Papiyana ready to take up any role
New Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) councillor Madoda Papiyana, who was sworn in recently, says he will take on any role the political leadership of the council deems fit for him.
This follows after the ANC regional leadership thought it wise to deploy Papiyana to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former councillor Sibusiso Mvana, who served as the integrated planning and economic development portfolio head of EMLM.
Papiyana said: “As a disciplined member of the organisation, I will never question the wisdom of the collective and I am always willing to assume any responsibilities [if] the leadership feels I am ideal to perform the task.”
Papiyana is also the deputy secretary of the ANC Chris Hani region and served as the former chief whip of Chris Hani before he resigned and took office last Wednesday.
He is yet to be formally introduced to the council as he said he could attend the last council meeting due to other commitments.
Papiyana said he was excited about the position.
“I am elated and honoured at the confidence the organisation I serve placed in me, to deploy me in such a critical position, to serve the people of Enoch Mgijima in government.”
He added that the role was not entirely new to him as he has served in the Intsika Yethu and Chris Hani municipalities.
Papiyana also shared his view on Enoch Mgijima being placed under the National Cabinet Representative (NCR).
He said as a councillor he was willing to work with the NCR team for their work to bear fruit in the government institution.
“The decision was a cabinet decision and has to be supported.
“Obviously, all decisions are subject to regular reviews,” he said.
There has been some speculation about him being set to take over as the new mayor of EMLM.
In response, Papiyana reiterated: “I will assume any role and accept any responsibility the leadership may assign to me.”
He said he believed that prioritising the functions of the municipality, and focusing on basic services, was the best way to improve service delivery in the municipality.
This could only be possible with stakeholders all pulling together in the same direction, he said.