VANDERBIJLPARK – The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has thrown its hat into the ring ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, naming Apa Pooe as its mayoral candidate for Emfuleni Local Municipality.
Pooe says the municipality has reached a critical crossroads, with residents continuing to grapple with poor service delivery, crumbling infrastructure, unemployment and financial instability.
Speaking to Ster, Pooe said the PAC wants to bring a new approach to the municipality’s leadership.
“For far too long, our residents have endured failing service delivery, deteriorating infrastructure, high unemployment, financial instability, and a loss of confidence in local government. The people deserve a municipality that works for them, not one that continually disappoints them,” he said.
Pooe said his candidacy is anchored in ethical, accountable and people-centred leadership, adding that local government must focus on delivering basic services and managing public resources responsibly.
“The PAC believes that local government must return to its core purpose: providing reliable basic services, creating an environment that attracts investment and jobs, maintaining public infrastructure, and managing public finances responsibly,” he said.
The party has identified restoring reliable water, sanitation, electricity, roads and waste collection as some of its key priorities in Emfuleni.
Pooe also pledged to strengthen financial governance and fight corruption through greater transparency, accountability and consequence management.
He said the PAC would also focus on creating an environment that supports economic growth, attracts investment and assists local businesses and township enterprises.
“Building a municipality that is responsive, accessible, and accountable to communities,” he said.
Pooe insisted that the PAC was not entering the elections simply to secure political positions.
“We are offering practical leadership rooted in integrity, discipline, and service,” he said.
“Emfuleni has enormous potential, and with honest leadership and a clear plan, it can once again become a municipality that its residents are proud to call home.”
As the election campaign gathers momentum, Pooe said he was humbled by the confidence placed in him by the PAC and promised to take the party’s message to communities across Emfuleni.
“Together with our councillor candidates and committed members, we will take our message to every ward and every community,” he said.
“We invite all residents to join us in building a municipality that delivers, creates opportunities, and restores dignity.”
