Beyond raucous parliamentary sessions and heated committee meetings, I am in a constant dash to interact with constituents who elected me to office. It is the responsibility of me and my fellow MP’s, MPL’s and councillors to ensure that all levels of government best meet the most basic needs of our people.
I would say, however, that the job means far more to me than what I described. It allows me to forge personal connections with South Africans from all ages, ethnicities and genders – which energizes me to fulfil my duties.
The requests and inquires I receive from citizens vary greatly.
Service delivery issues are the most common form of complaint I receive.
In the Northern Cape, I have gotten requests to bring back running water in poor communities such as Vanwyksvlei. In Oudtshoorn, I have been asked to assist people who are not getting the necessary pain medicine for chronic arthritis.
People often reach out to me when they have exhausted their options or when those responsible for helping them cannot be reached. In that way, I act as a link between citizens and the national and provincial executives who are meant to represent them. Using my status as an MP, I can be a voice for the voiceless.
Constituency work no doubt occupies most of my time, but I do it with the utmost joy because I know for certain that there are South Africans who will be better off.
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