Thembelihle Radebe

The Speaker of Council in the City of Joburg, Cllr Margaret Arnolds, visited Zandspruit on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, to address residents on the importance of civic education, a process that equips citizens with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to participate effectively in civic life, understand their rights and responsibilities, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Speaking in a packed Emthonjeni Community Hall, Cllr Arnolds said: “Today we are here at Zandspruit for civic education, and we have invited residents to be part of this important event. You will also have an opportunity to meet the various departments and entities of the City to address any service delivery issues you may have.”

Partners such as Nedbank and Sanlam were present, providing services and assisting residents with personal matters in private consultations. Cllr Arnolds welcomed their involvement, saying it was encouraging to see them partnering with the City to educate and empower residents.

The Department of Home Affairs and the Independent Electoral Commission also made presentations to the community. Residents were encouraged to register to vote in the upcoming municipal elections and to familiarise themselves with ward demarcations.

Alongside the ward councillor, Cllr Arnolds accepted a memorandum of demands for more services from the community. “We allow you to voice your challenges so that, as a Speaker, I can hold the executives accountable if they fail to deliver services to you, residents,” she said.

In closing, she thanked the community for their attendance. “It is occasions like these that help us identify where service delivery is lacking and what needs to be done.”