Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) dominated the election for the Alfred Duma Municipality, Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality (Estcourt), Okhahlamba Municipality, Indaka area and uThukela District Municipality with 21 wards belonging to IFP and the Democratic Alliance (DA) with two and African National Congress ANC with 14.
The DA, in the Alfred Duma area, will keep Ward 12 and managed to win Ward 13 from the ANC in the recent elections. DA Councillor, Sharon Buys, will remain in Ward 12 while Anand (Doc) Rajkoomar will be the new councillor of Ward 13. IFP PR Councillor, Abbas Warasally, will be the new ward councillor for Ward 20. Cllr Buys said she thanks the voters for keeping her in Ward 12 and then winning Ward 13. “I’m extremely humbled by the trust of the voters and grateful for their support,” said Cllr Buys.
Alf Lees MP, uThukela Constituency Head for the Democratic Alliance, said that by electing these DA councillors, Sharon Buys and Anand (Doc) Rajkoomar, the voters of these wards have clearly indicated that they have lost all faith in the ANC to provide the services that they are entitled to and that the new DA ward councillors are fully committed to working for the residents in the two wards.
“Sadly, these residents have not received the efficient and full services under the previous administrations of the IFP or ANC. It is up to the new administrations of these municipalities to recognise the choice of the voters and to ensure that the DA ward councillors get the full support of the administration and officials.”
Cllr Buys added that she will continue to strive and work with residents to ensure that Ladysmith receives the service delivery it deserves. “With the new parties heading up, we must refocus our commitment and make service delivery the core function of the municipality and give back to residents of Ladysmith and surrounding areas, because with failing service delivery, we will not be able to see economic growth in our town; such as investors.”
Hours into elections on Monday, 1 November, reports were made that Peacetown, which had been ruled by the ANC, was swept away by the IFP. Voting stations at Ladysmith Town Hall, Mkhamba Primary, Acaciavale Primary and Egerton Primary had a slow start to the elections and around lunch time, only political parties could be seen canvassing at these stations.
“It took less than five minutes to cast our vote and then we were off to enjoy the rest of the public holiday,” said a voter.
St John’s Church situated in Steadville still had queues, with voters desperately seeking shelter from the sweltering weather. “Been here for a while, but will wait until it is my turn to vote,” said a voter in the queues. The general public casting their votes said that they needed to see change. “We need to see it in the public service, such as water delivery,” added the voters.
Austin Mbonane was among the first to arrive at the voting station and told The Ladysmith Herald that he is ready for positive change in South Africa and hopes that people will use this day to bring about that much-needed change. “We need things to change for the better and leaders bringing back service delivery to the people,” added Mbonane.
Speaking to The Ladysmith Herald, Councillor Abbas Warasally said that he did not think he would be a ward councillor and watch his party grow in numbers during this election, however, the people of the district have realised that the ANC has let them down when it comes to basic service delivery. “People have lost their faith in their current leaders and so many did not vote because of this lack of faith, but I can tell you as an IFP member of the National Council, things will change,” he said.
Social media posts could be seen as many congratulated Cllr Warasally on his win over the ward, which was heavily contested by experienced politicians such as Seedat Khan, candidate for the ANC, and Mike Suddaby for the DA.
Cllr Warasally said that the IFP and its members will now work twice as hard to restore the faith of the people and fly the IFP flag high. The IFP will be in charge of council, with the first council meeting set to take place early next week. Mayor and deputy mayor candidates will be elected and they will also be announced next week.
Cllr Warasally added that it is going to be a difficult road as most of the municipalities in the district don’t have money. “The Estcourt Municipality does not have money, but we are not worried, we are here to perform and deliver a service to the people.
