Temlett.
Bothasig Ratepayers’ Association chairperson, Derek Serra, said their problems with the previous ward councillor are well documented and they appreciate having someone with a fresh approach. Mr Serra said Ms Temlett is in almost daily contact with their association, and they look forward to working together to overcome challenges faced by residents of the ward.
He adds that they will be introducing the new ward councillor at their AGM to be held at the Bothasig community hall on Wednesday October 26, at 7pm.
Richwood Ratepayers’ Association chairperson, Dave Smith, said Ms Temlett has big shoes to fill, and would like to see what she can achieve in Ward 5.
ACDP candidate, Karin Verschoor, congratulated Ms Temlett on winning the by-election. Ms Verschoor said she trusts that Ms Temlett will serve the community of Ward 5 with passion.
“We live in a democratic country and need to use our right to vote regardless of feelings of apathy,” she said.
Ms Verschoor thanked voters who voted for her and her party.
Ms Temlett said she is extremely happy with the outcome of the election. She said a more than 92% of the vote means that the residents of Ward 5 have put their trust in the DA once again to deliver.
“I will personally do my utter best to address the concerns and needs of residents in Bothasig, Edgemead, Richwood, Burgundy and De Zicht,” she said.
Ms Temlett said roads and infrastructure are the biggest concerns in the area, and that will be her main focus.
She said Ward 5 residents can expect her to be approachable, knowledgeable and effective at all times.
Ms Temlett adds that communication is the key to better service delivery.
“I am already in a process of creating a communication network in order to communicate more effectively and regularly with residents in Ward 5,” said Ms Temlett.
Mr Serra said they are encouraged by her approach, as community engagement was lacking in the past.
Ms Temlett has thanked residents of Ward 5 for electing her as their representative in council. She said she is honoured and privileged to be in her position.
“I would like every resident to know that I take my job very seriously, and each and every issue in the ward is a personal issue for me,” said Ms Temlett.