WITH the 2026 Local Government Elections just around the corner, councillors will be elected for all district, metropolitan and local municipalities across the country’s nine provinces. The Highway Mail asked councillor candidates for Ward 21 why voters should vote for them in the upcoming Local Government Elections and what experience they bring which will help them perform at their best as councillors should they be elected.

Hlengiwe Khanye is the EFF’s councillor candidate in Ward 21, and she said her priorities will include:

• Addressing high municipal rates and the cost of living.

“One of my key priorities will be to address the burden of high municipal rates and other municipal charges. I will engage with residents to understand their challenges, raise these concerns in Council, scrutinise municipal tariffs and advocate for fairer and more affordable charges. I will also help qualifying residents access available rebates, indigent support and other forms of municipal relief. Why: Many households are under financial pressure, and residents deserve municipal charges that are fair, transparent and affordable.”

Also read:  Voters prepare to make their voices heard at elections

• Prioritising reliable basic service delivery when it comes to water, electricity, sanitation, refuse collection, road maintenance, stormwater drainage and streetlights.
• Ensuring the community is safer by working closely with the SAPS, Metro Police, community policing structures and other stakeholders.

“I will prioritise opportunities for unemployed residents, young people and women through skills development, SMME support, entrepreneurship programmes and improved access to government and municipal opportunities.

“I will advocate for more sports, recreation, skills development, digital training, career guidance and employment opportunities for young people. My overall priority will be to make Ward 21 a safer, cleaner, more affordable and economically active ward where residents receive reliable services and have a councillor who listens and takes action,” said Khanye, who has experience as the party’s provincial leader.

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