Councillor dies months after being elected
THE WARD 51 councillor in Langa, Zingisile Nkangana, has died after serving just three months. He replaced councillor Nomtha Dilima, who died of Covid-19 last year.
Nkangana died after a long illness. He was on indefinite leave from January, after winning the by-election in November.
Residents said this had disrupted the provision of services in the ward, while others claimed that they last saw Nkangana’s face on the ballot paper.
Resident Anele Gqasana said the late Dilima had several projects which assisted the community, but after her death these were put on hold.
DA PR councillor Zimkhitha Sulelo said there had been complaints about the absence of the ward councillor.
“People expect the ward councillor to be at the office, and if not, at least the ward assistant should be there.”
Independent candidate Balise Jikolo said the community had expected the councillor to be introduced at the beginning of the year, but that didn't happen.
“I had hoped that, as a young person, he would bring fresh energy into the position while ensuring that the provision of services is continued.
“The transition from the late Dilima and Nkangana has put a halt on services. There is a slow movement on provision of services delivery, but the major concern is that our area, filthy from overflowing sewage, is not taken care of,” she said.
Acting ward councillor Thembelani Sakathi said he was working with the ward committee, the area committee and sub-council manager to ensure that the projects continued.
He said projects were disrupted by the pandemic.