CAPE TOWN - Despite the challenges and financial implications on their pockets, 85 independent candidates have heeded the calls from their communities and will be running as candidates in Monday’s municipal elections.
Sixty-two-year-old businessman and community activist Hanif Loonat said “independent candidates are the way to go”.
He will vying for Sybrand Park, Garlandale, Rondebosch East, Kenwyn, Lansdowne-Corridor and Lansdowne.
“The needs of each area differ so I have two manifestos for my seven voting districts.
“For 27 years our people have been neglected by the big parties be it the ANC or DA, once they are in, they only look after the leafy previously advantaged areas.
“Our previously disadvantaged people continue to be disadvantaged.
“Support for the DA comes mainly from so called-coloured people, yet coloured people remain marginalised, they keep us drunk merry and killing each other.
“To ensure my people get what they deserve, I will focus on day to day service delivery, safety, security, holding law enforcement at all levels accountable, ensuring social ills come to an end, dealing with socio economic issues, unemployment, housing and high rates and taxes and levies.”
Henriette Abrahams, 50, born and bred in Bonteheuwel, will be running for wards 50 and 31.
She said she did not decide to run as a candidate but was elected by her community.
She has been an activist for more than 30 years and actively works with the Bonteheuwel Development Forum on various community projects.
“I didn't decide, the organization did a survey around how the community feels about political parties, councillors and people had lots to say.
“They don't feel political parties and their candidates serve our interest.
“Out of the survey the outcome was that I should stand and I took up the challenge. The Bonteheuwel Development Forum has been doing consistent community work around gender-based violence, food security and youth development, coupled with my work as an activist hence the confidence to take on the role.
“The current local government was failing the community”, she added.
Yusuf Mohamed from the National Freedom Party (NFP) will be running for wards 48 and 60.
He is a part time economics lecturer and civil engineer by profession.
“By acting on this we will grow into a diverse nation that is capable of creating a sustainable solution for future generations to come. The money needs to be spent in the right areas for growth and people need to feel safe to operate in those areas.”
He said that he was exposed to law and politics from a young age but his passion was always engineering and delivery, “More action and less talk”.
“The reason why this country is going backwards is because we elect candidates that don’t have technical ability or the mindset to bring about positive change. The mindset has to change in politics and that is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. If we focus on the solution to and keep in mind how it benefits the generations to come then we are heading in the right direction,” he said.
Cape Times