The 1860NIC Congress prepare to contest their first by-elections in a few weeks, following their recent activation programme. Last Monday, 24 March, the party put up boards outside Daleview Secondary School, Phoenix, where candidate Pragasan ‘Preggy’ Padayachee, will contest for the vacant Ward 110 councillor position.
With over three decades of municipal service and numerous recommendations from other political parties, Padayachee aims to bring positive change for the community. Padayachee said he had previous experience as a councillor between 2006 to 2017 and additionally, some of the recommendations included parties that he will be contesting against. “From 2006 to 2011, I was the health, safety and social services committee deputy chair. From 2011 to 2017, I then had a seat in the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC). After this, I took a break from politics until 2022 due to ensuring my daughter had relocated successfully.”
With this experience and knowledge across local government, Padayachee said he could bring the municipality to people’s doorstep. Additionally, he would still receive calls regarding water metre explanations and billing information and said that even today, some municipal staff still struggle to explain clearly. “For this election, I was approached by the 1860NIC Congress and I fell in love with their ideologies, principles and the emblem. This by-election is historical as the party is new, and it’s our first,” he said.
Padayachee emphasised that when residents vote for a specific party, they must know the councillor they’re voting for. He used the Democratic Alliance (DA) as an example and said that if residents vote for them, they aren’t voting for the Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen – who’s the most recognisable face. “The ward councillor’s duty is to encourage public participation and inclusiveness. The councillors should also have knowledge on how to take up a query or the billing system. With the responsibilities of a councillor, the candidate needs to be handpicked,” he said.
Padayachee asked for candidates to be screened and that they should cater to every ward as each ward runs under the same by-laws, and if someone needs assistance, they should provide it as they have the resources and knowledge. He said councillors must be the voice and face of the people, and also be fully dedicated to them as some balance councillor duties with private business duties. Additionally, they must give feedback to people after each council meeting. “If we win this ward, we will change this ward. In one year, you could turn a place around by educating our people on how councillors should be operating,” he concluded.
Having initially contested the 2024 National and Provincial elections and receiving the most votes amongst independent candidates, founder and president, Thanasagren Moodley, formed the party and said their aim was to ultimately be the voice for the voiceless and strive to ensure a better quality of life, especially for the elderly. Additionally, the party will contest any by-election in preparation for the Local Government Elections next year.
The ward 110 by-elections take place on 16 April, following the removal of its former councillor, Aamir Abdul.
