Cape Town - After years of working behind the scenes, the DA’s councillor candidate for the City’s Ward 109 says he is now ready to step into the limelight and work for the further development of his community.
Macassar born and bred, Peter Helfrich, known for his role as Ward 109’s PR councillor has put forward his name for the position of Macassar councillor and the opportunity to work for the area’s development and upkeep.
As a former PR councillor Helfrich says that guided by his experience, and dedication, his love for Macassar will continue to shine through his commitment should he be elected as councillor.
Helfrich said: “I grew up in Macassar, I went to school here, and have lived here for most of my life. I still live in Macassar and have a very good understanding of the issues our community faces.
“I have been involved in programmes to uplift our community since the age of 14. I spent almost 20 years investing in our local lifesaving club and helped many learners off the streets and back into school through the learn-to-swim programme that I offered over many years.
“Unlike most of the candidates contesting in this ward, I have been actively involved in local government for many years and also currently serve as a Proportional Councillor which makes me one of the most experienced candidates contesting in this ward,” Helfrich said.
“I am serious about making a success of the work I will be doing in Ward 109, so much that I decided at this late stage in my life to undertake a B-Admin degree, to be prepared and equipped to work and advocate for the needs of my community.”
Helfrich said should he win his focus will be on working with residents to eradicate poverty, facilitating healthy economic developments, uplifting the youth, assisting residents to access service delivery and working on rising crime in the area.
“For me, poverty is a big issue, and I want to assist residents to access indigent benefits with the City to help them pay their rates, service charges or City housing rental payments where possible. I want to ensure that residents receive service delivery, to build on what has already been achieved.”
“The City procures goods and services through contracts with organisations and individuals. One of my goals will be to connect and assist local businesses with the City, to register as suppliers on the City's database to be eligible to tender their goods and services and in this way also create jobs.
“With regards to fighting crime, I’m committed to fostering better relationships between SAPS and the community in Macassar.”
“It’s important that I consult with the residents of Ward 109 to set the agenda for local government in the ward together. I firmly believe that we can only make progress and achieve success, to the benefit of our residents if we listen to their concerns and work together to find solutions to any problems they face,” said Helfrich.