- The Democratic Alliance (DA) retained its seat in Ward 64 with 97.64% of the votes in a by-election with only 28% voter turnout, the IEC announced.
- Izabel Sherry was named the new Ward 64 councillor, emphasising her commitment to community service and tackling social issues.
- Despite the low turnout, the DA also retained its seats in other contested wards in the City of Cape Town.
Izabel Sherry was named the new Ward 64 councillor the following day, Thursday the 20th.
Last week Wednesday, the Electoral Commission in the Western Cape conducted six municipal by-elections in the province.
According to the IEC, the DA managed to retain all its three seats in the wards contested in the City of Cape Town.
In Ward 64 the party retained its seat won in the 2021 municipal elections, with 97,64% of the total votes cast, compared to 85,10% in 2021, with a voter turnout of 28,38%.
IEC Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse said it was heartening to see residents turn out to vote in the by-elections.
“I am heartened by the fact that although we have just come out of the National and Provincial Election (NPE2024) voters still took time to vote in the by-elections,” he said. “It augurs well for the local government election in 2026.”
Sherry, a mother of two who resides in Fish Hoek, said as ward councillor she will ensure residents receive the services they deserve.
“I can make a real difference to our local community in many ways as a councillor, with passion and a hard-working attitude… I have a very hands-on approach,” she said.
Sherry added that while there are many social issues in the community she is working towards finding lasting solutions.
“There are many social issues, and I am already working with social development to find lasting solutions. My main goal is to have a safe, clean and well-run ward.” She said her passions include safety and working together with communities.
Projects
“We have some great projects on the go, such as the Silvermine Wetlands dredging project, which is in phase 2 of a three-year project. The Muizenberg Park restoration is coming along nicely. We have the dune rehabilitation on Fish Hoek Beach and upgrade plans along the coast and the restoration of the revetment on Muizenberg Beach.”
Before becoming a ward councillor Sherry was PA to former Ward 64 councillor Aimee Kuhl. Her experience include running an audio visual company.
“I grew up in Durban, worked in Johannesburg for a few years and ended up in Cape Town,” she said.
“My husband and I ran our own audio visual company for nearly 18 years, doing road shows, banquet dinners, conferences and webinars.” She commented that she was fortunate, later, to clinch the job as assistant to the previous councillor from Ward 64 for the past two years.
“Being the assistant has been such an advantage as it has given me insight into the area of their needs and concerns,” she said.
“I have been able to assist with service issues and deliveries. I have engaged with the civic associations, Business Improvement Districts, Muizenberg Improvement District and the City Improvement Districts and created great working relations with them as well as with law enforcement, the Passenger Rails Agency of South Africa and the police.”
