The Makana Citizens Front (MCF) recently introduced its candidates for Ward 4 and Ward 8 at a public event in Grahamstown, South Africa. Peter King was put forward for Ward 4, while Philip Machanick was nominated for Ward 8. The event was attended by MCF mayoral candidate Lungile Mxube, who explained that the party's candidates were selected by their communities at open public meetings.
Mxube informed attendees that the MCF will appear on the ballot paper as "Makana" rather than "MCF" due to a name registration issue with the Independent Electoral Commission. The party's candidates, King and Machanick, were introduced with their backgrounds and qualifications highlighted. King, with experience in local government and tourism, was presented as a strong candidate for Ward 4.
King, addressing the meeting, emphasized the need for robust and effective representation in Ward 4. He cited several priorities for the ward, including the rehabilitation of roads, enforcement of by-laws governing informal trading and livestock control, and a sustainable supply of potable water. King also raised concerns about the municipal landfill site, which he believes disproportionately affects Ward 4, particularly an old-age care facility and schools located nearby.
As a former Director of Social Services at Buffalo City Municipality, King has experience in waste management, including overseeing a large regional waste site developed to South African environmental and waste management standards. He expressed skepticism about a recent presidential commitment to resolve safety-related municipal failures within 90 days, citing the example of streetlights that remain out at night in West Hill.
Machanick, the MCF's candidate for Ward 8, argued that technical competence is crucial, especially given the provincial government's powers under Sections 139 and 154 of the Constitution to intervene in and potentially dissolve a poorly performing municipality. He suggested that an opposition-led council unfamiliar with correct legal and administrative procedure could face intervention.
Machanick outlined a detailed case for the municipality to invest in solar power paired with large-scale battery storage, which could significantly reduce peak-demand charges levied by Eskom. He also addressed a resident's complaint about ongoing cable theft, describing it as a form of infrastructure crime that police are not treating with sufficient seriousness.
The top concerns for Ward 8, according to material circulated at the event, include safety and security, infrastructure decay, by-law enforcement, environmental issues, and stray animals. Machanick raised the possibility of a municipal police force as a longer-term option, while acknowledging that it would take time to establish. The MCF's candidates for Ward 4 and Ward 8 will contest the municipal election in November.
Key points
- The Makana Citizens Front has selected Peter King for Ward 4 and Philip Machanick for Ward 8.
- The party will appear on the ballot paper as "Makana" rather than "MCF".
- The municipal election is set to take place in November.
