Ward 80 councillor vows to contest 2026 local government elections
Melody Hlatshwayo says she will not adhere to the mounting calls to vacate the councillor role in Kanana, Rabie Ridge.
Despite challenges, including protests to have her removed, Ward 80 councillor Melody Hlatshwayo in Kanana, Rabie Ridge, vows to contest next year’s local government elections.
Hlatshwayo said she had played her part as a councillor despite not getting sufficient support from the city.
“Yes, I will stand for councillorship because it’s not me who failed the community,” she added.
Also read: City Powers’ streetlight switch on enhances safety in Ward 92
“I mean, if the city doesn’t bring services to the people, I still do my duties, such as calling community meetings where I inform them about the challenges.
“Remember, when you are a councillor, you are elected by the community. And if there are services that I am bringing to the people, I don’t see a problem with standing in for a second term as the councillor of Ward 80.”
Hlatshwayo added that her ward needed more service delivery, including the electrification of informal settlements.
Also read: Gauteng Department of Education confirms repairs at Eqinisweni Secondary School
“Since I came in 2022 as a councillor, I complained about not having a pedestrian bridge in Chris Hani informal settlement. We only got the bridge last year, and it was not in good condition.
“I was told the city was having financial challenges, but to my surprise, other wards surrounding us are getting services. If you look at other wards like 77, 110 and 111, they are still getting maintained, but in my ward, there is nothing.”
Read more: State of the City: Johannesburg mayor pledges better services, power for informal areas
Asked why this would be, Hlatshwayo said she couldn’t say, but if it was budget issues, then the other wards would also be affected.
She concluded that she was not deterred by those calling for her resignation because those who put her there elected her for five years.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
