Phakama Eastern Cape Prioritizes Accountability in KSD Municipality

Phakama Eastern Cape, a civic organization, has secured one seat in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality council, despite the ANC winning 31 of the 73 council seats. Phakama's priority is to use its lone voice in council to push for development and better service delivery, ensuring the needs of ordinary residents in Mthatha and surrounding areas are not overlooked. The organization says it is not concerned about ongoing coalition talks.

Phakama Eastern Cape's mayoral candidate, Phikolomzi Adonis, a Mthatha ratepayer, said the organization is there to serve the people, regardless of the election outcome. Adonis, known for leading a community campaign against exorbitant electricity tariff hikes in 2020, said Phakama is pleased to have secured a seat in the council. The organization has three main focus areas: governance, economic development, and working with traditional leaders and religious leaders.

Phakama Eastern Cape's governance focus prompted it to participate in the elections. The organization has registered a co-operative bank to help entrepreneurs and support small businesses. Adonis said Phakama wants to educate residents about municipal processes and ensure that politicians and municipal officials account for how taxpayers' money is spent.

The KSD municipality, which includes Mthatha, Mqanduli, and Coffee Bay, is among the hung councils following the November 4 elections. The ANC fell short of an outright majority, and opposition parties were reportedly seeking to take over municipalities where the ANC had lost its majority. Phakama Eastern Cape is not perturbed by the coalition talks, with Adonis saying the organization will serve the ordinary people.

Phakama Eastern Cape's approach differs from another civic movement, the Mthatha Ratepayers' and Residents' Association (MRRA), which failed to secure a seat this time. Adonis said Phakama will provide quarterly reports and consult ordinary citizens, ratepayers, and professionals about their needs and priorities. The organization wants to maintain a connection with the people and avoid losing touch with their needs.

Adonis expressed concern about politicians losing touch with their people, citing the example of MRRA. He said Phakama will work closely with traditional leaders and religious leaders, who are influential custodians in communities, particularly in rural villages. Phakama members have also participated in marches in Mthatha and other parts of the Eastern Cape against illegal immigration.

Phakama Eastern Cape's participation in the KSD municipality council is seen as a significant development, with the organization vowing to hold the council accountable for its actions. The organization's focus on governance, economic development, and community engagement is expected to bring a new dynamic to the council. Key to Phakama's approach is its commitment to serving the ordinary people and ensuring their needs are not overlooked.

Key points

• Phakama Eastern Cape secured one seat in the KSD municipality council despite the ANC winning 31 of the 73 council seats.
• The organization's priority is to use its lone voice in council to push for development and better service delivery.
• Phakama Eastern Cape will provide quarterly reports and consult ordinary citizens, ratepayers, and professionals about their needs and priorities.