Villagers pin their high hopes on blind councillor
MEMBERS of the underdeveloped rural community of Creigton, near Underberg in southern Kwazulu-natal, have put their faith in a blind man hoping that he will bring change.
Mthobisi Dlamini, 36, who is blind, won the hearts and votes of the community, who chose him as ward councillor of Madzikana Village in Creigton.
Charmed by his “sense of humour”, villagers preferred Dlamini over his counterparts, complaining the “sighted” ones failed them for years.
The small village lacked services such as water, roads and proper houses.
Dlamini, an active community member from a young age, led community-based programmes.
He said he became partially blind at the age of 10 – and it worsened as he grew up until he was completely blind.
“Being blind hasn’t affected me much, except that I had to change schools. I had to go to Pietermaritzburg and Durban where I became fully active in politics. I matriculated in 2005 with assistance from the Natal Society for the Blind,” he said.
Dlamini, a final year Communication Science student, resigned as the Community Programmes Officer for the same municipality.
While he was already popular in his community through sports and his motivational talks, he was surprised when he was announced as a councillor candidate by his party, the ANC.
His political campaign was themed as #Ongaboni (the blind one) which he believed led him to victory. “I think people saw beyond my blindness. They were inspired by the work I have been doing in this area as a resident and municipal official. Being a councillor is all about bringing relevant people to bring development. Luckily, I grew up in this area. I know what is needed.
“Opposition members tried to campaign against me, saying I won’t be able to assist. But the community showed interest in me.”
To execute his duties, Dlamini relies on the latest technology and his instincts. He operates his phone using apps that assist sight-impaired people with reading voice. He is also able to use tablets and laptops. Asked how he was going to ensure roads were fixed and verges cut, Dlamini insisted his senses were “sharp” adding that as he travelled by car, he could feel places that needed servicing.
His priority was to provide RDP houses, as many families were still living in mud houses.
He said the lack of job opportunities was the cause of poverty. “We have issues with network connection, there is no running water and roads are in a poor state. Many young people have no jobs. We need to engage with local businesses, farms and forestry growers to see how they can assist us.”
Locals spoke fondly of Dlamini. Resident Cyril Zulu said: “Those who have sight, have done nothing for us all these years. He has been active in the community.” Another voter, Octavia Gamede, said at first she was sceptical, but was sold when Dlamini addressed them. “He is a dedicated man.”
A fellow opposition party councillor who asked not to be named praised Dlamini as a hard-working person.