Michael Zuma, a 81-year-old man from South Africa's Mzumbe municipality, has thrown his hat into the ring and is running for council in the upcoming local government elections. He is a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and is hoping to be elected as a Proportional Representation (PR) councillor. Zuma's decision to run was influenced by his community, who encouraged him to get involved in the election.
Zuma has been a councillor before, having first been elected in 2000. He served as a ward councillor for Ward 5, but chose not to stand for re-election in 2016. However, he has continued to be involved in his community and has been working on various projects. Zuma's motivation for running again is to serve his community, which he believes is in need of his experience and expertise.
One of the key challenges facing Zuma's ward is the issue of water supply. The community has been struggling with access to clean water, and Zuma has expressed hope that a new borehole project will be completed next year. He also highlighted the need for road maintenance and upgrades in the area. Zuma's community has been actively supporting his campaign, and he is confident that he will be re-elected.
Zuma is not the only elderly person running in the elections. According to the Electoral Commission, there are 1,239 voters aged 80 and above who are contesting seats in the upcoming elections. The majority of these elderly voters are from the IFP, but there are also candidates from other parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus).
Zuma's family has expressed concern about his involvement in politics at his age. His children have encouraged him to take a break and rest, but Zuma has assured them that he will only serve one more term. He has also revealed that he has chronic health conditions but is still physically active and able to care for himself.
The South African government has designated the election day as a public holiday, and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has urged employers to allow their employees to vote. She emphasized that every citizen has the right to vote and that employers should make arrangements to enable their employees to exercise this right.
The elections are expected to take place on a date to be announced, and Zuma is confident that he will emerge victorious. With his experience and commitment to serving his community, he is a strong contender in the election.
Key points
- Michael Zuma, an 81-year-old man from South Africa's Mzumbe municipality, is running for council in the upcoming local government elections.
- Zuma has been a councillor before and has continued to be involved in his community, working on various projects.
- The Electoral Commission has reported that there are 1,239 voters aged 80 and above who are contesting seats in the upcoming elections.
