MEET HILTON’S NEW WARD 6 COUNCILLOR

The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown inspired newly elected ward 6 councillor, Kate Janse Van Rensburg, to run for ward councillor after she realised that the basic services in the community had been neglected.

“I realised I wanted to be part of the change to get our home back on its feet, and make it one to be proud of,” she said.

Her interest in politics started after she became a tax- and ratepayer and a parent.

“I started to become more interested in where our money was being spent, and how this was affecting the opportunity our children would have to be able to play in a safe and well-kept neighbourhood,” the mother of two told The Hilton.

Asked what Janse Van Rensburg wanted to achieve during her term in office, she said to “get the basics right in local government.

“To get our streets lit again, our roads car worthy, our open public places safe and tidy for the public to enjoy. Part of our manifesto is to improve the reporting of services in an efficient way by having someone answer on the other side when you call the municipality. Once these are in place, the rest will follow.”

For Janse Van Rensburg, being a ward councillor means being the voice, and representative of her ward. As such, her promise to residents in ward 6, which comprises half of Hilton and Merrivale, is to engage with all residents and represent them on the uMngeni Council in a ‘respectful and democratic way’.

“We believe that the residents of uMngeni are aware of the challenges we are taking over from the past government and will support the cause and back us. With this support and communication uMngeni can be amazing,” she said.

During her term she also wants to support and build on pre-existing projects and bodies tackling issues such as illegal dumping, employment and economy, security initiatives and local conservancies.

“I would like to support and extend these organisations’ ideals and visions to council and assist with implementing bylaws that should support these visions,” she added. “Engagement is key; our community has many skilled and passionate people that just need the networks to make their initiatives great.”

Janse Van Rensburg loves learning new things, and has experience in many different fields, ranging from skin care therapies, which she studied and practised for six years, to administration, waitressing, internal sales, manufacturing and the advertising industry.

She has lived in Hilton since 2010 and loves its “Ubuntu spirit” and supportive community.

“Ward 6 is made up of dynamic neighbourhoods sharing many different backgrounds, ages and concerns. People are so supportive and within our schools and businesses, people just get on with it, and do what needs to be done,” the councillor said.

“We have been given another chance as the community in uMngeni. Let us take this opportunity to unite to make our home great again.”

Janse Van Rensburg is active on all chat groups within her ward, but says her preferred communication mode is email, adding: “I love a paper trail, so email is best to share thoughts.” Residents can reach her at smoutyk@gmail.com