Ward 43 residents want answers

Angry words and threats of a protest came from KwaNobuhle residents outside the Ward 43 councillor’s office yesterday, as a meeting took place inside.

The incident was sparked by a report in The Herald yesterday, stating that the ANC had left Ward 43 off its ward and proportional candidates list, which means it cannot contest that ward.

What further angered residents was that they were not told of the mistake, and only found out about it in the newspaper.

Three police vehicles and at least two municipal security vehicles stood nearby as dozens of residents threatened to block the road with burning tyres.

However, the crowd later dispersed without any police intervention needed.

SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) member and long-time ANC supporter Maliwe Grootboom, 50, believed Bay politicians had hidden agendas that had caused the omission.

“We were perfectly happy with the candidate on the list we saw.

“Everything was done right – regional task team members came here to oversee the process. We were happy with the person on the list,” she said.

Grootboom said the list she saw had Zoleka Nceza as ANC ward candidate.

All questions were referred to former National Youth Development Agency head Andile Lungisa.

Lungisa, who was also at the meeting, said there was no protest, but a crowd of ANC supporters had gathered to receive feedback on the meeting.

“We have promised to report back to Ward 43 residents by Tuesday.”