TOPHAM FOR MAYOR

By Cllr Francois Bekker
Brandon Topham is the DA’s Tshwane mayoral candidate. Bringing youth, expertise, business acumen, and zest to the candidature, Topham promises to embody DA supporters’ quest for change that is so desperately needed to turn the Tshwane Metro’s track record of one of the worst performing metros in the country into a success story synonymous with genuine service delivery to all the residents of the city.

Topham is committed to champion good and clean government underscored by transparency, accountability and effectiveness. “I am firmly committed to creating an employment generating environment. I realize the paramount importance of economic development that is needed to achieve the growth, progress and stability that is needed to build a strong and prosperous society.” said Topham when he accepted his nomination as the DA’s mayoral candidate. “I am cognisant of the fact that the mayoral position is an unremitting responsibility.” Topham added.

With an impressive background as a Forensic auditor, Topham is a Charted Accountant and an attorney he will show zero tolerance to corruption, maladministration and incompetence that rob residents of value for their rates and taxes.

Elected for a second term last year as chairperson of the DA Gauteng North region, Topham enjoys the support of his colleagues and is regarded as someone who unites people around shared values, goals and aspirations.

The many leadership positions held by Topham in various organisations and committees is testimony of Topham’s leadership ability. “I am often the maverick that chooses not to be ordinary, because ordinary, as the saying goes, does not change the world.”

Married to Mari and the father of three sons, Topham values the essence of family as the foundation of a stable society. “As a politician I care deeply about the wellbeing of people and their futures” said Topham. “My aim is to make the Tshwane Metropolitan city a place where people from all walks of life can pursue their dreams and live the lives they choose to live.”

MAYOR GIVES ELECTION SPEECH

Today’s State of the City address by the Executive Mayor can be seen as a pre-election speech. Although he mentioned the successes of the Metro during the previous five years, he did not mention any shortcomings in delivery.

The Democratic Alliance yesterday proposed for the second year an alternative State of the City Address highlighting the ANC’s failures in several departments.

If one looks at service delivery one can really think of many instances where the Tshwane Metro failed the community. Why did the switch gear in the Kentron Substation at Centurion catch fire? Because of the failure to implement a maintenance plan for such infrastructure? Why is raw sewage running into the Apies River at Rooiwal? Why are many Itsoseng residents still not connected to an installed sewage system in their township?

The Mayor said that the City must start enforcing city by-laws vigorously and he mentioned safe buildings. All I can ask Mr Mayor is when last did you look at our own building? Do you ever use the dysfunctional lifts in Munitoria and do you ever park in the basement parking of Sammy Marks to experience the fresh smell of sewage? Not to mention the grass that is growing on top of some of the parking garages in the Munitoria yard.

He said that the Metro provided more than a million plastic bags for waste collection. The question is - who benefited; the residents or the service provider?

As far as the next five years are concerned: Yes it is a good wish list and it is a challenge to set tough goals. The question remains: will the Mayor with the manpower/structures in place be able to meet these goals? I doubt it!