Ward News

However well meaning we are, we still slip into divisive forms of communication/wording from time to time.One of those words that is negative is ‘township’ as it carries a negative connotation harking back to the days of apartheid. We need to make a decision here and choose ONE word to describe our Neighbourhood Units. The fair thing to do would be to DROP the word ‘suburb’ from our vocabulary and refer to each area as a TOWNSHIP – e.g. The Township of Summerstrand, The Township of Parsons Hill, … [Read more...] about Are You Also Tired of This Word?

You Cannot Fix Stupid, But you can vote it out. Photo: Heather MoutonThe ‘game’ of politics is a strange one – the citizens get to vote for whomever they choose (theoretically) as their leaders. And, right there we have a problem word – LEADERS. In the historical sense of the word a leader leads, a leader determines the direction to take and his followers follow. In the business sense a ‘supreme’ leader is one who provided the capital and whose livelihood depends on the success of the … [Read more...] about Politics: Time for Different Words

Rabid supporters of political parties are the Don Quixote’s of our times – any perceived threat to their base or incumbents results in them ‘Tilting at windmills’. This English idiom which means “attacking imaginary enemies”, originated from Miguel de Cervantes’ early 17th century novel Don Quixote and from the romantic, ill-thought-out actions of the story’s hero of the same name.A new windmill may not be an enemy – in my case, as a Windmill, I am fervently aiming to put the focus back on … [Read more...] about The Enormity of the Ward 7 Journey

In a word – Pride.We have lost our sense of pride in self, place, culture and history. Our moral compass has been bumped and no longer points true North as we leave organised religion in droves and replace that with the cult of Tabloid Entertainment. We are addicted to the instant endorphins that we get from successive Shock, Gasp, Horror revelations. We revel in the other person’s misfortune. We are addicted to our screens and no longer engage meaningfully with our fellow humans. The shocking … [Read more...] about Why do we have so much corruption and fraud?

In South Africa and the rest of the world for that matter – the role that opposition parties have claimed for themselves is one that involves continuous sniping and pointing out of how inefficient, corrupt and bumbling the ruling party is… Frankly I think that that position is one that is self destructive and an insult to the intelligence of the citizens of South Africa – we can see that things are not right and to continually read headlines, social media posts and letters to the editor that … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk About ‘Opposition’ Politics

We have had a paradigm shift in how we are treated and how we treat others.Our society is shifting from being a black and white, brutally honest, Presbyterian Work Ethic, Bible morality driven, God fearing one to an amorphous shape shifting being that, rightfully so, recognises everyone’s rights but does not seem to be one that takes corrective action when one of our tribe sins against us or our neighbours. Take our political leaders for example: We have leaders that lead for a cheque, a payday, … [Read more...] about Honesty or Fluffery?

A copy of an article first published in August 2018:According to Stats SA the average annual salary in South Africa, including bonuses and overtime was R238 296 (as at February 2018) According to a 2016 report on BusinessTech the average annual salary in South Africa for a Municipal Councillor was R511 000 (or R563 377 adjusted for 5% increases over two years). A January 2016 report on StatsSA notes the following: Municipalities spend more money on their employees than on any one of the services … [Read more...] about From 2018 BUT Still Relevant – Councillor and Mayor Salaries

Being a South African Citizen is certainly an interesting occupation – we live in interesting times, our lives are turbulent, we are emerging from years of oppression and want the good life NOW.And that, dear friends, is the reason why we are so gullible. We realise that we cannot make our lives better completely by ourselves so we embark on a campaign to find someone else, a like minded person or organisation that will echo our wants and needs and fight for them on our behalf. Sadly for us we … [Read more...] about “I will change your life,” many said.

What sweeps clean better than a new broom?As a media hack, member of the fourth estate, churner of copy and paste, bearer of opinion and fluff, thermometer of public opinion, discerner of bullshit and all round cynic the leap from observing, commenting and keeping in check to actually being responsible brings new and welcomed challenges in my life. On a Ward Council level I have always been a little bemused as to why the political parties represented in council DO NOT band together to make … [Read more...] about The Time Has Come Said The City

Alan Straton and Mkhuseli ‘Khusta’ Jack in talks about the city and people that they both love and have contributed to selflessly for many years. Jack said; “A good visit from this great South African, Alan Straton. We had a constructive and fruitful engagement on a wide range of issues. We are making steady progress.” Alan said; “People and Pride First – the rest shall follow!” Alan Straton and Mkhuseli ‘Khusta’ Jack Tell Your Mates: Like this: Like … [Read more...] about Aiming For Change

Alan StratonAn independent candidate is not affiliated to any Political Party, will not ‘tithe’ a percentage of salary to a political party, will not be required to spend time on party political issues and, theoretically, should be able to dedicate his/her time more fully to the needs of constituents within a ward. In my opinion – an independent candidate represents true democracy in action as voters will have the ability to choose their representative to ensure that service delivery occurs … [Read more...] about Stand as a Ward 7 Independent Councillor