Curtain call for Mayor, Afzul Rehman

Saying goodbye is never easy. Yet it is a must for Mayor, Afzul Rehman who will hand over the keys to the city after the Municipal Elections on August 3.

Love him or hate him, Mr Service Delivery has come through for his town. The Newcastle Advertiser caught up with Cllr Rehman, asking some of the tough (and quirky) questions, now that his term is just about done.

What is your overriding feeling, coming to the end of your term as Mayor?

“I have a sense of mixed emotions. I have spent 20 years in Newcastle Municipality, and the thought of leaving saddens me immensely. Some of my colleagues and staff have become close friends, and I feel like I will be out of the family. I do, however, also look forward to new challenges and a chance to change my routine.”

Cllr Rehman said he had crisscrossed the city throughout his term of office, meeting thousands of people from different communities, engaging with various sectors from general labour to industry captains. This he described as some of his best experiences.

Another highlight of Cllr Rehman’s term was the process leading up to, and the reformation of the budget itself, and the frank discussions different political parties could have during meetings of the Executive Committee (Exco).

“The fact we could enhance service delivery in this city, with new refuse trucks, grass cutting equipment, fire trucks and over R2-billion of new infrastructure in all areas of this city remains a clear favourite. I just wanted the city to work!”

Yet where is positive, there sadly must be negative. Cllr Rehman said the current challenging economic times saw thousands unemployed or simply struggling to meet even their basic needs. He described this as a constant reminder of the responsibility of all community members.

“The triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment must be a target for our war.”

How do you think the community of Newcastle will remember you?

“I have a face that you can’t forget?” Cllr Rehman joked. “I hope they will remember me as a leader who tried his level best, with the clearest of intentions, to change the lives of the people for the better. I didn’t use billboards to promote myself; the infrastructure you see on a daily basis should remind people that my administration has delivered.”

Consider, he added, Newcastle prior to 2009. Among changes to the city under his leadership, he listed the development between Supertech and Blackrock Casino, restaurants at the Newcastle Crossing, development around the Allen Street bridge, establishment of Theku Plaza in Blaauwbosch and the swimming pool in Madadeni.

“The city has grown exponentially, and we should continue the drive to bring more investments here.”

This investment has cemented Newcastle’s place as an economic hub in the Amajuba District, but Cllr Rehman believes the city can be positioned to be a bigger player in KwaZulu-Natal. Newcastle has always punched above its weight, he commented.

“We need business to partner with government – if some business formations start the tendency of aligning themselves with opposition politics, it will be disastrous not only for them, but for the city as a whole.”

What have you learned about yourself, after the years served as Mayor?

“I am a perfectionist. I get really worked up if things don’t go perfectly, and sometimes people think I’m taking things to personally – but enough being modest! Seriously, I learned I love assisting people, that delegating and giving direction comes naturally to me (except at home). Most importantly, I learned that no position will ever define who I am; you need to remain humble, and do the best you can.”

Cllr Rehman’s greatest challenge was mixing politics and governance. Expressing a love of governance, getting things to work and ensuring residents’ happiness, he admitted, inevitably led to stepping on a few toes, either for being too strict or too divisive.

He also revealed being singled out at times, for his frank answers and rare lack of diplomacy.

“I believe some people in politics don’t take governance seriously. We cannot always be populists; sometimes difficult decisions make certain municipalities to remain financially prudent, so quality services can be rendered.”

Following the upcoming elections, what can Newcastle expect from you professionally?

“I am the ANC candidate for Speaker of the Amajuba District Municipality, which will be a new challenge. I look forward to contributing to the entire district: Newcastle, Dannhauser and Utrecht. I would like to see this district become a stronger economic and tourism hub, and see greater development in the rural areas. Agriculture and farming should also become a priority, putting people back on the land and feeding the nation.”

This will certainly put 20 years in local government, including seven years as Mayor, to good use.

Cllr Rehman said experience could not be bought, and he wished to continue adding to discussions and directions of Government.

Do you play Pokemon Go?

“No I don’t. I do play the odd PlayStation 4 game with my two sons, even though I am always criticised for making them lose, or having to endure their fits of laughter because I’m doing the wrong thing!”

Spending time with his family is Cllr Rehman’s first point of order. He said even the thought of being able to go on holiday, without worrying about an urgent call on a critical matter gave him peace. Truly, the responsibility of the office was always a constraint.

“I want to be able to be free. The saying ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’ is very apt, and I look forward to removing that weight.”

In terms of stress relief, Cllr Rehman said he enjoyed following television series, and even late at night, would watch shows to unwind. With a lot on his mind, this was his key to a good night’s rest.

“Of course, the chocolates, sweets and chips helped as well!”

What do you appreciate most about Newcastle and her people, after leading the city?

“The majority of people in this city are warm, generous and extremely understanding. Our fundraising initiatives broke many records because Newcastillians are not afraid to open their cheque books. The community at large showered me with love and trust – they appreciated my efforts and that of the ANC government I led. Until today, I get goosebumps every time I address them, because I see the hope in their eyes, and the trust in their hearts. However, there are people who will never be pleased. They refuse to open their eyes to take in the difference of this administration from the last. I suppose it’s what makes Newcastle different.”

Do you think you achieved all the goals you set yourself over the years?

“I don’t think it’s possible to fulfil all your goals. I believe I dream big, and envision a city which becomes a model throughout the world. That is a work in progress, and can never be achieved in a single lifetime. We should always aim for the moon, so we can at least land among the stars.”

Another of Cllr Rehman’s defining strengths was accessibility to all. In a time where everything is immediate, he supported the notion that answers should be the same, extolling the value of open and frank discussion, and accountability to the community.

“I have never pursued closed-door meetings, and even journalists know most of our discussions and debates in Exco were done in the open. That is why I say all decisions are taken in good faith, and there is no conspiracy to make the lives of our people more difficult.”

Cllr Rehman said this was the reason he had been open about the municipal billing process, transparency of tender committees and more, despite criticism from certain fronts.

“Compare us to their actions previously, and let us be judged accordingly.”

On the other hand, Cllr Rehman condemned the sometimes downright racist and rude comments from members of public. He felt some believed officials were servants to their will.

“This is not the case. Some of us could be doing greater things elsewhere, but our passion for service and the fact that service to humanity is service to God, keeps us here. If people cannot respect us as human beings, at least respect the office we hold.”

What advice will you give incoming administration, about being accountable and accessible?

“I think Newcastle Municipality is an open book. With the launch of our Facebook page and live videos, we are being innovative in communicating with the community. Our roadshows have allowed interaction with ordinary residents, and the fact we don’t see service delivery boycotts shows people are taken into confidence, and are part of every decision of council. Having worked with my successor (Makhosini Nkosi) for a long time, I know he shares similar sentiments. He will continue the ANC policy of open-door discussions, and I doubt I will need to advise him on this crucial constitutional requirement, he being a man of the law!”

Cllr Rehman said he would always be indebted to the ANC for the experience as Mayor, and the confidence the party showed in him. He thanked the leadership for the life-changing opportunity of the past seven years.

 Cllr Rehman also extended his appreciation to residents, who allowed him the space to give political direction free of interference.

“I hope and pray I will continue to be able to serve you until my last breath, and that every promise I made was fulfilled, or at least attempted to be fulfilled.”

Working sincerely and to the best of his abilities, Cllr Rehman said every decision, action and moment was spent in the office, upholding the integrity and stature of leading Newcastle. The support from all quarters, he added, was not unnoticed or unappreciated.

“To the people of Newcastle, I salute you.”

Considering your awards and achievements as Mayor, do you believe you’ve set a precedent for those following in your footsteps?

“The municipality is an award-winning organisation. I believe the ANC-led government has put people in place to carry this city forward. The Municipal Manager (Errol Mswane) and his team are some of the best in the country. Winning awards, like the Cleanest City, the Govan Mbeki Human Settlement Award, Most Innovative prize for going paperless, and Best Performing Mayor in KZN, among others, means we are on the right road to a great destination. We are well on our way to a model city, and I don’t believe I could have done it alone – you are only as strong as your weakest link. I believe I’ve left a legacy which will continue to grow, an administration with the best interests of people at heart.”

Cllr Rehman said he knew and trusted the ANC would retain outright majority at the ballot box, and that Newcastle would never return to the dark days of no development.

“I wish the incoming Mayor and his council everything of the best, and while I won’t be far away to whisper in their ears, I know they are up to the task.”