ActionSA has successfully secured ward 6 in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, with 38.84% of the vote in the recent local government elections. This win marks the end of the ANC's 20-year hold on the ward, which comprises six sections: Isiziba, Endulwini, Ibazelo, Isithame, Igqagqa, and Lidinga. The ANC previously won the ward with 64.3% of the vote in the 2021 local elections.
ActionSA's ward branch secretary, Fihliwe Nkohlisa, attributes the party's success to its efforts in building a presence in the area over the past eight months. The party launched its ward campaign in March with a limited number of members but has since grown to over 700 members. Nkohlisa expressed satisfaction with the election outcome, citing the party's focus on addressing residents' concerns, including poor service delivery, unemployment, and substance abuse.
Residents who spoke to Sowetan expressed their hopes that the new administration would bring more responsive leadership to the area. Thandiwe Dlokolo, a resident, praised ActionSA's mayoral candidate, councillor-elect Xolani Khumalo, for his involvement in community matters and his care for the people. Dlokolo highlighted Khumalo's recent efforts in helping a family with transport for a funeral and resolving electricity problems in the area.
Residents also emphasized their concerns about unemployment, crime, and substance abuse, particularly among young people. Siyabonga Mnguni, a 27-year-old unemployed resident, expressed his hopes for better opportunities under the new administration. Mnguni relies on contract and seasonal jobs and the R370 social relief of distress grant, which is barely enough for his needs.
Mziwenkosi Jacobs, a local teacher, also expressed his hopes for the incoming administration to be more accessible and responsive to residents' concerns. Jacobs cited recurring water and electricity outages, delays in installing speed humps, and an unused sports field at a nearby school as issues requiring attention.
ActionSA's Nkohlisa stated that the party had worked to assist residents with various issues, including burst sewer pipes and electricity outages. The party also attempted to communicate with residents when it could not resolve their complaints immediately. Nkohlisa emphasized the party's commitment to effecting change in the ward.
The change in leadership has brought a sense of hope to residents, who are eager to see improvements in their community. With ActionSA's win, the ward is expected to experience a shift in focus towards addressing the concerns of its residents, including unemployment, crime, and service delivery.
Key points
- ActionSA won ward 6 in Thembisa with 38.84% of the vote, ending the ANC's 20-year stronghold.
- Residents expressed hopes for improved leadership and responsiveness from the new administration.
- Unemployment, crime, and substance abuse remain major concerns for young people in the area.
