Umkhonto weSizwe's Johannesburg mayoral candidate Bongani Baloyi has issued a stern warning, saying that his party is closely monitoring the local elections in South Africa. Baloyi stated that his party is operating from a level of distrust and has deployed various mechanisms to protect its interests and votes. This move comes after MKP questioned the integrity of the electoral commission in the previous election.
Baloyi's party claimed to have been robbed of votes and their intended two-thirds majority in the previous election. Speaking outside a Sandton voting station, the mayoral hopeful emphasized that it is their duty to play an oversight role. He mentioned that party agents are present at voting stations to look out for their interests and ensure they are well-represented.
Baloyi expressed confidence in his party's organization, stating that they have structures across the country and members representing them in various PLC committees. He asserted that they are more organized and ready for these elections, determined to prevent a repeat of past experiences. The party aims to demonstrate its reach and national significance in these local government elections.
These elections are significant for MKP as it is their first local government election. Baloyi dismissed claims that MKP only has strong regional support, stating that these elections will prove the party's broader and bigger base outside of KwaZulu-Natal. He promised city residents that he would turn the tide and restore services should he receive enough backing to secure the mayoral position.
Johannesburg is in crisis, with issues such as water, electricity, leadership, and instability, according to Baloyi. He urged voters not to stay away from the polls due to disgruntlement but to use their votes to effect change. As a former Midvaal mayor, Baloyi vowed to rely on his track record and experience in governance.
Baloyi emphasized that governance is governance, and he has mastered it despite having switched political homes at least twice. He assured residents that they should expect improvement in services and organizational governance. The party is excited and hopeful about the future of Johannesburg, which they believe will shape the landscape of the city.
Baloyi stated that residents must be assured that if he does not deliver and they do not see visible improvement in services, he will not last long. His focus is on performance and delivering on tasks. Johannesburg is the most significant city in Africa, and it needs someone serious and decisive, according to Baloyi, who believes his party has the capacity to be decisive.
Key points
- MKP's Bongani Baloyi warns IEC of close monitoring
- Baloyi vows to rescue Johannesburg from crisis
- MKP aims to demonstrate national significance in local government elections
