INDEPENDENT candidate, Mthetheleli Sibisi is Ward 103’s new councillor, taking over from ANC councillor, Richard Phewa.
Sibisi was neck in neck with the ANC and the DA with just over 3800 votes, ANC was second with 3600 and the DA came third getting 3200 of the votes.
Sibisi, who is the secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), said the pressure from the community for change was the main reason that he stood for elections as an independent candidate.
Ward 103 covers KwaNyuswa, Cliffdale, Bucks Farm, Molokohlo, some part of Embo, Drummond and some part of Botha’s Hill.
“This is a very diverse ward and people have different needs and the communities have different priorities.
“In other areas, people need water and electricity as some of the areas are rural and underdeveloped and there are those who are in need of RDP houses.”
He said roads were also a priority, especially in Cliffdale.
“The roads budget usually takes some time but I am hoping that they will be dealt with because the budget was allocated into different departments.
Sibisi said in developed areas such as Botha’s Hill where there are businesses, there is an issue of crime and he hopes that he could try to tackle all these issues.
As a new councillor, Sibisi said this year he will be visiting the communities to teach people about their rights.
“The community should be able to hold me accountable if I do not fulfill my duties as the councillor.
“People voted for me because they wanted change and they need a leader who will respect them and listen to their grievances,” he said.
Sibisi is currently a teacher at KwaMnamatha School in KwaNyuswa, teaching Mathematics to Grade 7 pupils and he will be resigning to focus on his councillor’s duties.
Sibisi can be contacted on 073 474 3527 or email abajeze@gmail.com.
