DA announces Emfuleni mayoral candidate
The DA has announced Kingsol Chabalala as its mayoral candidate for Emfuleni Local Municipality, positioning the upcoming election as a critical opportunity to restore service delivery, and rebuild the struggling municipality.
The DA has officially named Kingsol Chabalala as its mayoral candidate for the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM).
The announcement was made by Helen Zille, with party leaders framing the upcoming election as a vital turning point for a region they describe as collapsing under its current leadership.
Currently, Chabalala serves as a Member of the Provincial Legislature and as the head of the DA’s Emfuleni North Constituency. For years, Chabalala has been at the forefront, demanding accountability and better service delivery for ELM residents.
Speaking at the event, Midvaal Local Municipality Mayor Peter Teixeira said the ELM is collapsing under the current leadership. He urged residents to use their right to vote to change the current circumstances.
“The time is now. Conduct some research. Most of the people leading ELM are buying properties in Midvaal, but are leading you in ELM. We must kill the perception that the DA is for white people, the DA is for all South Africans,” Teixeira said.
In his acceptance speech, Chabalala highlighted service delivery failures that have crippled the ELM. He mentioned issues including corruption, the water and electricity crisis, and dilapidated infrastructure. Chabalala reiterated that ELM residents are suffering under the current leadership.
“I stand as someone who believes that ELM can be rebuilt. Our people deserve clean governance, better opportunities, and service delivery. We need to replicate the success of Midvaal and bring it to ELM. Midvaal is proof that clean governance, accountability, and service delivery can change lives.”
Chabalala shared his vision for an ELM that moves away from handouts and focuses instead on skills development and innovation.
“Service delivery is not a favour from the government; it is a right,” Chabalala told the crowd. He wants to rebuild an Emfuleni where streets are clean, taps actually run, and young people don’t have to leave the area to find work.
Chabalala concluded by calling for a united front, asking businesses, churches, and schools to partner with a new government to help the municipality “rise again.”
