Msomi aims to build a harmonious ward

THE Democratic Alliance’s (DA) victory in Ward 9 brings hope to the Molweni born and bread councillor, Nonsikelelo Pearl Msomi, who wants to bring development to her community.

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The ward was led by Patrick Mncube, under the governance of the African National Congress (ANC), and was reclaimed by the DA at the Local Government Elections last week.

Ward 9 includes Waterfall, Crestholme and Molweni.

“The area that I come from doesn’t have a lot of skills development opportunities and I realise some of what I desire for my community will not come from the City, but from private donations,” she said.

Msomi, who has been in politics for more than 10 years, initially with the ANC, dreams of building a library in Molweni.

The 37-year-old went to Dinabakubo Combined School in Molweni and knows of the challenges first-hand.

“I want every child in Molweni to have access to books,” Msomi said.

Msomi left politics when she wasn’t happy with how the ANC conducted itself. She felt betrayed and under valued.

“I left politics disappointed, until I was approached by councillor Tex Collins to join the DA. I worked closely with Collins when he was still in ward 9 and he saw my potential and always acknowledged my hard work,” she said.

She was reluctant to get back into politics but, whenever she bumped into councillor Collins, the conversation always led to him asking when she would join the DA.

Msomi finally joined the DA in 2014 as a member and activist and, in 2018, became the PR councillor for Ward 9.

“I aim to educate the community about what my role as a councillor is first, before making big promises. I would love to see my community clean, so clean-ups will be a priority,” she said.

Other areas of concern for Msomi include electricity issues in Waterfall.

“I want to see that fixed. Water and housing is a priority in Molweni as there are many parts that still don’t have access to water and many families still living in shacks,” she added.

Councillor Msomi has condemned any ill talk towards her predecessor, Mncube, as she believes that they will have to work as a team with the ANC to solve pre-existing issues in the ward.

She wants to see inclusivity in the ward committee, not just DA members, and this includes all races and those living with disabilities.

“Politics aside, we are family, we are a community and we need to live in harmony,” she said.

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