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Councillor Patricia van der Ross: Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health

<h2 class="sectHeading">Vision statement</h2> <figure class="figure-credits right"><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/vd_ross_inline.jpg" /><figcaption> Councillor Patricia van der Ross Community Services and Health </figcaption> </figure> Cllr van der Ross envisions a directorate that enables individual development which, in return, supports the wellness of communities, especially those in vulnerable settings by improving the accessibility and efficiency of community services. This will include maintenance programmes and upgrades of recreational facilities, parks and library facilities and establishing quality information services that build knowledge and skills. This vision will also be key to how we will manage City Health services and community development programmes with our partners. Communities across the city have diverse developmental challenges, which is easily lost in a complex system, while public health matters present complexities in their own right. Therefore, going forward, these challenges must inform the level of services provided directly, such as ensuring recreational parks are well-lit and equipped instead of presenting another obstacle to residents; and actually serve as a place for well-being programmes that is accessible to all ages and abilities. Ultimately, the aim is to inspire and inform a directorate that is responsive to basic requirements while inspiring greater outcomes that find meaning with residents. Cllr van der Ross is a dynamic and independently minded professional. She is an experienced public representative, strategic engager and acts as a proactive problem solver in the public sector. <h2 class="sectHeading">Biography</h2> Ciir van der Ross has been working at the City of Cape Town since 2014. Between 2014 and 2019, she served as a ward councillor for Ward 65 and as PR councillor in Ward 67. Ward 65 covers the areas including Grassy Park and Lotus River. Both are vibrant communities in the southern part of the metro which grounded her understanding of the important role of efficient and effect community services to ensure residents’ well-being. As a PR councillor in particular, Cllr van der Ross was responsible for improving accountability to communities through the responsibilities of this position. Cllr van der Ross has served as the Deputy Chairperson for and Water and Sanitation Services (2016-2018) and Community Services and Health (2018-2021). This exposure developed her understanding of the nuts and bolts of the administration under my current directorate along with the legislation, policies and strategic documents to hold public servants to account. Cllr van der Ross is one of the founding members of Shalom Community Care, Ray of Love and she has worked with various non-governmental groups and associations. She hold dear the working relationships that she has built in each of these roles. She matriculated from Lotus High School and completed the Executive Programme in Public and Development Management at Stellenbosch University. Her work experience and academic endeavors form the building blocks of her knowledge and experience and inform her efforts in providing a greater shared good for all. <h2 class="sectHeading">Projects and departments</h2> First and foremost, Cllr van der Ross is committed to activating a 100-day plan. This will be informed by the priorities of the four departments within the Community Services and Health directorates. This plan will include tangible deliverables to inspire an action driven five-year plan. Moving towards and understanding the post Covid-19 developmental and wellness needs is integral to addressing the diverse community challenges and embracing new opportuntiies. This will be done by conducting a SWOT analysis on both streams of the portfolio for the new term. <ul><li> Library and Infromation Services: That these facilities serve as resource centres for individual growth and are accessible to communities at large. </li><li> Recreation and Parks: Facilities that are ideally located towards a need and maintained to serve wellness programmes.</li><li> Social Development: To provide support to those who are vulnerable and to enhance the quality of life for all through a dignified approach to service deilvery. </li><li> City Health: To support programmes that deem health as personal wealth and to build resilient cohesive communities and sustainable environments. </li></ul> <h2 class="sectHeading">Contact</h2> <h4>Cllr Patricia van der Ross</h4> Mayoral Committee Member: Community Services and Health Telephone: <a>069 299 3933</a> Email: <a href="mailto:Patricia.VanDerRoss@capetown.gov.za">Patricia.VanDerRoss@capetown.gov.za</a>

The Community Services and Health portfolio includes the maintenance of recreational parks and facilities, the operation of social development programmes, City Health and Environmental Health Services as well as Library and Information Services.

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