ALTHOUGH councillor Sthembiso Gama was born in Newcastle, he has spent his later life in Ward 29 where he has been a respected businessman.

He believes the community chose him because they could see what he is capable of. “I have started several businesses from scratch, and saw them to success. The community witnessed this, and laid their trust in me for I can start something from nothing until it comes to life,” Gama said.

The area of Ward 29 includes Wiggins, Cato Manor, Umkhumbane, Masxha, and surrounding informal settlements. The area, Gama explained, has been plagued by a number of issues which remained unresolved for decades.

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“We have a serious problem of water and electricity. Sometimes we experience power outages lasting more than five days. Water is scarce, especially in Masxha. We have water sources, so what we would like the municipality to explain is why we do not have access to water in households and communal ablutions?

“We have small transformers in different areas; however, due to overcrowding the capacity is too low. My plan is to request the municipality to install industrial transformers, to alleviate the pressure,” Gama shared.
He added that illegal electricity connections contribute to the lived challenges.

“Before I get sworn in as the councillor, we plan to approach different municipal departments and seek answers regarding the neglect and failed interventions,” concluded Gama.

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Youth unemployment and substance abuse are also worrying factors in Ward 29, Gama explained.
“Many youth are unemployed, sometimes they find themselves sinking into the substance abuse trap. With the presence of big companies in the area, I plan to engage decision makers to provide skills for our youth.

“The drug addicts will be catered for by removing them from the streets, organise rehabilitation and shelter. And reunite them with families or upskill them to become better contributors to the community, and their families.”

On the issue of transit camps which were built more than 20 years ago, Gama is aggrieved by the government’s failure to build or provide formal housing over such a long time.

He intends to revive the culture of community sport, starting from schools. “This would be one way of eradicating negative elements in our youth who normally sit idle because of lack of activities. This will also help unearth talent that we know exists in Ward 29.”

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