In a surprise move this week, former farmer and politician Rigby Heenan announced he would run for the African National Congress (ANC) in the ward 22 by-election next month.
One of a long-established North Coast farming family, Heenan has served on the district council as a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
He will go up against Malcolm Hubner from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the by-election on July 2.
Ward 22 has been without a councillor since the resignation of Ann McDonnell, who was promoted to the KZN provincial legislature last month.
Although statistics from the recent general elections show the DA has a distinct edge over the ANC, the by-election in KwaDukuza’s largest ward is expected to be a tight race between the two parties.
Making the announcement on Tuesday ANC regional secretary Muzi Sithole said the party had given itself plenty of time before selecting a candidate.
“Our approach was detailed in that we consulted all sectors in the ward, including business. We needed to hear from the people what their needs are and then find someone who could meet these adequately, in line with our mandate. As the ANC we are looking to represent the people.”
Sithole said Heenan came with a wealth of experience in local governance.
“We are not putting someone forward who has never seen our local municipalities before, which puts us at ease. Voters must feel we will do their vote justice, if it is given to us.”
