The Democratic Alliance (DA) fired the first shot in the KwaDukuza municipal election race on Tuesday, unveiling Privi Makhan as its mayoral candidate.

Addressing hundreds of DA supporters at the KwaDukuza People’s Park, Makhan said the municipality is in distress and residents are frustrated by failing infrastructure, unreliable electricity and growing unemployment.

“Residents, we have to be completely honest that our municipality is hurting and people are tired of empty promises and declining service delivery,” said Makhan.

Electricity stability forms the core of her campaign. Makhan pledged to upgrade ageing infrastructure, invest in preventive maintenance and professionalise key technical departments.

She also committed to fast-tracking alternative energy solutions and ensuring that the long-delayed R240-million Dukuza substation project is implemented without further delay.

“Reliable electricity should not be a luxury. It is about safety and economic survival,” she said.

She further promised to fix municipal finances by closing revenue leaks, strengthening internal controls and protecting ratepayers from unnecessary tariff increases.

According to Makhan, sound financial management would allow the municipality to reinvest in basic infrastructure and prevent wasteful spending.

Basic service delivery, including road maintenance, stormwater systems and refuse collection, would be prioritised, while corruption would face firm consequences.

A date for the municipal election has not been set, but will be held between November and January next year.

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