Ward councillor candidates representing different political organisations in Gugulethu and surrounding areas converged at Jafta Methodist Church today, Tuesday 27 October, to pray for a free and fair local government election. The service was organised by the Abathunywa Ministers Fraternity.
Abathunywa president and the leader of Apostolic Amen Church in Zion, Rev Zama Mfihlo, described the service as a way of building peace and harmony among the ward councillor candidates. He said the aim was to unite them rather than allow them to become adversaries.
ALSO READ: Church leaders pray for the election
“We’ve seen other provinces where ward councillor candidates were killed. We don’t want that to happen here. They mustn’t see each other as enemies, but as opponents. We want even those who lose the election to accept the outcome and work with each other,” explained Mfihlo, adding that all they were requesting was for God to be with them. He added that they were not there to take sides or promote a particular agenda.
Candidates welcome the initiative
One of the ward councillor candidates for Ward 41, Masibulele Tolofane of the African National Congress, said he welcomed the service, stating that there were many developments before the election. He said it was vital for political organisations to learn to appreciate one another.
Another councillor candidate for Ward 39, Marc Motlane, stated he wished for free and fair elections. He described the local government election as a platform for the community to choose the leaders of their choice.
IEC confirm readiness
Speaking on behalf of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Andile Kula declared that they were ready for the election day.
“We are here to assure the councillor candidates and the community at large that we are ready for the election. This election will be free and fair. We’ve done our homework and we are ready,” he said, adding that they started preparing for the local government election last year. Kula said he was there to ensure that everything was up to date.
Police warn troublemakers of arrest
Gugulethu Police Acting Station Commander, Col Soyiso Mantyi, also stated that they were ready. He assured that anyone trying to disrupt the election would be arrested.
“When you leave this church, you can spread the message to the community that the Gugulethu officers are ready. We have a plan in place for the upcoming election. We are working together with the City’s metro police and law enforcement. We didn’t start planning yesterday. We started way back. From Monday 2 November, during the special vote, we will be on the ground. Those thinking of causing chaos — I can assure you that before Wednesday 4 November you will be behind bars,” said Mantyi.
