Ward 97 Councillor Jaco Engelbrecht dedicates his time to those that live in his ward and works tirelessly to ensure that their problems are solved. Councillor Engelbrecht, who lives in Jusksei Park, said that the call to duty came one day when he was listening to a news programme announcing the dropped charges against President Zuma. “I knew then that it was either I leave the country, or I do my bit to create a change so since I stayed, I then joined the DA and I was elected to become a ward councillor,” he explained.
He admits that his consulting business took a nose dive after he was elected to become a ward councillor, but said that it came with the nature of the job as he was always helping his constituents with problems they had with the City of Joburg.
“Most of the problems in my ward emanates from City Power which has outdated infrastructure that collapses as well as cable theft. They are failing to deliver on their services as well as to maintain the existing infrastructure,” he added.
Councillor Engelbrecht lamented that he received a lot of complaints about potholes within his ward, especially after rainfall, and this contributed to residents’ anguish.
The father of two said the reason why he became a councillor was because he believed in getting involved and not just sitting on the sidelines, watching as things fell apart. “A ward councilor must be someone who takes peoples’ issues to heart and won’t let go until those issues have been resolved.”
A highlight of his term as ward councilor was when he was able to solve and ratify issues his constituents experienced but pointed out that the low lights were when his constituents were affected by crime as well as the time it took to resolve issues.
Councillor Engelbrecht is, however, hopeful that change would come and added that he looked forward to the results of the upcoming municipal elections.
“I just want the City of Joburg to run smoothly as the lack of service delivery in certain areas is frustrating because when things get done, it makes residents happy,” he concluded.
Details:Ward 97 Councillor Jaco Engelbrecht, jacoe6@gmail.com
