Independents take on elections

The 2011 local government elections are gearing up to be the year of the independent candidates.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission’s Rosina Mkhondo, Regional Supervisor for Tshwane, the Commission has registered 18 independent candidates, a number which has almost doubled from the last municipal elections.

Most of the candidates in Tshwane, she said, come from the Temba and Mamelodi districts of Pretoria.

One of the independent candidates who listed himself up for nomination on Friday is Shimane Mashaba, a businessman with a background in politics. He cites corruption amongst the councillors in Atteridgeville as the reason he is running in this year's campaign.

“With the corruption that’s been going on, we saw people’s lines being cut, cables ripped off… Based on the constitutional rights of people we thought it’s prudent that we step up to the challenge,” He said, “they are academic comrades. They are in for their pockets not for the people.”

Mashaba said he was motivated by the struggles of the people in his community. “I don’t do things because I choose to. I’m sent out by the community,” he said. “The people have requested that I join these elections so they can be represented by somebody they can trust.”

He is contesting two wards in Tshwane.

Another independent candidate from Atteridgeville is Victor Mphahlele, who said: “I appointed myself voluntarily to stand as an independent candidate, not to be part of a problem within a particular party… It is my democratic right as well to stand and represent my people.”

Trevor Buckland cites similar reasons for joining the election race. “I decided that it’s my time to make a difference,” he said. Buckland is contesting for Tshwane’s ward 58, which includes a portion of Arcadia and Trevenna.

How does he think he will perform in the elections?

“I’m sure I’m going to win. I’m positive. For the people’s sake.”

The elections will take place on May 18.

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