The Newcastle District and Residents Forum (NDRF) officially launched on Saturday at the Status Hall in Lennoxton.

The hall quickly filled to capacity as community members arrived to show their support for the newly-established forum, which intends to contest this year’s local government elections.

Why a forum and not a political party?

Chairman and founder Matthew Shunmugam explained that a political party exists to contest elections and gain political power in order to govern and implement its policies.

By contrast, he said, a civic organisation is formed to represent and protect the interests of a community by holding government accountable and advocating for better services, transparency and public participation.

The NDRF will contest elections in Newcastle, Dannhauser, Utrecht and the Amajuba District Council.

Shunmugam, a former ward councillor and employee of Newcastle Municipality, stepped down and retired in 2021.

However, he said the state of the town led him to make the difficult decision to return to politics in the hope of restoring Newcastle’s dignity and making a meaningful difference.

Forum outlines priorities for the town

Joining forces with former Amajuba District mayor Sam Mhlangeni, the forum said they believed it was time to ‘rescue’ the town.

“When I say the next five years determine the fate of our town, I couldn’t be more serious,” Shunmugam said.

He also spoke about the challenges they had faced while working outside the council, but stressed that nothing would deter them from their mission.

Shunmugam addressed several issues affecting the town, including sewage spills, the sudden eviction of residents from the Suryaville staff flats, corruption, Eskom and uThukela Water debt, and several other concerns.

He added that the NDRF was founded because its members believe the community deserves better, with leaders who listen, work for residents and put people before politics.

“Our vision is simple: people first, service first and accountability always.”

Shunmugam concluded by explaining the voting process and encouraging residents to make their votes count.

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