Cde Elizabeth Williams Ward Councillor of W68, Zone 6
The UDF led the way to the ANC
“After the disbandment of the United Democratic Front (UDF), I wanted to continue my activism and fighting for human rights and gender equality. The ANC was an organization that believed in equality for all and in the upliftment of women in society”.
Which MDM structures have you participated or led in?
“I was a UDF member -we were mobilizing the youth in the Cape Flats for the demonstrations against the Apartheid regime”.
What are the main challenges in your Ward?
“Crime and drug addiction among the youth. The community is not united. It would rather shift the blame and responsibility to the police, instead of standing with the community leaders in eradicating the perpetrators from the area. People don’t take pride or responsibility in keeping the area clean”.
What solutions and proposals will you take to council for the people?
“The people in Ward 68 has always felt like they have been forgotten. In getting the trust back from the community, service delivery is at the top of their list.”
She will request for clinics, fully equipped libraries, and safe playgrounds for the children. “We need to get COJ officials to come to the ward and assist the elderly with the rates and taxes issues – as most of them do not have transport to go to the offices. Arrangements can be made to have the COJ officials on certain days of the month to assist”.
“The City of Johannesburg can have workshops in educating and updating the community on all matters from making arrangements to pay their accounts, to understanding the by-laws when it comes to neighbours and building issues. I believe engaging with the community and seeing the city officials attending to their matters will build a good relationship”.
How/have you positively contributed to the community?
She has organised programmes such as feeding schemes, drug rehabilitation programmes and assisted families with funerals.
What inspires you from the movement, to continue with your activism?
“The ANC lives for ubuntu and that is what motivates me and still I carry it with me in my daily interaction with the community”.