KNYSNA NEWS - There are 21 councillors and in a list from the Knysna municipality their names are listed alphabetically, so in this new series where each councillor will be interviewed weekly, we will follow the names in this order.
Every week we will publish your comments after hearing what your councillor has to say, if you want to comment.
Councillors, we really look forward to getting to know you all better.
Full name, your ward, and which political party do you belong to.
Shakespeare Arends, I live in Ward 6, ACDP PR councillor in co-governance with the DA.
As a PR councillor, which ward have you been allocated as your area of responsibility?
No ward allocated.
How long have you been in Knysna?
Born and bred in Knysna – I have lived here all my life.
What are your qualifications?
Matric
What is your salary?
Not applicable.
Why did you decide to stand as a councillor?
To make a positive contribution to the lives of people living in Greater Knysna.
What do your duties entail?
I am the mayoral committee chair of planning & integrated human settlements (IHS), answerable to all the wards' housing and related issues.
Explain the difference between the functions of a ward councillor and a PR councillor?
Ward councillors represent their wards, PR councillors represent their political party.
What are burning issues in your ward that need attention?
All wards are my wards, I deal with all IHS housing.
What are you proud of in your ward?
I am very proud of all my wards, they do understand and realise my mammoth and difficult task.
Where would you like to see improvement?
I would like to improve relationships between councillors and administrative officials. Not that there is anything wrong with this relationship, but it would be better if they saw us as allies.
You were elected to office in August 2016 – what have you done for your town and its people since then?
As I am not a ward councillor, it is difficult to measure. I am currently assisting with the mammoth task of assisting the fire victims where possible.
What do you hope to accomplish for the rest of your term?
To deliver within the budgetary constraints and integrated development plan (IDP) what is due to those in need.
Do you think you are making a difference and if so, how?
Yes, I do make a difference by trying to address the needs of all who walk into my office.
What do the town and its people mean to you?
The town and its people are my strength and both give me the reason to drive and pursue my calling – to serve others less fortunate.
What is your opinion of the manner in which the ruling party is leading this town?
I think the ruling party is very competent and highly qualified to lead with its wealth of political experience.
Just for fun, what is your favourite book and food, and if you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
The Bible, "rys, aartappels en vleis" (rice, potatoes and meat). I would love to travel to the USA.
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