Boy run over during by-election rallies

KNYSNA NEWS - It was a rather eventful week for political parties rallying in Concordia, Knysna for the by-election on 24 October in Ward 8, which became vacant after the murder of ANC councillor Victor Molosi in July.

While an otherwise peaceful ANC rally only had a chanting EFF-throng paying it a brief visit, the DA's rally was marred by a young boy being hospitalised after being hit by a taxi.

Before the DA's convoy on Sunday 21 October, Keandre September (8) was hit by a taxi and rushed to hospital where he is being treated for major head injuries.

His emotional mother Denellshia September said this week, "It breaks my heart to see him in so much pain but I'm just glad he is alive. People who saw the accident say he was dragged a few metres by the taxi – it's a miracle he survived."

While many witnesses to the event believed the vehicle formed a part of the DA convoy, it has since been confirmed that this was not the case, and that the boy had "accidentally run into the taxi" as he was crossing the road, according to the police report. Taxi driver Nkuthazo Bokweni said he tried to swerve to avoid hitting the boy but failed because of the speed with which the boy was running across the road.

The EFF made a brief appearance at the ANC's rally on Sunday 21 October.

In contrast, the ANC event, also on Sunday, at the Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Concordia went rather smoothly.

'Molosi never made empty promises'
Their rally coincided with what would have been struggle stalwart Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu's 100th birthday, and her name was honoured between speeches. Ward candidate Thando Matika said their gathering at the venue was symbolic because the ANC was formed in a church in 1912. He said he has taken note of what needs to be done in the ward and that he has tried to assist the community with some of their needs noted during door-to-door visits.

Knysna ANC secretary Moyisi Magalela challenged the leaders to bestow words of encouragement on Matika. "We are delegating such a huge responsibility on this young man – arm him with courage. Molosi never made empty promises so we expect him to follow suit and be a man of his word."

Magalela advised the crowd that Ward 8 residents should not lose focus because of the court appearance that is scheduled to take place on the same day as the by-election, but to cast their vote first and then go to court.

Bitou Municipality deputy mayor Sandiso Gcabhayi, who was also speaking at the event, said campaigning in the ward was easy. "Molosi, made it so. The community is still in awe of the level of his commitment to service delivery, he said, adding as he referred to Molosi's moniker, "Freeze was a giant."

The majority of the ANC's rally attendees were the youth and children.