Ex-mayor Pakati leaves BCM proud of what he achieved

Outgoing Buffalo City Metro mayor Xola Pakati says he is not leaving the metro with his tail between his legs.

The city elected a new mayor on Thursday.

In a letter to speaker Humphrey Maxegwana last week, Pakati said: “We are bowing out of office proud of the achievements we have been able to register in all key areas of our metro.”

Pakati resigned on Monday, ending months of speculation about his future, with his then deputy Princess Faku’s supporters pushing hard for her to occupy the number one office at City Hall.

Faku was officially elected to succeed Pakati in a special council meeting on Thursday evening.

Pakati, in his letter, detailed how he had turned the city around since his arrival as new mayor in 2016.

“When we arrived, the city was known for corruption, with the Nelson Mandela funeral scandal showing the level of the rot.

“We have worked to create a culture of honest work and as such we have been free of scandals.

“When we arrived in Buffalo City, you could not differentiate between politicians and the administrators as councillors were too involved in [the administration],” he wrote.

Pakati said it was an honour for him to be given an opportunity to lead the people of BCM, “more particularly in their quest for progress, prosperity and security”.

He said the past eight years when he served as deputy mayor and then mayor were the highest task a patriot could perform in a municipality.

Pakati said the physical makeup and urban form of BCM had changed for the better under him as his administration managed to tar roads in major townships, including Mdantsane, Duncan Village, Zwelitsha and Dimbaza, and major works were ongoing.

Further roadworks included mega projects such as the Qumza Highway, upgrade of Bonza Bay Road, Gonubie Main Road, the R72 and Settlers Way Road.

“During our tenure, Buffalo City became an events and sports destination of choice, hosting international matches for soccer, cricket and other sports,” he said.

“Buffalo City is now a recognised tourism destination throughout the world.

“Our local businesses played their part by promoting our city as an investment destination because we created a solid compact with organised business.”

Pakati’s term, however, has not been without ups and down and the city, under him, has been criticised for potholes, incorrect billing and at times for its problems with rubbish collection and general cleanliness across the city.