Every Tuesday, Ahmed Kajee sits down with a mayoral candidate to discuss their vision. This week, he spoke with Herman Mashaba, ActionSA’s mayoral candidate in Johannesburg. Below is an excerpt from the discussion.
Ahmed: Why are you returning to the Johannesburg mayoral candidacy?
Herman: I have unfinished business in the city of Johannesburg. Remember, in October 2019, I had to abruptly resign. I had warned South Africa and the people of Johannesburg that in the event of Helen Zille coming back into the leadership of DA, I would resign. When she was elected in the leadership position, Herman Mashaba could not stand being associated with people I regard to be racist and took a conscious decision to step aside from such an organisation. Now, we’re facing another very important election and the party felt the person most qualified to go and finish what I could not do at the time.
Ahmed: There’s no doubt that Johannesburg is facing multiple issues, right? What would be your main priorities should you be elected mayor?
Herman: I have already announced my 10 MMCs, so I’m already ahead of everyone. Our priority is going to be the finances of the city because the budget that came effective 1st of July, is unfunded. To what extent? Unfortunately, we don’t have access to the real numbers because the city is not cooperative. Balancing our books is going to really be a priority.
Ahmed: I am a resident of Johannesburg. I want water in my taps. I want electricity. I want roads maintained. I want fixed sewage infrastructure as well. How will you get that [done]?
Herman: There’s a reason why we have government and it’s the responsibility of government to provide those services. Money that you collect from us on a monthly basis must go towards the provision of those services. That’s the reason I am in politics — because of being failed by politicians over many years.
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Image: Jikelo/African News Agency (ANA)
