After a tumultuous political year I believe it is important to end 2012 by recognizing those Councillors who went beyond the call of duty to serve the citizens of Cape Town. In no particular order I have selected from more than 200 Councillors, 10 whom I believe deserve special praise.
Though JP Smith {DA} is not everyone’s cup of tea, he is very capable. He has a complex job managing complaints ranging from dogs running wild on beaches to dealing with the multitude of violent crimes that beset Cape Town. His ability to respond to my mundane enquiries with a pleasant and welcoming smile after a hard day’s work makes him noteworthy.
Tony Ehrenreich {ANC} is some-one that some Capetonians love to hate. His devotion to the workers is obvious and his dedication to the improvements of workers’ rights must be recognised. He has leadership skills and this attracts people to him. Tony is also courteous with a witty sense of humour
Brett Heron {DA} is a genuine gentleman who is able to remain poised even when unduly insulted in public meetings. His humility is admirable and his availability to partake in miniscule ward issues is commendable. He works tirelessly and deserves recognition.
Sotashe {ANC} or comrade as he is popularly known is perceptive and well read. His many years in Council have made him a natural leader who others follow willingly. His dedication to understand what happens within the depths of the complex financial plans of the City makes him worthy of recognition.
Barbara Ras {DA} works amongst the most marginalized communities in the Atlantis area. She has spearheaded and continuous to confront issues of abuse that will make an average Councillor run for cover. Her struggle to improve the lives of her people is sincere and makes her worthy of recognition.
Bheki Hadebe {ANC} is a young man who has great potential. His ability to comprehend complex financial and engineering related issues that has to be analysed in the Finance Portfolio Committee places him above the crowd and makes him an asset to the city.
Solomon Philander {DA} is a ward councillor in a part of Mitchells Plain where it is impossible to please anyone. Though he is often ridiculed and abused by the electorate, his ability not to anger or take issues personal makes him mature and responsible.
Anwar Adams {PAC} has the strength to sustain a party that should have expired a decade ago. He works very hard. His level of dedication is admirable and his ability to anger the Mayor is second only to that of Andre Fourie.
Andre Fourie {FFPlus} is a qualified and skilled person whose years of parliamentary experience improve the level of debate in the chamber. He is a natural orator and researches his responses extensively. He also holds the 2012 record for having received the most insults from the Mayor.
Achmat Williams {NNP} deserves recognition for reviving a party that was actually dead and buried. He has achieved the impossible by transforming a party that was globally despised yet greatly missed by voters on the Cape Flats. His efforts may yet be rewarded by a return of the NNP to parliament.
Cope as a party must receive recognition for having added the least value to the debate in Council for 2012. Their comprehensive silence in the chamber is unworthy of note. May 2013 prompt greater levels of service delivery to Capetonians from the Council representatives.
Cllr Yagyah Adams
Cape Muslim Congress