Independent councillor Gigi retains Ward 14 seat in Kumkani Mhlontlo

Independent councillor Bhekizenzo Gigi has retained his seat in Ward 14 of the Kumkani Mhlontlo municipality. He secured a second term in the municipal elections, defeating 10 other candidates. Gigi, 49, first won the rural Qumbu ward in 2021 after leaving the ANC to stand as an independent. His ward includes Mvumelwano, parts of Lower Kroza, and the Great Place of AmaMpondomise King Zanozuko Matiwane.

Gigi's decision to contest independently was driven by dissatisfaction with the ANC's candidate selection process. He had previously served on the ward committee in 2011 and 2016. In the 2021 elections, Gigi received 1,233 votes, or 59.4%, while the ANC's candidate received 674 votes, or 32.5%. This year, he faced stiff competition from 10 other candidates, including Zukile Qekenya, the ATM candidate and former ANC branch deputy chair.

Gigi's campaign focused on door-to-door engagements, service delivery concerns, and relationships established during his years on the ward committee. The area faces significant challenges, including water shortages, poor gravel roads, and limited cellphone network coverage. Gigi's priorities will include improving water provision, maintaining access roads, and promoting youth development programmes, particularly for unemployed graduates in Lower Kroza and Mvumelwano.

The election was marked by the deaths of local political figures in the months leading up to the polls. ANC ward candidate Ngawonke Bulala, 35, and ward elections organiser Wonele Gontshi, 26, were shot at the Sejoseng Business Centre in Qumbu's CBD on June 13. Gontshi died at the scene, while Bulala died more than three months later. Former Ward 14 councillor Anele Mawethu Dawethi, whom Gigi described as his political mentor, was stabbed to death on the day of Bulala's funeral.

Gigi condemned the killings and expressed hope that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also thanked his supporters and opponents for making the election strong and showing maturity and tolerance. The UDM, EFF, DA, and several community-based parties contested the ward, but Gigi's message resonated with the voters.

Gigi's re-election is seen as a testament to the trust placed in him by the people of Ward 14. He emphasized that the ward belongs to all its residents, regardless of their voting choices. Gigi's campaign was built on his experience and relationships with the community, which he believes will help him address the area's challenges.

As Gigi begins his second term, he will focus on delivering on his campaign promises. He will work to improve the lives of the people in Ward 14, addressing their concerns and needs. The community will be looking to Gigi to make a positive impact and bring about meaningful change.

Key points

• Gigi won the election with a strong campaign focused on service delivery and community engagement.
• The election was marked by violence, with several local political figures killed in the months leading up to the polls.
• Gigi's re-election is seen as a testament to the trust placed in him by the people of Ward 14.