The DA is breaking new ground in the Eastern Cape’s traditional ANC heartland. In Mnquma’s Ward 14, our DA candidate, Andisa Stofile, great-grandson of the late former Eastern Cape Premier Makhenkesi Stofile, is bringing residents and community leaders together to discuss development and the leadership needed to deliver it.
Yesterday, 7 October, I, together with DA Phesheya Kwenciba Constituency Leader, Fezeka Mbiko MP, addressed the Ward 14 Development Summit in Mbiza, Ngqamakhwe.
See photos here, here, and here.
The gathering included traditional leaders, traditional healers, and residents, with discussions centred on infrastructure, service delivery, local economic opportunities, and turning community priorities into practical action.
For residents, development must mean improvements they can see and experience. Improved road infrastructure that connects them to opportunities, public services they can rely on, and a municipality that responds when they need help.
Electing strong ward councillors is essential to achieving this. Residents deserve representatives who are present between elections, take their concerns to council, and follow through until those concerns receive attention.
Communities must have a voice in setting development priorities and holding government accountable for delivery.
Yesterday’s dialogue reflects the DA’s growing reach into communities across the Eastern Cape that have long been regarded as ANC strongholds.
No party owns these communities or their votes. Their support must be earned through credible leadership and a commitment to improving their lives.
The DA will continue building these relationships, supporting candidates such as Stofile, and working with residents to get their municipalities working for all.