23/01/2025
The war between Councilor Fransisco and some members of her ward is far from over! She is scared this will eventually kill her
By Mr Lee
[email protected]
The residents of Ward 108 in Alexandra came out in force and accused their councillor, Deborah Francisco, of not listening to them.
This week, some community members from Francisco's ward, led by Scelo Shilleng, marched to government offices at 8th Roosevelt to complain about poor service delivery, allegedly perpetuated by the ward 108 councilor.
They accused her of many things, including hijacking or selling other people's houses, her alleged ugly behavior towards the community members, and so forth.
According to Scelo, a petition against her was circulated in the ward by the community members last year October. He alleged that the councilor is battling with individuals who are tasked with resolving service delivery issues in the ward.
"She is fighting with other councilors. We are pleading with Councilor Adolph Marema and others in the city of Johannesburg to do something about this issue," he said.
According to him, when the youths visit her office to request proof of address, she allegedly dismisses them. He added that ANC members were the only ones allowed to work on projects in the ward. "If you are not a member of the ANC, you won't get the job. Since 2021, we have been complaining about her."
He said that they were promised that the councilor would be replaced. "They promised us that they would remove her. Ramaphosa made a promise to remove her, but it wasn't effective. We are urging the city of Johannesburg to listen to us. Officials must come and hear the story from the community members."
When contacted for comment, Fransisco said," I'm very abused as a woman. Scelo has been fighting me for a very long time. I was beaten and I also lost my teeth. I opened a case against Scelo, but the police only arrested him after 10 months. He was released after a few minutes."
She said she tried to work with people in her ward, but it failed. "They have decided to work alone with the assistance of the EFF councillor and recruit others." She said she was not worried about the march because it only had a few members from her ward.
"The march had only 9 people from my ward, it was poorly attended. I'm always blamed for something I didn't do. When thugs occupied the Marlboro containers, they said it was me. People said I killed Mphahlela. I endured a significant amount of abuse. Go to London Road, Tsutsumani, ward 91, you will see many challenges. Why don't they chase all those councillors...why me? They said I insult people. I'm also a human being, with blood, and I will respond to them."
Responding to the video of Monica, who claimed the councilor had sold her house, she said, "Monica left the yard before I became a councilor, and I used to help her, now I'm a bad person. You must come to my yard to hear my side of the story. Before I was even elected as a councilor, Monica left the yard and her house was locked. To remove someone is to say 'phuma wena'. Why did she emerge now after such a long time? Those who said I am selling houses must come with proof. I have been helping people before I even became a councillor. I feel like I'm being abused. One day they will kill me."
