The currently African National Congress-led Ward 14 region is preparing for its councillors’ by-elections which will officially take place on February 28.
This follows an unfortunate loss of their councillor, the late Jabu Cynthia Khanyi who passed on last year October. Khanyi’s passing forced the region to elect an interim councillor which saw Thandi Bhonqo takes over as an acting councillor for the region.
This gave an opportunity for other two rivalries political parties the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) to contest for governing of the Ward 14 region.
Prior to the election, the residents from Naledi extension two and surrounding areas took to the respective registration stations in preparation for the upcoming elections.
As far as it is every part’s desire to be in charge come the end of the elections. All the parties shared their sentiment on the looking forward outcome of the elections although all their concern was on service delivery for the community.
“As part of the community and the veterans of the ruling party, we are hundred percent certain that we are going to win these elections.
“All we wish for is that the candidate who will be taking over must put the demands of the citizens forward. We could be happy with the improvement of service delivery which includes improvements on access of transports to and from town and the local ones.
“That includes routine rounds of the Rea Vaya bus on the Letsatsi street in Naledi Extension 2 and some parts of Protea North,” said Peter Mabaso.
Cynthia Ngidi and Bhekithemba Moyo reiterated on service delivery issues as they indicated that, “We have a problem with title deed for our houses. To add on that, if we can have tarred roads, maybe it can improve transport challenges.
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“It doesn’t matter who comes in, but all we asking for is that the incoming councillor must be the ears and mouthpiece of this community,” both said.
DA’s Member of Parliament for Soweto West region Toby Chance indicates that all is needed is a candidate who will put the need of the community first.
“I am confident that we will do well in these elections. If we managed to get nearly 13 percent of the vote in 2016, it is a clear indication that we are heading the right direction as a party.
“It is a non-arguable fact that all the parties are contesting for a victory. But it is not about power, it’s about the needs of the citizens, and that is service delivery for the people.
“So whoever wins must make sure that he or she performs the duties of the councillor which is representing the ward at large,” stated Chance.
EFF’s regional secretary Silumko emphasized the issue of better service delivery to the people and believes that they also stand a chance to govern the Ward 14 region.
“The biggest mistake we do is competing for power. Because that is what makes people lose focus. It’s true that we all come here expecting glory, but what matters the most is the citizen’s satisfaction.
“It’s not really about the EFF, ANC or the DA. If the community can get services at a standard that will leave them pleased, then any party can take over,” he said.
The current shadow councillor Thandi Bhonqo did not shy away from the fact that she wishes that her party comes out first.
“There are lots of things that we have done for these communities. This ward has always been an ANC governed ward, it has never been any party’s ward except us.
“Hence our people are living in semi-suburbs areas, it is because of us. So we are looking forward to being leading our people going forward,” she said.
