THE Breidbach community opted to go for consistency when they re-elected their ward committee member for another five-year term during a special co-option community meeting held at the Breidbach Happy Hearts Playground hall on Sunday.
Former Buffalo City Metro (BCM) Ward 44 committee member Desmond Coetzee secured more than 90% of the votes during the election meeting.
BCM public participation practitioner Kenneth Kodwa convened the meeting and was accompanied by BCM Ward 43 councillor Zukiswa Mankayi and BCM Ward 44 councillor Sixolisiwe Ntsasela.
“The purpose of this meeting is basically to co-opt someone among you for the vacant posi- tion as ward committee member for your area,” Kodwa said.
“You know your community and the person will be serving you in working closely with your ward councillor in taking your area forward.”
The names of Gordon Fourie, Deon Alexander and Coetzee were proposed and seconded, but Fourie declined and it went to the voting, which saw Coetzee win by more than 90%.
Mankayi then explained the roles of a ward committee member to the audience and pleaded with them to support their choices.
She said Coetzee would be their mouthpiece to the ward councillor and that they would have to keep him accountable.
Mankayi also explained to Coetzee the roles and responsibilities expected from a ward committee member.
“You will have your induction soon and be brought on board as to what your roles and responsibilities are. But in short you will have to compile a report of all your functions which will be overseen by your ward councillor,” said Mankayi.
Coetzee thanked the audience for putting their trust in him and mentioned that his passion for assisting and supporting his community never stopped as a ward committee member.
“I gratefully thank you all for believing in me and entrusting me with the responsibility of serving my community for another term.
“I am looking forward to being of assistance again.”
David Pieterson was one of the community members present at the meeting and said they were overwhelmed with the decision to give Coetzee another term.
“In Coetzee we have a person who practises Batho Pele every day of his life and this is evident as residents as far afield as Qalashe, Siyathemba, Acorn Valley and even Sweetwaters are aware of his capabilities. My wish is that he must continue on this path,” said Pieterson.
