Message from new Ward 65 councillor

Donovan Nelson, councillor (Ward 65)

It is an absolute honour to have been inaugurated on Thursday November 18, as the new ward councillor for Ward 65 (Lotus River, Grassy Park and Parkwood). This has been for me, one of the greatest honours of my life to be elected by my community, the community who raised me and now supported me to be their ward councillor.

Growing up in the “Skiem”, was one of the most enjoyable times of my life. I remember playing on the Oriele Crescent field every day after school. We washed our school shirts and socks and hung it over the line for school the next day. We came in when the street lights went on just in time for supper.

I grew up in a time when my neighbours were my parents when my parents were at work. My school teacher was my role model. Nowadays, things are different and things have changed.

This is exactly why I decided to put up my hand to be the ward councillor. I am deeply passionate about my community and the opportunities it creates to change the way we look at Lotus River, Grassy Park and Parkwood. I believe in my community. I believe that we are able to turn things around in Ward 65. Our challenges are clear and with the help of the community, we will be able to address a lot of them successfully.

I am also delighted to share that due to the new demarcations, Parkwood will now form part of Ward 65. This gives me a greater responsibility to be able to serve the community at large. At the time this letter was written, I had not yet been allocated an office space for official business, and therefore asked members of the public to make contact with me through my support staff or my cellphone number if they would like to schedule an appointment.

We have kicked off the new term working hard and making sure that we get the basics right. Yes, we are aware that there are many challenges we face as a community, but we know that Ward 65 works, so we will now need to do more.

For my office, contact Shaamiela Adams 073 936 2665 or myself at 065 592 3311. Or email me at Donovan.Nelson@capetown.gov.za

I am looking forward to serving all residents of Ward 65.