- Manenberg voters will elect a new Ward 30 councillor on Wednesday, 20 November, following the passing of Bonita Jacobs.
- Nine candidates are contesting the by-election, focusing on issues such as crime, unemployment, and service delivery.
- Voting will take place at eight stations across Ward 30, with polls open from 07:00 to 21:00.
More than 16 000 registered voters are expected to head to the polls on Wednesday 20 November, to elect a new ward councillor for Manenberg’s Ward 30.The position was made vacant by the passing of the Democratic Alliance’s Bonita Jacobs in August.
All voting stations will open at 07:00 and close at 21:00 in Ward 30, only.
All registered voters in a queue by the cut off time will be allowed to cast their votes. Each voter must vote at the voting station they are registered at and must be in possession of either a green barcoded ID book, a Smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate to be allowed to vote.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) confirms there are 16 978 registered voters in Ward 30 and the election will be contested by nine political party candidates.People’s Post reached out to all nine candidates contesting the election to find out more about their motivation for running for public office and their top priorities should they be elected. Al Jama-ah’s Sameeg Norodien did not respond to enquiries.
- African Restoration Alliance (ARA)
African Restoration Alliance’s (ARA) Vivien Samuel Morris says he is running for office to serve the community and give back. His focus areas, should he be elected, include creating a safer community, bringing jobs to the community and creating more opportunities for the youth.
- African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP)
African Christian Democratic Party’s (ACDP) Anwar Constance was born and raised in Manenberg. “For all these years I saw the oppression of our people in the Manenberg community. Throughout the years I have been trying my best to assist people in Manenberg with problems they have in their houses and municipal accounts as well as handing out food every week. This by-election has allowed me to bring a positive change; when I’m elected as the new councillor of Ward 30, I will be able to do so much more for our people. The struggles of our community are what made me run for office.” Rampant crime and drug use, municipal accounts and rebates and tackling unemployment and education will be his priorities.
- African National Congress (ANC)
African National Congress’s (ANC) Yamkela Mayalo has been a community activist working in both Manenberg and Thambo Village for many years. “I believe in the power of community-driven change. Having lived in this community for years, I understand the challenges we face, and I am committed to being a voice that represents the needs and aspirations of every resident. I believe that together, we can build a better, safer, and more prosperous community for all,” he says. His top priorities will be improved service delivery and fast tracking housing developments, job creation through youth empowerment and Economic Growth and community safety. “I am committed to working tirelessly to bring real, meaningful change to our community.”
- Democratic Alliance (DA)
DA’s Deidree Carol de Vos says: “I feel deeply for the struggles of our community. Every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and safety, yet so many in our area are denied even the basics. Through years of community service, I’ve witnessed firsthand the resilience of our people, and I am determined to amplify their voices and bring lasting change to our neighborhoods.” Her top three priorites will be Access to Basic Services, Strengthening Community Safety and Support for Vulnerable Families facing food insecurity, inadequate housing, and other hardships. “Many in our community still lack essentials like clean water and electricity. I am committed to ensuring every resident has access to these basic needs, so no family has to live in conditions that endanger their health and wellbeing.”
- National Coloured Congress (NCC)
National Coloured Congress’s (NCC) Mogamat Yusuf Hope has been a community activist in Manenberg for more than 35 years. “When I was 16 years old, I was one of the founders of the Sherwood Park Neighbourhood Watch. I have my own non-profit organisation running projects for homeless and destitute people. I have always been passionate about our youth and for the last 17 years, my team and I have been doing matric and debutant balls for underprivileged children, mostly focusing on matric balls. Last year, we did 17 matric balls at no cost and this year we did 19,” he says. After uncovering corruption, he decided to join the NCC and run for office. His top three priorities, should he be elected is service delivery, safety and sports. “We need to bring sports back…our kids have nothing to do. It seems there is no political ambition to solve this issue.”
- Patriotic Alliance (PA)
Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) Yumna Alexander says she is deeply passionate about serving the community. “Growing up in Manenberg led me to where I am now. From being a school dropout to a graduate, understanding the socio-economic challenges is one of the many reasons why I have been doing a portion of responsibility a ward councillor already for the last four years. I am about service delivery, and it started with the night school initiative in 2020. However, I always felt I wanted to do more. I realised being a ward Councillor will allow me to do more, be part of the decision-making for our community, and have our best interests at heart. The plight about our welfare is priority and I see it fit amplifying the voices of the marginalised,” she says. Her top three focus areas will be education and drop-outs, council and municipal services and to restore recreational activities.
- Truth and Solidarity Movement (TRUTH)
Truth and Solidarity Movement’s (TRUTH) Abdul Karriem van der Schyff says: “I am running for office to improve the conditions which have regressed in the last 30 years, instead of improving. To improve the quality of life for the youth by creating recreational and sports facilities, steering them in a more positive direction and help develop them to their full potential. Two high schools in such a large area is not enough, so if there is no place in these schools, where do the kids go? A fully functional hospital – GF Jooste was demolished, the lack of a hospital has a negative effect on hospitals in surrounding areas. I want people in Manenberg to say enough is enough and I will do my utmost best to facilitate that.”
- Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK)
Umkhonto Wesizwe’s (MK) Moewada Abrahams says: “I have been a community worker in Manenberg for more than 20 years and have implemented numerous community programmes. I live and work here, I am raising my family here and care deeply about the well-being of the community in Manenberg. I know the struggles we face daily—the challenges of safety, unemployment, housing, and the lack of basic services.” She continues that the top concern is safety as a result of continued gang violence, drugs and crime. Unemployment and housing will also be addressed. “Gang violence, crime, and drugs have held our community hostage for far too long. I will work tirelessly to strengthen relationships with local law enforcement, push for more visible policing, and support community-led safety initiatives.”
- Voting will take place at Phoenix High, Edendale Primary, Manenberg People’s Centre, the Downs Community Centre, Rio Grande primary, Salvation Army centre, Sherwood Park community centre and Manenberg Primary.
