Parties battle for Ward 1

WITH electioneering in full swing in Platfontein and Roodepan ahead of the Ward 1 by-election on July 23, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) is already claiming the ward as its own.

- SANDI KWON HOO

PA leader Gayton McKenzie, who was in Kimberley this week, pointed out that Platfontein only becomes a focus of attention during elections.

“I eradicated pit toilets in the Karoo and I can do the same in Platfontein. The PA is responsible for the by-election - we removed our former councillor Johan Loff because he missed three council meetings. We would rather have someone hardworking. Our candidate is Rufaro van der Ross. We will appoint a resident from Platfontein to serve as the PR councillor after the by-election,” said McKenzie.

He criticised the use of taxpayers’ money to run election campaigns under the guise of service delivery programmes.

“I have much more access to state funds, but I will not misuse them. I always tell my voters, if they give you a food parcel, take it — but put your cross where it matters most. They can hand out as many SMME containers with the premier’s face on them, but the ANC will not win.”

McKenzie also indicated that he planned to meet with the Kimberley Action Group (KAG) this week in an attempt to discourage the group from staging a city shutdown on July 14.

“Much more can be achieved by voting in the right people.”

However, KAG march organiser Boyce Makodi said he was not aware of any attempt to meet with McKenzie.

“We have resolved not to meet with any political party as this is an apolitical movement. We will not be used for campaigning purposes,” said Makodi.