DA announces candidate for EL by-election

THE DA has fielded businessman Jason McDowell as its candidate for the June by-elections in the Buffalo City Metro’s Ward 18, which comprises Vincent, Bunkers Hill, Nahoon Beach, Bonnie Doon and Woodleigh.

The opposition party believes McDowell is the right man to retain control of the suburban ward. The by-election has been organised to fill the position that was left vacant by David Viaene when he resigned as DA councillor earlier this year.

Buffalo City Metro DA constituency leader Kevin Mileham, who announced McDowell as the candidate on Wednesday, described him as a man of integrity with an impeccable track record of conducting honest business in the city.

McDowell is currently the deputy chairman of the DA’s coastal constituency in BCM.

Speaking to the Saturday Dispatch this week, McDowell said he was more than ready to become part of the solution.

“The ward houses some of the great areas including the Nahoon River which is our pride but needs closer monitoring and a more serious conversation plan.

“We need more maintenance of our roads and infrastructure,” said McDowell.

“McDowell was born in Port Elizabeth, but his parents moved to East London shortly after his birth and therefore he is a local through and through.

“He is therefore very passionate about the City. As the owner of McDowell Agencies he is well respected in the corporate environment and has an excellent track record as a business man,” said Mileham.

The EFF and ANC, which indicated that they would contest the ward, are yet to announce their candidates for the upcoming by-election.

The Dispatch reported earlier this month that there would be four by-elections in three Eastern Cape municipalities in June.

The Independent Electoral Commission at the time said the elections would be conducted in BCM’s Ward 18 and the city’s Ward 21,which covers Mdantsane’s NU12 and 13.

There will also be a by-election in Ward 9 in Ingquza Hill municipality.

Mdantsane will elect a new councillor after the ANC’s Mlandeli Ngabayena died. —–