Umdoni Municipality’s ward 10 (Pennington and Park Rynie) by-elections was won by the Democratic Alliance last week.
The by-election was held after former ward 10 councillor Edwin Baptie, was recently sworn in as a new member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.
Ward 10 candidates were Maduramuthoo Govender of the ANC, Rubina Essop Bhaijee of the Al Jama-Ah, Alan Theodore Cutten of the DA, Lindani Nhlangulela of the EFF and Sharon Peetz of the IFP.
The DA retained its seat won in the 2021 municipal elections with 82.27% of the total votes cast compared to 84,55% during the last elections.
The voter turnout was 38.59%.
New ward councillor Alan Theodore Cutten said that he felt honoured by the win.
“It reflects the good work done by the DA in ward 10 and a well-executed campaign effort,” he said.
“By-election turnouts are usually low in the 25 to 30% range. The turnout of 45.9% in Pennington is therefore encouraging, but the turnout of 27.39% in Park Rynie is a concern.”
“I put it down to voter apathy arising from the sustained failures of the Umdoni and Ugu municipalities. However, the 65.29% achieved by the DA in Park Rynie is a clear indication that Park Rynie citizens recognise the DA as the best party to govern in Umdoni and Ugu in the future. They reject the current leadership that has failed us for 20 years.”
When asked about what he thinks the biggest challenges in the ward are, Cutten said the absence of decent services and a capable government.
“Changing this requires unity among the citizens and effective representations in the council chamber. The focus of the DA caucus is on infrastructure maintenance, rigorous oversight and the elimination of corruption. This is what will drive economic recovery, greater job opportunities and better quality of life for our citizens.”
Cutten gives thanks to the residents and voters of ward 10 for the faith they showed in him and the DA.
“The only promise we make is to commit ourselves to our work as public representatives, and to maintain a belief in the future success of our people and our country.”
To get in touch with ward 10 councillor Cutten, call or WhatsApp him on 067 2789720 or email alan.cutten@gmail.com
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