Debate scheduled for Rheenendal tonight
Meet the contenders: Debate scheduled for Rheenendal tonight in the run-up to Knysna by-election
Knysna’s Ward 5, which includes Rheenendal, will be contested in a by-election scheduled for August 21, in order to replace former councillor ana mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, who recently took up a position in parliament – YOLANDE STANuER reports
toral Commission (IEC) has announced that five parties will be vying for Bouw-Spiess spot on the council, including four familiar parties and newcomer, the Knysna Independent Movement (KIM).
Most parties have revealed their intentions, which they have said would be focused on. among others. service delivery for the people in the area.
KIM will be represented by local activist and legal expert Susan Campbell who vowed to fight corruption, nepotism, inequality, injustice and poor service delivery, as well as address waste and inefficiency in municipal government.
Campbell also intends to focus on affordable public transport and opportunities for Rheenendal entrepreneurs. create jobs, focus on fire safety, protect the area s natural and built environment and create economic opportunities for rural communities.
She said KIM was established after residents identified a need for an independent political party not aligned or beholden to any political parties at the national or provincial level.
Other parties in the running include the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) who will be represented by Knysna-born family man Alberto Marbi.
Marbi said the PBI was a political party for all whom would not be intimidated by any other political party, lie too hoped to alleviate poverty through economic growth and job creation as well as, among others, housing for the poor and access to affordable land.
The ANC will also be weighing in for this by-election and will be represented by Knysna-born
Carol Marshal Williams who has been a resident of Rheenendal (Keurhoek) for the past 17 years.
She hopes to focus on issues including housing, phasing out outdoor toilets. tarring and/or paving of roads, improving residential areas, upgrading of sports facilities and electrification of informal areas, while promoting youth and social development.
The face of the DA in the by-election be will that of Hilton Stroebel, whose aims include, among many others, growing tourism and creating jobs.
As part of his election campaign, he is promising to fight for the upgrading of informal settlements, providing residents with access to basic services, and providing access roads for emergency vehicles.
The EFF will be represented by Anthony Norman Freeman. According to the party’s manifesto, among its priorities are free quality education, healthcare, houses, and sanitation. It also aims to create an open, accountable, corrupt-free government and society without fear of victimisation by state agencies.
The party says it is committed to massive protected industrial development to create sustainable jobs, including the introduction of minimum wages to close the vast gap between the rich and the poor.
Residents have the opportunity to hear what the candidates have to say during a public debate at Rheenendal Civic Centre between 6 pm and 8 pm today (August 14). The debate is due to be broadcast live on Eden FM.
A similar debate was held at the Brenton Community Hall on Tuesday.
Garden Route Media