SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 13 READ RESPONSES FROM Milo Geelbooi, Makana Citizens Front Andrew Kirk, Makana Independent New Deal Thembinkosi Yanta, Azanian People’s Organisation RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Wandisile Eric Matina ANC Brian Peter Neville Jackson, DA Siyamthanda Dyantyie, EFF WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
REVEREND MILO GEELBOOI, MCF MANIFESTO:
ANDREW KIRK, MIND MIND has a general plan/manifesto for the whole of Makana and specific plans/manifestos for individual wards. Each of the individual ward plans/manifestos is consistent with MIND’s overall plan/manifesto.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? The issues affecting one ward are mostly the same issues affecting other wards but the biggest single problem of Makana is the dysfunctionality of the municipality in almost every aspect of its operations. That issue cuts across all wards and cannot be approached on a ward-by-ward basis hence MIND’s slogan: “Let’s fix Makana.”
WARDS 1, 13 & 14 are predominantly rural wards each with an urban component where most of the voters are concentrated, namely Ward 1 (Riebeeck-East; Hooggenoeg); Ward 13 (Vukani); Ward 14 (Alicedale). MIND’s candidates, ADRIAN FEBRUARY (Ward 1) and ANDREW KIRK (Wards 13&14) have determined the following focus areas: 1. Rural safety and security (SAPS response times, cameras & crime prevention, stock theft & poaching); Environment (waste management, preservation of protected areas, road reserves & road maintenance); Infrastructure & amenities (access to water, health care & social work, electricity/alternative energy). Job creation is another priority identified by the candidates. The priorities for the urban areas within Wards 1, 13 & 14 are the same as those identified for the other urban wards in Makana.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? Our municipality is effectively broken and it is questionable whether any of the mechanisms which ought to be available to councillors are presently available & working. That is why MIND’s first priority is to fix the municipality itself with a total overhaul of its operations and a staffing review to ensure competence and productivity.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years? Each MIND candidate has a track-record of voluntary service to the community. They are also standing in their personal capacity and are directly accountable to you the voter. That is your best guarantee that they will do the job you have elected them to do.
THEMBINKOSI MALCOLM YANTA, AZAPO MANIFESTO FOR WARD 13
Provide sustainable jobs: • Tourism – training and skilling of tour- Guides (historical destination), kaolin deposits to train and support business related opportunities for sustainable jobs. • Encouraging small scale factories that will generate turnover for our communities, • Promote agricultural and sustainable farming along various commodities, like diary, beef, citrus and vegetables for local markets, thus promoting sustainable jobs.3:
Fight crime and drug abuse in our communities: • through education by various segments of communities like educators, health workers and health professionals, government agencies and non-governmental organisation, civic bodies, police services, ward and street committees and political and traditional leaders, individuals.
SIYAMTHANDA DYANTYIE, EFF Response not yet received
BRIAN PETER NEVILLE JACKSON, DA Response not yet received
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t yet responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 12 READ RESPONSES FROM Xabisa Bodla, MCF Ayanda Rachel Kenye-Duma, IND Mzobansi Nkwentsha, ANC Mbulelo Ntlabati, AZAPO Emile Oosthuizen, MIND Phetole Rasekele, IND Tiego Thotse, DA RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Thulani Tshabalala, EFF WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
XABISA BODLA, MCF
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
* Lack of water & leaking sewage
* Lack of safety and security
* Rape, GBV & Suffering of (NSFAS) students.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
* Taking concerns to the relevant directorate and council
* Insist on connection of boreholes on campus to the drought relief plant installed on campus with CoGTA funding
* Seek creative ways of employment for the people that rob students to reduce crime.
* Make a follow up with SAPS regarding rape cases & forming focus groups to discuss issues like depression, GBV, rape, etc..
* Help students with their basic needs
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years? By holding meetings with the community to report back and taking into consideration their issues.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
a) Water – I have a 3 phase proposal that fully addresses the issue for Ward 12 (attached extracts from my manifesto.
b) Work readiness – I propose Entrepreneurship as a means to prepare my constituents for the world of work (attached extracts from my manifesto)
c) Accommodation – majority in my constituency are highly mobile, residing in the ward during the year for studying and/or work. Social Housing Programme offered by Human Settlement Department identified as the most suitable housing program to accommodate this need.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? I have attached an audio file where I explain my manifesto proposed solutions for these three points. Listen here:
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years? My constituents can be assured that I will serve them faithfully for the next five years because while I came here to study, I committed myself to the town by bringing my whole family, husband and children, all of them settled in their schools and social circles. I therefore have no plans to leave the area in the next few five or more years. Also, as an Independent Candidate, my loyalty is to my electorate and no one else.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? AND 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
i. Close ties with the constituency:
Constant updates about activities taking place in the municipality. Constitute a diverse skilled Ward Committee. Seek mandate from time to time and give regular, quarterly feedback to residents and stakeholders that exist in our ward. Residents to know that – they may, at any time withdraw their mandate should they feel not represented. AZAPO, made a commitment that should any of its councillors fail in their responsibilities, thay would be recalled. Strengthen existing ties between University and Municipality technocrats in jointly improving services in our ward.
ii. Empower young people:
Explore experiential training opportunities within the municipalities (Makana and Sarah Baartman) and businesses for all young people in these municipalities. Support business start-ups and co-operatives.
iii. Service Delivery:
Ensure that general municipality serves are of good quality, are constantly received and are preserved: Support all University initiatives that are geared towards reduction of energy usage, encourage use of grey water and general recycling activities.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years? I consider myself as a servant. I have, for the rest of my young and adult life always served those I am with. This ranges from school representative, university student activism and professional expert skills. I represent a Movement with a history of astute, consistent, commitment and fearless leadership – Black Consciousness. Born in this town, having travelled and lived in other parts of the country, I have an opportunity to make Makana great. Greater than how it was when I walked and run around bare feet feeling safe and secured albeit segregated along racial lines.
EMILE OOSTHUIZEN, MIND MIND has a general plan/manifesto for the whole of Makana and specific plans/manifestos for individual wards. Each of the individual ward plans/manifestos is consistent with MIND’s overall plan/manifesto.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
The issues affecting one ward are mostly the same issues affecting other wards but the biggest single problem of Makana is the dysfunctionality of the municipality in almost every aspect of its operations. That issue cuts across all wards and cannot be approached on a ward-by-ward basis hence MIND’s slogan: “Let’s fix Makana.”
Ward 12 is an exclusively Rhodes University ward. The university is the most important component of the local economy and students are very important stakeholders of the local economy and of the Makana Municipality. I do not have a hierarchy of specific aims for Ward 12. As the Ward 12 councillor my main responsibility would be as an interface between the university and the local administration and to represent the interests of the university and of students insofar as they are impacted by the provision of municipal services, particularly those who live off campus. The University is directly involved in initiatives to find ways to fix the Makana Municipality, such as the Makana Circle of Unity. As the Ward 12 Councillor I will serve as an important link between the city council and the Circle of Unity to assist in making the initiative a success. I will also involve myself with the local business forum to represent the interests of students as local consumers and I will liaise closely with the Oppidan Union to improve the relationship between students and local landlords and to prevent exploitation of the student rental market. Ultimately, my aim as the councillor for Ward 12 will be to ensure that the relationship between the University and the local authority is a mutually beneficial one and that the experience of students as temporary residents of the city is a positive one.
PHETOLE MARIUS RASEKELE, IND
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
The three most pertinent issues I plan to address are water availability and quality; job creation; creation and promotion of entrepreneurship; safety and security.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
I plan to address the water situation in my ward by establishing a filtered water depot that is free to use. This is to enable people to have access to drinkable water. I also plan to use my access at the Municipality to encourage entrepreneurship so that we create employment to the people of Ward 12. I go at length at how I plan to address each issue in my manifesto. The manifesto is attached below
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Firstly, I ran as an independent to ensure I work for the Ward 12 residents and no one else. There will be no political influence in how I deal with issues of the ward. Secondly, I have no campaign funding from external sources so Ward 12 residents can rest assured there will be no outside pressure for me to deviate from the plans I have for them.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? Number 1: You told us that you are tired of living without clean running water on your taps. We listened, and here’s our offer:
As the Democratic Alliance, once elected to take over Makana Municipality, we will:
1. Ensure monthly water quality testing and public reporting of results.
2. Implement a comprehensive water communication strategy to drive water saving by residents and business.
3. Roll out a rain water harvesting strategy for all municipal buildings.
4. Enforce a municipal by-law requiring all new builds to have rain water tanks and gutters.
5. Research and develop waste water recycling at the Makhanda waste water treatment works.
6. Engage the EC provincial government to develop and implement a regional water master plan to alleviate drought and water shortages.
7. Address maintenance issues at pump stations and water treatment works by implementing a proper maintenance plan.
Number 2: You told us that you do not feel safe walking on dark streets, dark streets as a result of the current municipal administration’s failure to regularly service municipal lights on and off campus.
We will fix this!
As Ward Councillor, I will work very closely with Rhodes University’s Campus Protection Unit to identify dysfunctional lights on campus and surrounding areas and ensure they are fixed and regularly serviced!
Student’s safety is of apex importance to us, which is why DASO under my leadership, drove the safety campaign that led Rhodes University to returning to printing emergency contact details behind student cards (so students always have access to the numbers in time of emergency ), pushed for the university to check the functionality of all panic buttons on campus on a weekly basis, tried getting the university to covert the Campus Protection Unit number into a toll free number (out of understanding that students do not always have airtime, yet may find themselves stranded and in need of help anytime) and pushed for the university to increase security personnel and lighting on campus.
Number 3: You told us that you do not feel like your voice matters in this municipality.
Your voice as a services and rates payer in this municipality absolutely matters! I will as a Councillor listen, action and report back to you on all issues you bring forth.
Furthermore, we will establish a listening ward forum, where all Ward 12 students and residents will have the opportunity to present their concerns.
As part of our community communications, we will establish and administer a Ward-12-based Whatsapp broadcast group to disseminate municipal information.
Stakeholders in this ward can be sure that I will work in their interests for the next five in that I have always done so. From when I served as DASO Chairperson, to when I served at Media Officer for HEAIDS at Rhodes, the peoples interests always came first, and will always come first. This is what servant-leadership is all about.
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 11 READ RESPONSES FROM Thembela Gqasana, EFF Thandisizwe Matebese, MCF Pikisile Eric Zondani, AZAPO RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Thandisizwe Dudu, DA Vuyolwethu Pongolo, ATM Mcebisi Nicholas Tonyela, IND Sakhiwo Zono, ANC WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
THEMBELA GQASANA, EFF
The role of the Municipality is delivery of basic services such as rubbish collection, fixing inside and access roads, street lights, and enforcement of by-laws amongst others. But responding to your questions:
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? a) Houses (at eThembeni, Khayelisha and 24 Sites),
b) Water Tanks (installation of Jojo Tanks through out the Ward), and
c) Jobs (employ Ward 11 contractors who will employ Ward 11 people to deliver the above mentioned projects).
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
The second question will be addressed by utilizing infrastructural grants from both National i.e. MIG and others, and Provincial Budget for houses, sanitation and water, be specifically used for the purposes they’re are required for, instead of utilizing them for unbudgeted programs like overtime, salaries, and so forth. So as councillors, our role is not to interfere, but that of oversight, making sure we hold management accountable, and it’s our duty as well to be accountable to the people we represent as the public representatives.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
The stakeholders in this Ward will become part and parcel of decision making here at Ward 11. The role and duty of a councillor is to consult the people through public meetings and area meetings that should be convened by both the Ward Councillor and Ward Committees radularly. We have been convening community meetings before and throughout the campaign, and that should continue after the Elections.
Secondly, Ward Councillor should establish stakeholders forum i.e. (Business, Disabled people, unemployed people, youth, Land and agriculture, unemployed graduates, mining, anti-crime, sports and culture etc.) Where they meet and discuss their programs, this will assist the municipality to come with programs that talks to the needs of people on the ground.
Lastly, EFF Ward Councillors will be available to their community 24/7, and working with both Stakeholders Forum and Ward Committees, they should be able to know every challenge that the community is facing. And should therefore work with the community to resolve those challenges.
PIKISILE ERIC ZONDANI, AZAPO To have safe and clean communities
• Municipality to provide clean water services including ways of water conservation strategies healthy environment, solid waste removal, sewerage leaks, tarring of roads and streets and general maintenance of existing resources.
• Provide sports and recreation facilities for our children – improve the existing sporting and recreation facilities through government support programmes and creating private and public partnership in providing sports and recreation facilities backlogs.
• Support small business and informal sector – provide business training and skills development in various business according to their needs and interests. To encourage them to start new business ventures where these are non-existent and encourage them to register their business / co-operatives.
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 10 READ RESPONSES FROM Sigidla Ndumo, MIND Mxolisi Patrick Ntshiba, MCF Xolani Madyo, DA Ayanda Orick Tshetu, AZAPO RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Lusanda Boma, EFF Zodwa Cetu, ANC Nondumiso Veto, ATM WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
SIGIDLA NDUMO, MIND
MIND has a general plan/manifesto for the whole of Makana and specific plans/manifestos for individual wards. Each of the individual ward plans/manifestos is consistent with MIND’s overall plan/manifesto.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
The issues affecting one ward are mostly the same issues affecting other wards but the biggest single problem of Makana is the dysfunctionality of the municipality in almost every aspect of its operations. That issue cuts across all wards and cannot be approached on a ward-by-ward basis hence MIND’s slogan: “Let’s fix Makana.”
WARD 5 (CHRIS BOWER), 7 (XOLANI NGOYIYA) & 10 (SIGIDLA NDUMO) – including the areas of Hooggenoeg in Ward 1; Vukani in Ward 13 and Alicedale in Ward 14 – are all situated in the eastern part of Grahamstown/Makhanda where the conditions are the most atrocious. Matters which will receive the most urgent attention are: a reliable water supply to all areas; the condition of streets; regular refuse removal and proper waste management; recreation & sporting facilities. Apart from these specifics, MIND will spearhead a masterplan with realistic, achievable and sustainable objectives to drastically improve township living conditions.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
Our municipality is effectively broken and it is questionable whether any of the mechanisms which ought to be available to councillors are presently available & working. That is why MIND’s first priority is to fix the municipality itself with a total overhaul of its operations and a staffing review to ensure competence and productivity.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Each MIND candidate has a track-record of voluntary service to the community. They are also standing in their personal capacity and are directly accountable to you the voter. That is your best guarantee that they will do the job you have elected them to do.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? AND 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
* Clean and properly maintained roads.
* A clinic system which is able to meet the growing needs of the people, with enough well trained and caring staff.
* Reliable supplies of water and electricity at prices that people can pay.
* An efficient sewerage reticulation system.
* Safe streets properly, properly policed by visible policing and a rapid response police force based with a station close to the community.
* Recreational facilities, both indoor and outdoor, providing a healthy and properly supervised serviced to the young people.
* Creating a peaceful and well educated community in which businesses can grow and jobs can be created.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Xolani Madyo is fully committed to the struggle to achieve all those goals for the people of Makana , and to enable my son to grow up in a just, free and safe society.My daily work brings me into contact with human suffering and needy people as assist them with their problems with municipal accounts.I did not demand party cards or support for my party in return for assistance.
A vote for Xolani Madyo and the local DA team is vote for better local for government for reliabe services and other essential municipal services. It is a vote for people concerned about the people and progress of Makana, not for their personal political careers. It is a vote for the best available people to do a very important job for you.
Why vote DA? Local government is about local matters.
AYANDA ORICK TSHETU, AZAPO 1. Provide sustainable jobs
• Tourism – training and skilling of tour- Guides (historical destination), kaolin deposits to train and support business related opportunities for sustainable jobs.
• Encouraging small scale factories that will generate turnover for our communities,
• Promote agricultural and sustainable farming along various commodities, like diary, beef, citrus and vegetables for local markets, thus promoting sustainable jobs.3:
2. Fight crime and drug abuse in our communities
• Through education by various segments of communities like educators, health workers and health professionals, government agencies and non-governmental organisation, civic bodies, police services, ward and street committees and political and traditional leaders, individuals.
LUSANDA BOMA, EFF Response not yet received
ZODWA CETU, ANC Response not yet received
NONDUMISO VENUS VETO, ATM Response not yet received
DEON ELS, VFP Deon Els has indicated he will not be responding.
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 9 READ RESPONSES FROM Melubakho Ncwadi, AZAPO Luvuyo Sizani, DA Zwelethemba Justice Yaka, MCF RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Anelisa Bentele, EFF Thozamile Yaka, ANC WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
MELUBAKHO MELFORD NCWADI, AZAPO Provide sustainable jobs
•Tourism – training and skilling of tour- Guides (historical destination), kaolin deposits to train and support business related opportunities for sustainable jobs.
•Encouraging small scale factories that will generate turnover for our communities,
•Promote agricultural and sustainable farming along various commodities, like diary, beef, citrus and vegetables for local markets, thus promoting sustainable jobs.3:
Fight crime and drug abuse in our communities
• Through education by various segments of communities like educators, health workers and health professionals, government agencies and non-governmental organisation, civic bodies, police services, ward and street committees and political and traditional leaders, individuals.
LUVUYO RODNEY SIZANI, DA
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
Roads
Water
Illegal dumping
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? • Submit Motions to Council and complaining to relevant directorates.
• Conduct oversight visits to departments of the municipality.
• Set up a communication platform for complaints – recording responses and progress.
ZWELETHEMBA JUSTICE YAKA, MCF
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
1. High rate of unemployed youth.
(a) Youth to be trained for skills.
(b) Availability of funds to open their business where they stay.
(c) Jobs have to be prioritised to skilled locals
2 . Tarring of roads.
(a) We have seen that gravel roads are not a solution.
(b) There are roads that are so bad that emergency vehicles or ambulances cannot go through.
(c) Rresidents have to ferry the sick to where the ambulance is.
3. Water crisis.
(a) Water is life and dams must be maintained by people who are qualified.
(b) There must be reserves in times of crisis and all the leaks should be a priority.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
Identifying the responsible portfolio for specific issues, directing questions and ensuring that they are followed up to resolution. Working with others both inside and outside council to seek solutions.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
I would ensure that planned meetings with the community and other stakeholders take place on a monthly basis. To listen and give feedback on actions taken.
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 8 READ RESPONSES FROM Ntuthu Blow, MCF Cary Clark, DA Jock McConnachie, MIND Phakamisa Zatu, AZAPO RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Thumeka Kwezi, ATM Ruben Ngxesha, ANC Xolisa Pinini, EFF WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
NTUTHU BLOW, MCF
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? My approach as councillor would be to meet with ward residents and establish what their needs are. I feel that this is line with a citizen’s movement. Building on an overall view as MRA Office Manager [2017 – ongoing]. I anticipate applying myself to issues such as: –
1 Governance
Updating outdated by-laws and ensuring municipal compliance with new by-laws;
2 Safety
Ongoing pothole repair. In the interests of public safety active follow through until completion while infrastructure projects are underway;
3 Finance
Providing accurate municipal bills. Immediately;
but also
4 Health
In the form of refuse removal, clamping down on illegal dumps and ensuring rapid responses to sewerage spills and water leaks.
5 Communication
Assurance that there will be clear communication in terms of the water crisis, the upgrade of the water works plant, transparency and accountability in the tender processes.
Overall improvement in communication, a functioning customer care system and meaningful public participation.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
By establishing and learning what legal power/ discretion and limitations you have as a councillor and utilising these powers to conduct direct action.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
I would be bound by the Makana Citizens Front [MCF] code of conduct that explicitly tells me that I am there to represent the interests of the voters and that if I am not committed to it, they have a right to recall.
Most importantly, my constituents will have access to this document, so that they are aware of its contents. Thus creating a ground-up contract.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? The three most pressing issues for ward 1 and 8 are as follows:
* A reliable water supply in all areas
* Working infrastructure which include roads, lights, sewerage and rubbish collection and clean ups
* Employment
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
* To make sure we have stable supply of water in ward 1 I will fight to get ALL the boreholes operational in Riebeeck East, in the rural and indigent areas I will push to have more sustainable boreholes drilled and rainwater harvesting for ALL RDP/indigent dwellings along with a new By Law to ensure that all new builds will have rain water harvesting facilities as part of the building process and to investigate the possibility of rebates for people wanting to install rain water harvesting tanks.
* I would like to see money budgeted for and ringfenced for infrastructure maintenance and to ensure that our SCM processes are dealt with far more efficiently and expediently through proper planning, that stock items needed for proper and quick maintenance is kept on hand and properly check and monitored to ensure speedy delivery of services. I would like to see maintenance schedules published so that the community are aware of exactly where and when it will be taking place so that they can hold the Municipality accountable.
* I will put through a motion to have a dedicated Customer Care line established which is properly monitored with reference numbers to enable people to track their complaints with maximum 72 hours turnaround but less for water and sewerage. I would like to see an immediate cleanup of all sewerage spills especially where it contaminates the rivers and will take this up with the Green Scorpions as well as well as escalating it to out Shadow Minister of Environmental Affairs for urgent intervention.
* I will put through a motion to tag all livestock including donkeys and push to establish a pound facility which is guarded. Work on an aggressive education drive against littering and supply sufficient black bags to all indigent households.
* I would put through a motion to establish a unit with the Traffic Dept which would be able to enforce our By Laws and fine those who do not comply. More staff should be trained for this unit, sourcing these people internally.
* I would like to see far more investment in our youth through skills training and partnerships with Private companies (internships) and Educational institutions like Rhodes as well as skills training for trades and then to give support for entrepreneurs wanting to start their own businesses . Through LED and private/public partnerships encourage investment in Makana to drive economic growth and employment. Working with Businesses and Rhodes to establish a Forum to brainstorm ideas to encourage growth and Tourism in the area.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
* I have been a councillor in ward 1 for the past 5 years and in that time have managed to get the WTW in Riebeeck East refurbished, the roads graded on a number of occasions after applying pressure to the Minister of Transport, succeeded in having additional boreholes drilled in Riebeeck East to ensure that we do not run dry in the drought, have had a satellite Fire Station installed, raised issues to the Minister of Police, assisted a soup kitchen in Hooggenoeg, run a garden competition for 4 years which helped to install 15 jojos, 40 bins and helped people to sustain their families.
* I have put through numerous motions to council and portfolio, dealt with hundreds of complaints with a relatively high success rate, highlighted numerous issues to the Legislature and media, successfully mediated on behalf of our local school with the SGB for teachers, assisted with a case against the Municipality for negligence where a child died and another is brain damaged as a result of playground equipment left broken; assisted our local soccer team to acquire kit, worked with a community member to assist in opening a case of theft of gas bottles within the Municipality and have done numerous oversight visits as well attended almost all scheduled meetings and participated fully.
* At all times I have reported back to the community I represent and will do the same for any ward where I would be voted in as a ward councillor. I am available to assist night and day. My track record and testimonials can attest to my dedication.
JOCK MCCONNACHIE, MIND
MIND has a general plan/manifesto for the whole of Makana and specific plans/manifestos for individual wards. Each of the individual ward plans/manifestos is consistent with MIND’s overall plan/manifesto.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
The issues affecting one ward are mostly the same issues affecting other wards but the biggest single problem of Makana is the dysfunctionality of the municipality in almost every aspect of its operations. That issue cuts across all wards and cannot be approached on a ward-by-ward basis hence MIND’s slogan: “Let’s fix Makana.”
WARD 8 (JOCK McCONNACHIE) comprises the city centre and the residential areas to the south of the city. MIND’s Ward 8 candidate’s top priority is to address urban decay (hazardous roads and pavements; the filthy state of the city centre and adjacent areas; the lack of adequate and hygienic public ablutions; proper provision for & regulated street trading & car guarding; the control of wandering cattle). Virtually the whole of Ward 8 is an official “Conservation Area” and a related priority is that the applicable conservation by-laws must again be properly implemented with a fully functional Aesthetics Committee. A final priority is to revive tourism in Makana as a boost to the local economy. That can only happen if all three Ward 8 priorities receive equal attention and all three are hinged on fixing the problems of the municipality itself.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
Our municipality is effectively broken and it is questionable whether any of the mechanisms which ought to be available to councillors are presently available & working. That is why MIND’s first priority is to fix the municipality itself with a total overhaul of its operations and a staffing review to ensure competence and productivity.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Each MIND candidate has a track-record of voluntary service to the community. They are also standing in their personal capacity and are directly accountable to you the voter. That is your best guarantee that they will do the job you have elected them to do.
PHAKAMISA PATRICK ZATU, AZAPO 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? ACCOUNTABILITY CORRUPTION SERVICE DELIVERY
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? AND 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
For long term AZAPO has [pushed for councillors] to be directly elected. This will make them accountable more to the voters and less to political parties, Secondly, we think Provincial Governments are a waste of financial resources. We would like them to be abolished and we instead have Provincial Administrative Roles. Personnel and finances would then be channeled to local government. We think they are wasteful and largely [composed] along tribal lines.
THUMEKA CORDELIA KWEZI, ATM Response not yet received
RUBEN MBULELO NGXESHA, ANC No response received yet
XOLISA PININI. EFF No response received yet
DEON ELS, VFP Deon Els has indicated he will not be responding.
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 7 READ RESPONSES FROM Xolelwa Donyeli, MCF Makwenkwe Kuselo, AZAPO Xolani Madyo, DA Xolani Ngoyiya, MIND RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Anele Gacula, EFF Lunga Masinda, ANC Luvuyo Qakamfana, ATM WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
XOLELWA DONYELI, MCF
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
* Dumping sites
* Unemployment
* Sports and recreation
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
* Employ more people for cleaning and making sure that all the dumpsites and surroundings are clean. And be supervised.
* Have programs where unemployedyouth are taught different skills so that they can be independent.
* Fix the sport fields that we have and maintain them.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?.
* Keep the door open for any suggestions and complaints.
• Tourism – training and skilling of tour- Guides (historical destination), kaolin deposits to train and support business related opportunities for sustainable jobs.
• Encouraging small scale factories that will generate turnover for our communities,
• Promote agricultural and sustainable farming along various commodities, like diary, beef, citrus and vegetables for local markets, thus promoting sustainable jobs.3:
Fight crime and drug abuse in our communities
• Through education by various segments of communities like educators, health workers and health professionals, government agencies and non-governmental organisation, civic bodies, police services, ward and street committees and political and traditional leaders, individuals.
XOLANI MADYO, DA Ward 7 and 10 DA Candidate
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? AND 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
* Clean and properly maintained roads.
* A clinic system which is able to meet the growing needs of the people, with enough well trained and caring staff.
* Reliable supplies of water and electricity at prices that people can pay.
* An efficient sewerage reticulation system.
* Safe streets properly, properly policed by visible policing and a rapid response police force based with a station close to the community.
* Recreational facilities, both indoor and outdoor, providing a healthy and properly supervised serviced to the young people.
* Creating a peaceful and well educated community in which businesses can grow and jobs can be created.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Xolani Madyo is fully committed to the struggle to achieve all those goals for the people of Makana , and to enable my son to grow up in a just, free and safe society.My daily work brings me into contact with human suffering and needy people as assist them with their problems with municipal accounts.I did not demand party cards or support for my party in return for assistance.
A vote for Xolani Madyo and the local DA team is vote for better local for government for reliabe services and other essential municipal services. It is a vote for people concerned about the people and progress of Makana, not for their personal political careers. It is a vote for the best available people to do a very important job for you.
Why vote DA? Local government is about local matters.
XOLANI NGOYIYA, MIND
MIND has a general plan/manifesto for the whole of Makana and specific plans/manifestos for individual wards. Each of the individual ward plans/manifestos is consistent with MIND’s overall plan/manifesto.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
The issues affecting one ward are mostly the same issues affecting other wards but the biggest single problem of Makana is the dysfunctionality of the municipality in almost every aspect of its operations. That issue cuts across all wards and cannot be approached on a ward-by-ward basis hence MIND’s slogan: “Let’s fix Makana.”
WARD 5 (CHRIS BOWER), 7 (XOLANI NGOYIYA) & 10 (SIGIDLA NDUMO) – including the areas of Hooggenoeg in Ward 1; Vukani in Ward 13 and Alicedale in Ward 14 – are all situated in the eastern part of Grahamstown/Makhanda where the conditions are the most atrocious. Matters which will receive the most urgent attention are: a reliable water supply to all areas; the condition of streets; regular refuse removal and proper waste management; recreation & sporting facilities. Apart from these specifics, MIND will spearhead a masterplan with realistic, achievable and sustainable objectives to drastically improve township living conditions.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
Our municipality is effectively broken and it is questionable whether any of the mechanisms which ought to be available to councillors are presently available & working. That is why MIND’s first priority is to fix the municipality itself with a total overhaul of its operations and a staffing review to ensure competence and productivity.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Each MIND candidate has a track-record of voluntary service to the community. They are also standing in their personal capacity and are directly accountable to you the voter. That is your best guarantee that they will do the job you have elected them to do.
ANELE ARTHUR GACULA, EFF Not yet responded
LUNGA MASINDA, ANC Not yet responded
LUVUYO PARIS QAKAMFANA, ATM Response not yet received
DEON ELS, VFP Deon Els has indicated he will not be responding.
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 6 READ RESPONSES FROM Vuyolwethu Madinda, IND Zonwabele Mantla, MCF Luvuyo Sizani, DA RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Lonwabo Baba, EFF Vuyani Jezi, ANC Mfundo Tima, ATM WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
Ward 6
Water
Roads
Sewerage overflows and leaks
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? AND 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
• Submit Motions to Council and complaining to relevant directorates.
• Conduct oversight visits to departments of the municipality.
• Set up a communication platform for complaints – recording responses and progress.
LONWABO BABA, EFF No response received
VUYANI JEZI, ANC No response received
MFUNDO TIMA, ATM Response not yet received.
DEON ELS, VFP Deon Els said he would not be responding.
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 5 READ RESPONSES FROM Chris Bower, MIND Luvuyo Peter, IND Zongezile Tsotsa, MCF RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Nolutando Buwa, EFF Phaphama Kayingana, ATM Gcobisa Mene, ANC Mohammed Ullah, DA WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
CHRIS BOWER, MIND MIND has a general plan/manifesto for the whole of Makana and specific plans/manifestos for individual wards. Each of the individual ward plans/manifestos is consistent with MIND’s overall plan/manifesto.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
The issues affecting one ward are mostly the same issues affecting other wards but the biggest single problem of Makana is the dysfunctionality of the municipality in almost every aspect of its operations. That issue cuts across all wards and cannot be approached on a ward-by-ward basis hence MIND’s slogan: “Let’s fix Makana.”
WARD 5 (CHRIS BOWER), 7 (XOLANI NGOYIYA) & 10 (SIGIDLA NDUMO) – including the areas of Hooggenoeg in Ward 1; Vukani in Ward 13 and Alicedale in Ward 14 – are all situated in the eastern part of Grahamstown/Makhanda where the conditions are the most atrocious. Matters which will receive the most urgent attention are: a reliable water supply to all areas; the condition of streets; regular refuse removal and proper waste management; recreation & sporting facilities. Apart from these specifics, MIND will spearhead a masterplan with realistic, achievable and sustainable objectives to drastically improve township living conditions.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
Our municipality is effectively broken and it is questionable whether any of the mechanisms which ought to be available to councillors are presently available & working. That is why MIND’s first priority is to fix the municipality itself with a total overhaul of its operations and a staffing review to ensure competence and productivity.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Each MIND candidate has a track-record of voluntary service to the community. They are also standing in their personal capacity and are directly accountable to you the voter. That is your best guarantee that they will do the job you have elected them to do.
LUVUYO PETER, IND
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
CLEANING SERVICES, MAINTENANCE, WELLNESS and WARD SAFETY
* Addressing the problem of drugs and substance abuse
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
DEVELOP WORKING ETHIC STANDARD AND TRANSPARENCY IN BUILDING OUT WARD
* Develop a realistic plan in addressing the housing backlog
* Develop transparent government hiring policy in ward projects and affairs
* Develop committees for all major working stakeholders of the ward, Churches, School, NGOs, Police forum, Anti Crime and government departments to advise the Councillor on challenges facing the ward.
WORKING RELATIONS AND WARD SPECIAL PROJECTS
* Lobby for community hall’s establishment
* Establish good working relations between the Councillor,CDW,Ward committee and structures
* Create partnership within different stakeholders to address issues of skills development.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
I went the extra mile in the fight for electricity in eNkanini location here in Ward 5. In a short period of time, the contractor [will be installing] electricity
ZONGEZILE WELLINGTON TSOTSA, MCF
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent ?
1.1 Clinic for the community
1.2 Dumping Places (Municipality)
1.3 Sport and Play Grounds (Department of Sport and Agriculture)
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanism and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
2.1 I will challenge and make sure the municipality is using the budget accordingly eg. If the money is for parks or playgrounds there must be new improvements to parks and playgrounds.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
3.1I have been working with my community for ten years now mostly for LFA (Makana Football Association) making sure the kids are involved in sport. I will make sure that I listen to my community. I will work hand in hand with them, I will call meetings to update them and listen to what they want and take concerns to Council.
SmilingSouth invited ward candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections in Makana Municipality to respond to three questions and provide their manifesto. Parties/ entities, their abbreviations and links to their full manifestos (where applicable and available): African National Congress (ANC); African Transformation Movement (ATM); Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo); Democratic Alliance (DA); Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Independent (IND); Makana Citizens Front (MCF); Makana Independent New Deal (MIND); Patriotic Alliance (PA); Vryheidsfront-Plus (VFP). The questions: 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? 2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government? 3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
Candidates who haven’t responded are listed at the end. The order for each ward is alphabetical, according to surname.
WARD 4 READ RESPONSES FROM Geoff Embling, DA Philip Machanick, MCF Philippa Sauls, PA Loraine Weissenberg, MIND RESPONSES NOT YET RECEIVED Gretchen du Plessis, ANC Loraine Weissenberg, MIND WILL NOT BE RESPONDING Deon Els, Vryheidsfront-Plus
GEOFF EMBLING, DA
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
The three most important issues in Ward 4 are infrastructure maintenance (sewerage leaks, water leaks, potholes, blocked drains), safety (street lights, working with the community police forum) and refuse management (rubbish removal, litter & stray animals).
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
These issues will be raised at council meetings, and I will report back regularly to the public via WhatsApp groups and social media. I will doggedly pinpoint the issues again and again, and create petitions for the public to sign, which will be sent to council, and then to the provincial legislature and to parliament if necessary. I will write newspaper articles and report issues through the media, and Ward 4 will have regular Ward committee meetings where we will keep a register of resolutions, actions and requests. I aim to scrutinise municipal budgets and make sure our money is used honestly and in the best ways to make the city clean, safe to live in, and to fix infrastructure and bring economic growth.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
The past is the best predictor of the future, and since my days of school teaching in Grahamstown-Makhanda, I have reported infrastructure issues to the municipality and written about them in the Grocott’s Mail. That was as a concerned member of the public, but as a Ward Councillor it will be my full time job. Secondly, I grew up in Grahamstown-Makhanda, matriculated here and completed a master’s degree in political science at Rhodes. I taught Maths at Mary Waters, before leaving for Cape Town and KZN to work full time for the DA. Stakeholders can be sure that I will work in their interests in my home town where I spent many happy years.
PHILIP MACHANICK, MCF
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
Water, street lights, potholes.
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
* Water requires deep understanding of the infrastructure issues going back to the original plans to upgrade the James Kleynhans Water Treatment Works. In addition to asking questions in Council and of Amatola Water, I will use the community expertise that the present council refuses to use.
* For street lights, I will build a system to track outages based on a typical helpdesk system that will prioritise longer-standing problems and ensure that they get dealt with. I will also push for prioritising streets with high night-time pedestrian traffic like St Aidans Avenue.
* For potholes, I will mobilise private resources in the short term, along the lines of Makana Revive, and put pressure on the Makana Roads Department to do its job.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
I have a long track record in civil society including being a member of the Makana Civil Society Coalition and chairing the Makana Residents Association. I have taken part in numerous clean ups and civic actions. These include saving the historic railway station from being looted to destruction, preventing a gambling shop from opening near a school, stopping a cell tower development in an inappropritate place, preventing Eskom from shutting off power because of unpaid Makana accounts and sorting out problems with the last municipal property rates evaluations. I have helped on other campaigns like the 22,000 signature petition to dissolve council and the UPM high court action that followed from the petition.
PHILIPPA SAULS, PA 1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent?
* To ensure the people in my community have access to clean water on a daily basis.
* To help keep our community clean by removing the garbage from the illegal dumping sites with the help of the Makana municipality.
* And to ensure the people’s basic needs are being taken care of, this include, housing, food, water etc
2. How do you plan to solve them using the mechanisms and platforms available to a councillor in local government?
I will use my platform help raise awareness of the problems within my community. Further on, I will engage with the concerned parties to make sure we have a clean and safe environment. And will raise funds to help the less privileged families within our community.
3. How can stakeholders in this ward be sure that you will work in their interests for the next five years?
I will regularly check in with the members of my ward to remain up to date with the issues and progress of it. Also provide the community with my contact details so they can have access to me on different platforms to raise their concerns. And most importantly to try and meet their expectations of a ward leader.
I would also develop a committee within the ward for each street so we can check on the progress being made on a monthly basis.
LORAINE WEISSENBERG, MIND MIND has a general plan/manifesto for the whole of Makana and specific plans/manifestos for individual wards. Each of the individual ward plans/manifestos is consistent with MIND’s overall plan/manifesto.
1. What are the three most important issues for stakeholders based in the ward you hope to represent? The issues affecting one ward are mostly the same issues affecting other wards but the biggest single problem of Makana is the dysfunctionality of the municipality in almost every aspect of its operations. That issue cuts across all wards and cannot be approached on a ward-by-ward basis hence MIND’s slogan: “Let’s fix Makana.”
GRETCHEN DU PLESSIS, ANC No response received
MURRY HEENEN, EFF No response received
DEON ELS, VFP Deon Els has indicated he will not be responding.
SmilingSouth 