KNYSNA NEWS - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa recently released a statement confirming that municipal by-elections for slain Knysna councillor Victor Molosi's Ward 8 will take place on 24 October this year, which is next week.
Molosi was gunned down on 23 July this year, near his home in Concordia, and subsequently his ward – which covers Concordia and Joodsekamp in Knysna – has been left without a councillor.
According to the IEC, residents of Ward 8, with its 3 876 registered voters, will be able to vote at Concordia High School and Masifunde Library.
The IEC reminded voters that they may also check and update their registration details at their local IEC office weekdays during office hours, adding that it is a criminal offence to register and vote in a ward where they don't ordinarily reside.
Meet the candidates
Thando Matika (ANC), who worked alongside Molosi, says there are big shoes to fill and that he is ready to pick up the spear and continue with the fight and serve the people.
Matika (29) started his political journey at the tender age of 14 when he joined the Youth League in high school (Percy Mdala). He joined the ANC when he was 18.
"Politics within the ANC or other parties are a huge distraction, so much so that some leaders lose focus of what their goal is – putting the people first and serving them, whether they are in the organisation or not," says Matika, adding that after being Molosi's right-hand man he knows what is expected of him and he is ready to take over where Molosi left off.
Sharron Hartnick (DA).
Aphumle Kolanisi (EFF) joined the organisation in 2014 and became an active member as of last year.
Kolanisi (23) says there is so much that still needs to be done in the ward and he is looking forward to be a vessel of change for the people. On top of the list is maintaining houses for the elderly for free and that he will avail himself 24 hours a day.
"I don't see how politics can ever influence my decision making, but I do know that if I win on behalf of the EFF then I can have influence in the decision making – my ideas and that of the party will carry weight," he says.
Sharron Hartnick (DA) has been a DA member since 2011. The 52-year-old Hartnick says she has been a Ward 8 resident for most of her life.
"I was born in Knysna and lived in Concordia from the age of 13," she says.
Hartnick's focus areas, she says, would include housing, promoting the establishment of facilities for the youth of the area, and assisting the elderly.
Aphumle Kolanisi (EFF).
"For example, we don't even have a park for children to play in, so what are they supposed to do? I plan on addressing all issues the community brings to me," she says, adding that she would maintain an open-door policy if elected.
Would she allow party politics to influence her decision-making in council? Hartnick plainly says she will not allow that to happen.
The Knysna Unity Congress' (KUC) Welcome Salaze says the party will not be taking part in the by-election but will rather support the ANC's candidate as Molosi was a great legend.
* According to the IEC's website, special voting will take place at voting stations as well as through home visits on 23 October between 08:00 and 17:00.
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