Umdoni: Former DA councillor regains ward 13 as ANC candidate
The former Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 13 councillor resigned from the DA just after the party had won the ward during the 2021 local government elections.
The newly elected African National Congress (ANC) Ward 13 councillor in Umdoni Municipality, Ravinand Maharaj, said he will not hesitate to leave the ANC should it fail to keep its promises to residents.
Maharaj, who is a former Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 13 councillor resigned from the DA just after the party had won the ward during the 2021 local government elections.
The ANC councillor regained his ward following the Ward 13 by-election which took place on Wednesday last week at Umzinto Community Hall.
The hotly contested by-election saw Maharaj walking away with 470 votes, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor Mhlengi Radebe bagged 378 votes while the Democratic Alliance’s Saleem Mahomed received 273 votes.
Maharaj said he did not get into politics to get a salary, but he got in to serve people.
“For a few years I stuck with the DA, I tried my best, but if the organisation is not delivering, keeping its promises, or its word to the public, there is a possibility that I will leave the ANC. I will not butter anyone up just to be in good books with the public or anybody, this is my character. If you can’t deliver then it is of no use,” said Maharaj, adding that he is not trying to create any doubt in anyone’s mind.
He added that he plans to stick with the ANC as long as it delivers, represent Ward 13, its residents, and its problems in council so that the much-needed services can be delivered.
Maharaj said whether it is issues relating to Eskom, Ugu District Municipality or Umdoni, he will advocate for Ward 13 residents.
Meanwhile, the outcome of the by-election was welcomed by the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.
In a recent statement, ANC provincial secretary, Bheki Mtolo, said the ANC will ensure that the newly-elected councillor holds regular meetings with the community.
Mtolo said the ANC reiterated to its councillors that communication is a vital tool in ensuring that the right kind of service is delivered to the community.
“ANC councillors in Tolomane Mnyayiza Region, as guided by the engagements from the ninth ANC elective conference held recently, will place efforts aimed at driving local economic development in order to create jobs for local communities at the top of the agenda. All cadres of the movement understand that freedom without access to economic opportunities is not complete,” said Mtolo.
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