Once every five years councillors are elected by the people they are meant to serve. Communities members vote for a party as well as a ward councillor to represent their interests at local level.
Prior to the upcoming local elections, 45-years-old Ward 126 EFF candidate councillor, Nompucuko Papiyana reflected on the future of local governance in Randpark Ridge, Weltevreden Park and Allen’s Nek.
• What will do differently than the previous councillor?
We will be accessible to all members of my community regardless of skin colour or political affiliation.
We will push for Weltevreden Park Clinic to operate 24 hours, so our community can access it at any given time. We will ensure that residents of Ward 126 are prioritised for economic opportunities within the ward.
We will play an active role in combating crime and holding our SAPS accountable for cases opened, and working with community structures to make our ward free from crime.
We will ensure our ward is clean and safe for all who live in it, particularly women, children and the elderly.
We will implement innovative and smart approaches to accelerate improvements in people’s welfare.
• Outside of your council duties, how are you involved in the community?
I do community work through the EFF, and help out where I can. One incident I can refer to was a role I played in the eviction of more than 20 people around the ward. I assisted the victims and ensured that everyone was safe and had a place to stay, and they also got legal representation in court.
I have assisted during past elections, ensuring that all went well. I have also assisted struggling families with food parcels through the EFF.
• What past experiences make you uniquely qualified for this role?
I have worked in retail for many years, and this taught me to work with different people from all walks of life.
At the last company I worked for, I became a shop steward for the union. This opened me up to a lot of learning and growth, particularly on labour relations matters.
• What is your vision for your ward?
I envision a social cohesive ward, where members of the community with be open to talk to each other about matters affecting the community, and equally resolve them as a collective through engagement with different stakeholders.
• How do you feel this vision can be achieved?
This can be achieved when a councillor can lead beyond party lines, open communication amongst the community whether digitally or physically, and finally, when a councillor is easily accessible.
• How does your party mirror your personal beliefs?
The EFF is on the forefront of the fight against inequality of any nature; the EFF strives for equal economic opportunities for all those previously ignored by the system.
The seven non-negotiable cardinal pillars are aimed at addressing the inequality crisis in South Africa in which Africa at large finds itself.
South Africa belongs to all who live in it and we all must benefit from the beauty of this country, not just the elite few.
• In 50 words or less, tell the residents of your ward why they should vote for you.
Vote for real change, vote for the economic freedom in your lifetime, vote for equality, vote for Jobs Manje.
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