SEBOKENG – ANC mayoral candidate and Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor Hassan Mako expressed confidence in his return to office after casting his vote on Wednesday morning.

Mako, who appeared confident about his political future, took the opportunity to speak to Ster shortly after placing his ballot papers in the voting boxes.

When asked whether he was confident of retaining both his ward and the mayoral position, Mako said the final decision on who occupies the mayoral seat rests with the ANC.

“The decision on the mayoral nominees is taken by the ANC. I think I did well,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in office, Mako said the municipality had made strides since June, particularly in stabilising its finances, fighting corruption and improving service delivery.

The mayor also promised that, should the ANC receive another mandate, residents will see continued efforts to deliver on the promises made during the election campaign.

Mako said his first 100 days after the elections would focus on building on the work already started.

“We will make sure that we continue where we left off. We have raised the bar too high, and we will deliver the best services,” he said.

Declaring that “Emfuleni is on the rise”, Mako said the municipality was looking forward to a renewed mandate, which he believes would allow it to continue its service delivery programme.

He, however, acknowledged that Emfuleni had faced its fair share of challenges, particularly the erosion of its revenue base due to job losses in the area.

According to Mako, stimulating the local economy and creating employment opportunities would be key to improving the municipality’s financial position.

“We have had our fair share of challenges. Our revenue base has been eroded by loss of jobs. We will ensure that we create and stimulate the economy to create jobs.

“The more jobs we create, the more the revenue will grow for the municipality,” he said.