Councillor candidate ready for challenges

FIRST-time candidate Jacqueline Poking is determined to become councillor of ward 77.

Poking is the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association secretary and serves on the heritage and tourism sub-committees.

Ward 77 covers Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Vredehoek, a section of District Six, Zonnebloem and the inner city.

Poking’s work experience includes travel and tourism, and events consultancy.

Some of the issues she is determined to address are heritage; a rates rebate scheme for indigent and senior residents; safety and security; housing; sustainable community tourism; job creation; and maintaining, upgrading and accessing of sport and educational facilities.

“A vote for me as ward councillor is a vote to build bridges not barriers and walls. Together we can be the change we want to see in the world and build better, stronger, safer communities.

“We need each other and instead of furthering the divide that really has its roots in the unequal distribution of wealth, we in ward 77 can unite and show what a community who works together for a common goal can achieve.”

Some of the challenges plaguing the area are related to overcrowding due to a lack of social and affordable housing, high municipal water and electricity tariffs, high property rates based on market value, heritage protection and developments, high unemployment among young people and women, and a lack of opportunities and access to education.

“In 1994, we became a rainbow nation where our dreams were encapsulated in the hope that lay before us. Given our country’s history it was never going to be easy, but we set forth and now we find ourselves divided once again. They say where there’s despair, there is hope too and we as ward 77 have an opportunity to come together, create meaningful partnerships, and improve the lives of all who live in this ward. We can become the reality of the dreams we once shouldered,” Poking said.