As Ward 34 residents get ready to head to the polls on Wednesday, 28 August, for the much-anticipated by elections, the chairperson of the Ward 34 Residents and Ratepayers Association (RRA) and community activist, Andrew Akkers, has thrown his hat into the ring for councillor as an independent candidate.
“I am an active citizen and community activist who serves a diverse community,” said Akkers, who is a third generation resident in the ward.
“I have always remained apolitical and non-partisan but I have decided to step up and run as a candidate in the best interest of the people in Ward 34 who have become pawns in a political game.”
Akkers’ involvement in the community spans decades, starting his transport business which he launched in 1991 to address local public transport issues in the area. He worked in security management for 24 years and has been actively engaged with the community police forum (CPF) and neighbourhood watch.
“I have supported our community through various crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 floods, and riots. When we were faced with the terror of the July 2021 riots, I was part of the team that fought the political party and business owners who blocked our residents from accessing shops in Durban North. I was part of the planning team and actively stood guard and patrolled our area, ensuring our residents were safe. I was also actively involved in the sourcing and distribution logistics of social relief parcels during the COVID pandemic.”
Akkers led the merger with Avoca, Effingham, Greenwood Park and Red Hill to form the Ward 34 RRA. His efforts focused on improving infrastructure, safety, and transparency. He went on to initiated databases for fault tracking and ensured equitable distribution of resources like the senior citizen’s municipal festive vouchers.
“I was part of the GWP Civic Forum, working tirelessly for our residents. I have promoted transparency by ensuring open communication between the municipality and the community and have forged relationships with the various department heads and teams. As chairperson of the ratepayers association, I have successfully led numerous initiatives to improve local infrastructure, enhance safety, and foster community spirit. My ability to bring people together and work towards common goals has earned me the respect and trust,” said Akkers.
“My personal experiences shape my understanding of our community’s needs. I’m married, with three children and a grandchild, and I bring a wealth of experience and a heartfelt commitment to making Ward 34 a better place for all.
“I’m running for councillor not out of political ambition, but to leverage my extensive experience and connections for the benefit of our community. My goal is to serve with integrity and make sure our needs are met. I aim to remain unencumbered by party politics and focused solely on delivering results for Ward 34,” he added.
Akkers would be up against Thembi Khuzwayo of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), Pastor Khulekani Dlamini African Movement Congress (AMC), Mashini City Nkosi form the African National Congress (ANC) and Jerald Raghunath of the Democratic Alliance (DA).
