‘COUNCILLORS MUST SERVE THE PEOPLE WHO VOTED FOR THEM’ –Dr KEKANA

By Motshwari Mofokeng and Sphume Msomi

EMPANGENI — ActionSA Deputy President Dr Bahare Kekana has called for greater accountability among councillors, warning elected public representatives against using political office to enrich themselves while communities continue to struggle with unemployment.
Kekana was speaking in Empangeni during ActionSA’s unveiling of its Mayoral and ward councillor candidates for the upcoming Local Government Elections, where Thamsanqa Mthiyane was announced as the party’s mayoral candidate for uMhlathuze.
Taking aim at councillors who appear to improve their lifestyles soon after being elected, Kekana questioned how some public representatives are able to afford expensive vehicles while serving in council.
“Any councillor who can go and buy two-door cars after being elected is a thief in front of council,” Kekana said.

He argued that councillors should instead focus on creating opportunities for the people who supported and voted for them.
Kekana said unemployed young people should be given opportunities within municipalities, including positions such as clerks, personal assistants and office support workers.
“Let’s remember these young people who are looking for jobs, who are looking for opportunities,” he said.
He stressed that elected leaders have a responsibility to work hard to improve the lives of residents rather than benefiting personally from political office.
Kekana also challenged those who make allegations against other public representatives to account for their own conduct.
His remarks come as political parties intensify their preparations for the upcoming local government elections, with ActionSA positioning itself as a party focused on accountability, employment and improved municipal service delivery.
The party says Mthiyane and its ward candidates are ready to “fix uMhlathuze” and build a municipality that puts residents first.

email: motshwari@onenews.co.za