To a ward councillor, the safety and well-being of the residents are a massive concern and priority. That is why all the ward councillors in the Record area have submitted a short message to their residents.
They shared similar opinions and have urged their residents to abide by the regulations for the lockdown, saying that it is imperative that we stay inside because at the moment, prevention is the best and only cure.
Each councillor shared their individual concerns and well-wishes for their residents as well, with Ward 84 councillor, Gert Niemand, focusing on staying calm during this time. “The best advice I have during this time is to first of all, stay calm and do not buy into the hysteria.” He continued to urge residents not to panic-buy or leave their homes unnecessarily. He finished off his message with the importance of helping other residents stay calm by refraining from spreading fake news. “Stop the spreading of unconfirmed information and rather visit a credible website where all relevant information is shared on a daily basis.”
Ward 85 councillor, Sonja Meyer added to these sentiments and said that she understood how stressful this time could be. It is such a critical time that could have many consequences that we don’t like, but it is important to cooperate. Sonja said instead of focusing on the negative, she hoped her residents would cherish this family time and stay safe. She will be available through WhatsApp and phone calls, should her residents have any questions during this time. Her number is 083 988 4279.
Ward 70 councillor, Caleb Finn appealed to the humanity and community spirit of his residents saying, “My appeal is for people to remain calm, careful and thoughtful of others during this time. We are a strong country with the ability to withstand much. Working together by temporarily staying apart will bring us closer together as we fight Covid-19. Let us respect the lockdown and work with law enforcement as they ensure that this important process is undertaken.”
René Benjamin, councillor for Ward 71, added that personal and community safety needed to be everyone’s number-one priority, as we are our own best defence. “You have but one life to live, let it not end with selfish and senseless behaviour. This virus has changed the world, and more importantly, families. Don’t let it change yours.” René concluded her message by encouraging residents to come out the other side of this lockdown ready to write new life chapters. “Be safe and look after your loved ones.”
Ward 83 councillor, Florence Roberts shared the same sentiments, adding that we need to think of those who cannot help themselves during this time. “If we are thinking of our needs, we must make an effort to think of other people’s needs as well. If we buy something for ourselves, we should try to buy something for an NGO or NPO that is struggling during this time.” She continued to use camping as an example for how we should shop. “We should not stockpile, but it is also important to buy enough essentials that we don’t need to leave the house every three days. We have a lot of elderly residents and children in our ward – we need to think about those two vulnerable groups before we leave our houses unnecessarily.” Florence recommended that residents buy at least a weeks’ worth of groceries, to minimise contact with anyone who could be affected by going outside of their residences.
Overall, the councillors are promoting social distancing and consideration for others during this time. They all want what is best for the residents in their wards, and hope that the residents will think not only of their own families, but the risk that leaving their homes puts others in as well.
