LETTERS: Councillors must serve communities

Mama Albertina Luthuli recently said “as people in communities we are government’’ meaning, in my view, nobody can fight our struggles better than us.
She even mentioned that every generation has its own struggles and it’s up to that generation to rise above its own struggles. Wise words indeed, right on time as we approach elections. We must not give people who are going to lead our communities our votes as blank cheques.
Our votes should speak to our needs as communities. When people are nominated sometimes we end up making them feel and think that they only belong to their parties, comrades, loyalists and factions. The truth of the matter is once you win elections you become a councillor and a community leader. You will now lead a community, not a group of comrades, loyalists’ friends or faction. You will put the needs of the community first, before your loyalists and friends. I thought I should make this clear because to some people who follow and support soon-to-be leaders give them the impression that they will serve only comrades’ factions and political hangers.
We will congratulate, respect and work with any leaders from all political parties or independent if they win elections. Leaders will be assisted in developing our people and criticized if they decide to ignore our needs as communities. We pray for free, peaceful and fair elections, may the best candidates win.
NTOKOZO MCINEKA KA MAKAMU
Kwadukuza