Vote for delivery, not a party

24 March 2016 - 09:31 By Thabile Mange

It is my contention that voters don't really understand what local government elections are all about. Hence the low turn-out. They seem to think that these elections don't matter. Well, they do .The main purpose of a local government is to deliver services to the local communities.That's why when there is lack of delivery, communities protest against their councillors and municipalities.Local government elections are about service delivery - and voters don't have to elect candidates only from political parties.Though it's rare for an independent candidate to win a municipal election, it can happen.One such example is Rodney Tsholetsane, who was elected ward councillor of Kagiso in Gauteng.Still, the masses always complain that ward councillors are imposed on them by political parties.As indicated above, they have an alternative of choosing any candidate (not necessarily one attached to any political party) they deem fit and competent.We need more independent candidates to take part in the local government. These are the people who communities know and trust. The advantage of independents is that they don't take instructions from a political party but from communities...

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