The City of Cape Town’s new Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Anda Ntsodo, is at the political helm of the City directorate which encompasses parks, libraries and recreational facilities, but he has no intention ‘parking off’. Councillor Ntsodo, who was born and bred in Gugulethu, always knew politics was his destiny. Read more below:
The City’s new Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Anda Ntsodo, is dedicated to making the best of his tenure in office.
The Community Services Directorate, which includes City Parks, Library and Information Services, and the Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department, focuses on encouraging residents to live complete lives. This includes making provision for recreation, cultural expression, acquiring knowledge and staying healthy.‘Redress is key focus for me and I am eager to see new parks, libraries and sports facilities in poorer areas that reflect the very latest thinking and expertise around developing quality public spaces. These areas will boast some of the very best libraries, parks and sports and recreational facilities that the City has to offer,’ said Councillor Ntsodo.
Councillor Ntsodo is a former soccer player for the Gugulethu soccer club, Young Callies, but says becoming a top politician was always his ambition.
The youngest of three brothers, he was born and raised in Gugulethu.
‘I was raised by uneducated and poor parents. My father was a construction worker and my mother a domestic worker. I know that they would be so proud to see me selected as a Mayoral Committee Member. It is something that they would never have thought possible when they were alive. My neighbourhood was poor but many children took part in sporting activities and attended school. I know exactly how important quality community facilities were for me and my friends in terms of learning and play,’ said Councillor Ntsodo.
He became involved in politics at a young age and was a founding member of the Congress of South African Students, and other student movements.
He previously served as a councillor and chairperson of the Mayoral Committee of the Lingelethu Town Council, and is relishing his new role.
‘I am excited to be in a position where I will advise the Executive Mayor and take things to the next level from where my predecessor, Alderman Belinda Walker, left off.
‘I want to ensure that the residents of Cape Town are delighted with the high service delivery standards of the City. One of my goals will be to uplift and build better societies and neighbourhoods through the Community Services Directorate.
‘Encouraging communities to partner with the City in taking care of public spaces will be a critical focus as so many of our facilities have been victims of theft and vandalism. This can be changed if local residents are more involved in safeguarding these facilities,’ said Councillor Ntsodo.
When he’s not wearing his politician’s suit, Councillor Ntsodo attends local events and has a weakness for a good braai and historical documentaries.
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