The by-elections held in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s (RNM) Wards 14 and 24 last Wednesday have proven critical.
This was justified by the number of high-profile politicians who embarked on a campaign trail in RNM last weekend.
Former president and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) leader, Jacob Zuma, was seen visiting the home of Inkosi Sazi Ndwalane in Ward 24 in Betania on the day, and he was also seen engaging with the people of KwaMadlala and Greenside in Ward 14 on the day before.
Also, impeached former Western Cape judge president John Hlophe, and former EFF deputy president, now MK Party national organiser Floyd Shivambu were seen campaigning in Wards 14 and 24 recently.
Meanwhile, the ANC provincial leadership also came out in numbers to campaign for the by-elections. Bheki Mtolo (ANC KZN secretary), Siboniso Duma (provincial chairperson), Nomagugu Simelane (ANC KZN deputy chairperson), and others were also spotted campaigning.
In Ward 24, the councillor candidate for the MK Party was Themba Zondi, while Thabiso Jingela was the ANC candidate.
The by-election was held after the death of ward councillor Nkosingiphile Ndlela.
In Ward 14, the by-election came after the resignation of Malunga Sabelo as a ward councillor of the ANC. He later joined the MK Party.
The MK Party’s councillor candidate for Ward 14 was Thamsanqa Pat Madlala, while Wonderboy Shinga stood for the ANC.
While the results of the by-elections were not ready at the time of going to press, the ANC provincial chairperson (Duma) said they would prioritise the investigation and arrest of anyone renting temporary residential units built by the government in Ward 14.
He said they would also speed up the process of providing bulk infrastructure such as water, electricity and roads.
“We will prioritise consultation with comrade Sipho Hlomuka to start the process of building a high school in the area. Also, a consultation with comrade Nomagugu Simelane to ensure access to healthcare through the provision of mobile clinics as requested by communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of President Jacob Zuma’s advisory team, Wiseman Ngobese, described the Ward 14 candidate (Madlala) as a hardworking man who is diligent and is very much liked by Zuma.
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