Ward 64 ANC candidate hopes to empower residents

ANC’s ward 64 candidate, Simphiwe Mzimba, said if elected as councillor, he will keep open and clear lines of communication with the community.

In doing this, he said he believes it’ll ensure that he gets information as soon as possible to act on with immediacy.

While issues in the ward will vary, his aim is to essentially develop long-term and sustainable solutions for already existing problems.

“The ward is being short-changed. I believe there is a lot of potential to develop the ward into becoming an area where people can play, work and raise their children.”

“Currently, the ward is just getting the bare minimum from the current leadership, and other areas in the ward are completely neglected.”

“There is a huge potential of economic growth in the ward which is not being unlocked and that will go a long way in creating the much-needed job opportunities for the people of the area, particularly the youth,” he said.

As the chairperson of the ANC Montclair branch, Mzimba is no stranger in the ward. His tenure began in May this year and since then, his branch has approached local businesses to facilitate employment for the youth.

He said most were forthcoming to the idea, although no jobs had been secured as yet. His branch is also instrumental in securing and distributing food parcels to the destitute and unemployed.

“There are a lot more we’re looking to do to ensure we achieve the goal and fighting this oppressive pandemic,” he said.

His party being the only non-racial political organisation in the country, he said, he has plans to unite the community. He believes that had the ward had a united front, the area would have been defended during the unrest in July.

“Of course one appreciates the work our communities did to protect the neighborhood from further attacks. However, I believe all the various organisations who stood up should have working relations to ensure that such situations are attended to urgently and collectively in the future.”

“Therefore, the unity of the people of ward 64, regardless of their race is a priority. Such unity will be of purpose with social cohesion. When people live in harmony, it is automatic that they will share opportunities that become available.”

Mzimba’s other areas of focus will include fighting crime, eradicating drug abuse and distribution as well as securing employment for those in need.

He said these two aspects often go hand-in-hand which is why he would prioritise unlocking economic development opportunities to ensure the creation of job opportunities.

He will also engage the municipality to urgently deal with the non-compliance of municipal bylaws in the area.