There are only five days left till South African communities go out to cast their vote for the upcoming municipal election on November 1.
Political parties and independent candidates continue to campaign as the deadline for campaigning fast approaches.
Independent candidates shared their vision and hope.
Ward 44 independent candidate William Mphane was born in Stirtonville, called Reiger Park, on December 10, 1959.
Mphane is a former chairperson of Sanco and ANC in ward 44 in which he resides.
He said his mandate is to provide ethical leadership, address poverty, unemployment and inequality. He envisions providing world-class service delivery and good governance.
He said to have a good relationship with the community he will be honest, fight for justice, fairness and equality.
“I want to be a good listener, I want to give citizens their power back and I want to be accountable and responsible,” he added.
“Firstly, I will provide democratic and accountable governance for local communities, promote social and economic development and a safe and healthy environment,” said Mphane.
“I will encourage the involvement of community organisations in the matters of local government, the development of the community according to its basic needs and consultation with the community while using resources in the interest of the community,” he said.
When asked how he will archive this he said by playing a developmental role in the community.
“This means I will be working with community, leaders and organisation in my ward to find sustainable ways to meet the social, economic and material needs of people and to improve the quality of their lives,” he continued.
“Secondly, I will address issues of unemployment, streetlights, refuse removal, sports arts and culture facilities. The hiring rate of community halls for our choirs and the backlog of houses and electricity also needs attention,” he said.
A Ward 51 independent candidate from Katlehong, Moses Gama, said should he be elected to lead the community, he will facilitate and coordinate development in the ward and be the eye and mouthpiece of the community.
He said he will lobby, persuade and push the council to ensure that there is adequate resourced inpatient treatment centres, halfway houses, job and tender opportunities are distributed equally.
“Crowdfunding shall help the community to be self-reliant with job creation and skills enhancements. I shall ensure basic services are provided for the ward,” said Gama.
When asked about his concerns about the ongoing political killings, he explained that he loves his community and will remain of service to the people.
“Being of service to humanity is true living and fearing death is to die to the self before you officially die,” said Gama.
Ruel Hlengane Mokoena is an independent candidate for Ward 45, who resides at Dawn Park.
He is hoping to serve the community that includes Dawn Park, Villa Lisa, Somalia Park, Marimba Gardens, Ext 14, Ext 25 and Ext 26.
Mokoena said the change he wants to implement in Ward 45 is to address the metro’s billing system as he explained that rates are too high.
“Unemployment is one of my targets. I want people to get jobs. We must terminate tenders so that the metro can hire its people. Our schools and students need to be motivated,” said Mokoena.
He said he wants to upgrade the Dawn Park satellite police station, saying that places like Villa Lisa and Ext 25 must-have mobile police stations.
“To reduce crime, scrapyards must be closed,” he added.
“Councillors must have access to the RDP list so that people can know when they are going to get their houses. With regards to graveyards, the municipality must reduce their prices for graves.
“Areas like Somalia Park need attention because they have a problem with their bucket toilets,” said Mokoena.
He said the issue of political killings is mainly because of the money involved and jealousy.
