There are numerous problems facing Eldorado Park, starting with the high unemployment rate which causes crime, substance abuse, gangsterism and GBV, as well as the poor delivery of services and the backlog in the provision of housing.

ActionSA clr Nomthandazo Mkhonza promises a complete change in the way governance is done, with emphasis on the people.

Mkhonza revealed her straight-talking stance regarding council budgeting, local employment in neighborhood projects, and five years of measurable progress.Nomthandazo Mkhonza, Ward 18 ActionSA councillor candidate

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Q1: What are the three biggest challenges currently facing your ward, and how will you address them?

A: “Our three biggest challenges are poor service delivery, inadequate housing, and limited opportunities for young people, alongside crime and gangsterism. I will focus on empowering residents, holding government accountable, and creating opportunities that help our community move from surviving to thriving and really ensure the negative tagline and idea of Eldos is removed.”

Q2: How will you improve basic service delivery such as water, electricity, refuse removal, and road maintenance?

A: “Basic services are a necessity, yet after more than 30 years of democracy, our communities are still struggling. I want to empower residents to understand how government works, how to report and track complaints, and how to hold departments accountable.”

“People should not have to depend on a councillor for everything. They must understand government failures and how we can collectively address them.”

Q3: What specific plans do you have to improve community safety and reduce crime in the ward?

A: “Crime and gangsterism cannot be addressed through law enforcement alone. We must give young people something meaningful to focus on through employment, skills development, sports, and entrepreneurship. We need to create opportunities that give our youth hope and alternatives to crime. But addressing the issue will only work on a holistic scale; we need to work alongside SAPS with all other necessary stakeholders.”

Q4: How will you ensure that residents are kept informed and involved in decisions affecting the community?

A: “I will promote regular community meetings, transparent communication, and consistent feedback. Also, the WhatsApp groups for each extension make it so much easier. Residents must understand municipal processes, participate in decisions, and know what progress is being made on their concerns.”

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Q5: What will you do to support local businesses, informal traders, and job creation in the ward?

A: “Developments in our community must benefit our young people, and currently, it does not. Shopping centres and businesses should create meaningful local employment and skills opportunities. I will advocate for local recruitment, support for small businesses, and partnerships that ensure our youth benefit from development taking place in Eldorado Park.”

Q6: How will you improve conditions in informal settlements and underserviced areas within the ward?

A: “I will advocate for access to basic services, including water, sanitation, electricity, and refuse removal, while engaging the relevant authorities on dignified, long-term housing solutions. Residents also deserve transparent information about housing programmes and progress; what we currently see, the people being told almost feels like fabricated information.”

Q7: What is your plan to address infrastructure problems such as potholes, sewage spills, streetlights, and illegal dumping?
A: “I will ensure problems are reported, tracked, and escalated to the responsible departments. I will monitor unresolved complaints and keep residents informed. I will also encourage community participation in keeping our neighbourhoods clean and safe.”

Q8: How will you ensure municipal funds allocated to the ward are spent transparently and effectively?

A: “I will use council oversight processes to monitor spending, question delays, and demand accountability. Residents must be informed about planned projects, budgets, and progress so they can also hold government accountable.”

Q9: What programmes or initiatives would you introduce for young people, women, and vulnerable residents in the community?

A: “I will advocate for youth skills development, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, but also women empowerment initiatives—we don’t see many of these around—programmes that can help positively impact young girls. I will also support initiatives that empower women economically.”

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Q10: If elected, how will residents be able to hold you accountable and measure your progress over the next five years?

A: “By empowering residents to understand how the municipal system works, they will also understand my role and responsibilities as their councillor. The best way to measure my performance is through the work I present, the progress we make, and the improvements residents experience in their community.”

“Over the next five years, my work must speak for itself, and residents must have every right to hold me accountable.”