The much anticipated Ward 35 by-elections to be held on Saturday, 11 September, will see Action SA’s Saul Basckin contesting for the ward in what the party describes as “a significant milestone in the organisation’s ongoing mission to bring ethical leadership and effective governance to the people”.
As the party’s first-ever candidate to contest for a ward in eThekwini, Basckin who is a long-time resident of La Lucia, brings to the popular tourist spot a wealth of experience, having worked extensively in the hospitality industry both in South Africa and abroad.
“I am a dedicated and experienced community leader born and bred in Durban and has resided in La Lucia, Ward 35, for many years. I have a deep understanding of issues faced in the community. In 2016, I founded a successful tech company, further demonstrating my leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond my professional achievements, I have a long history of service to my community,” said Basckin.
Currently, Basckin serves as the chairperson of the eThekwini Bodyboarding Association, secretary of the South African Bodyboarding Association, is an active member of the CPF, a committee member of Sector 1C CPF, and a member of the Men in Blue (CIB). Basckin is also known for playing an integral part in finding two missing people in Durban, with one resulting in the successful arrest of a kidnapper and the return of a minor child.
“I am a member of the uMhlanga Ratepayers Association and have been instrumental in uniting a nearby suburb, raising enough money to install IP cameras on our seven roads, resulting in a major drop in crime and providing enough information for the successful arrest of the trailer gang last year.
I assisted during the riots, manning the Eastman Spar roadblock on many cold nights and early mornings.
“I am confident that I am the best candidate for this by-election. I am committed to serving my community with dignity, integrity, and a relentless focus on ensuring that service delivery is efficient and effective. I call on the residents of Ward 35 to support a candidate who not only understands their needs but is also deeply committed to making a positive and lasting impact on their community. Together, we can bring about the change that eThekwini desperately needs,” he added.
Basckin will be going up against candidates such as Bradley Singh from the Democratic Alliance (DA), which currently holds the ward when residents take to the polling stations in September. Applications for special votes are open and close on Friday, 30 August, for those who physically go to their nearest voting station on the day of the by-election, 11 September.
You can also apply for a special vote at a *voting station* by SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1 per SMS) or by visiting the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) website: https://www.elections.org.za/pw/SpecialVotes/About-Special-Vote.
