Latest news with #Ward44
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Mixed reactions over Tshwane's service delivery app
The new Tshwane App has been met with a range of reactions from residents. While some are optimistic about its potential to streamline service delivery and help them manage their accounts, others remain deeply sceptical, referencing past unfulfilled promises and ongoing communication issues. The app, designed to transform service delivery in the city, was officially launched on July 10. Before the launch, Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said it would allow residents to log service requests, track their progress and access billing information, bringing essential services to the convenience of their fingertips. However, not everyone is convinced the app will effectively improve service delivery issues. Pretoria North resident Nathan Grobler expressed scepticism about the app improving service delivery. 'What difference does it make to report issues faster if Tshwane still has not addressed the existing problems?' He shared that although they do receive acknowledgement emails and reference numbers, no action follows, and he believes the same will happen with the app. 'The app will not improve anything. Instead, it is going to create a backlog of reports that are not responded to.' Grobler said the lack of responsiveness from the metro will likely worsen with the introduction of the app. 'When you report an issue in person, it usually does not get fixed. Just imagine how much worse that will be through a digital platform,' he said. Tebogo Manamela from Soshanguve Block H shared that he faced struggles while trying to register on the app, expressing his doubt on its effectiveness. 'The app is not working, I could not register, although I followed all the instructions. It got stuck on invalid password,' he explained. He believes that the existing glitches in the app indicate that it will not improve service delivery or responses from the metro. 'You will log a report thinking it went through, only to find that a glitch on the app prevented it from being submitted,' he added. However, not all residents shared the same opinions about the app. Bathabile Mnguni from Mamelodi said the app will make things easy for her. 'Logging reports will be easy. I won't have to go to the municipal offices personally to report an issue. I also believe that queues at the offices will be reduced,' she said. She praised the app for its user-friendly features in viewing accounts and managing electricity and water consumption bills. 'It will remove the burden of having to collect statements from the offices. From now on, should I need my proof of residence, I will simply download it from the app without any hassles or costs,' she said. North resident Hellen Swarts believes that the Tshwane app could be effective if residents actively report issues. 'The WhatsApp channels have shown good results, and the app should make that even better. 'We should not be quick to judge the effectiveness of the app at the early stages,' she said. ALSO READ: New Ward 44 councillor vows to tackle service delivery Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ward 44 councillor resigns due to health issues
Ward 44 councillor and seasoned political figure, Christo van den Heever, has formally announced his resignation, bringing an end to an impactful chapter in local governance. His resignation, he confirmed, takes effect at the end of April. In a Facebook post, Van den Heever addressed residents with what he described as 'deep gratitude and humility'. 'Serving as your councillor over the past four years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,' he wrote. 'From the moment I stepped in as caretaker, councillor, and later being elected by you on May 21 2021, I have felt honoured to walk alongside you and not only as a representative but as a neighbour and friend.' His announcement comes amid a personal health battle with what he described as an incurable illness. 'In this difficult time as I step away due to an illness that is, sadly, incurable, I am deeply moved by the messages, prayers, and goodwill you have sent me and my family.' Drawing on years of experience, including his tenure as the DA's Chief Whip in Council since August 2016, Van den Heever reflected on his commitment to Ward 44 and its people. 'During my term, I did my utmost to serve Ward 44 with integrity, dedication, and care.' He said he is humbled by the trust the community has placed in him and hopes he was able to honour that trust in the way he served the community. He also acknowledged the personal connections he built in the community. 'Many of you I came to know personally. Your warmth, honesty, and spirit of community made every moment worthwhile. Your kindness has brought strength to us during this chapter of our lives.' He concluded his statement with heartfelt well wishes for his successor and the community he served so passionately. 'May Ward 44 continue to grow, thrive, and be guided by the same unity and resilience that make it so special. 'Thank you for allowing me to serve you. I will always carry this chapter with me.' Ofentse Madzebatela, current DA Chief Whip, responded to Van den Heever's resignation with admiration and respect. He said it is the departure of a 'shining example' of public service. 'He has served us and the city with excellence. He took his role as ward councillor and Chief Whip of Council very seriously. 'Both roles are incredibly demanding, and he handled them with distinction.' The DA has already taken steps to ensure continuity in Ward 44. Madzebatela confirmed that experienced councillor Ryan Uys, a three-term veteran, has been appointed as the interim representative until a formal by-election is held. 'We wish him well and assure the residents of Ward 44 that we will put up a credible candidate.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
