Thulani Colson Buthelezi Ward 130, Zone 8
Inspired by his grandfather, he joined the ABC
“I had the opportunity to be raised by a grandfather who participated in politics as it was somehow compulsory for black Africans since they were the most oppressed. He never wanted us to participate because he would tell stories on how cruel politics could be”. In 1997, he started at Wits Technikon as a SASCO member. “I then started participated at a branch level with no intention for any position as I was more focused on my studies – thereafter the primary focus was on gaining acquired skills to be competitive in the job market”.
Problems in Ward 130 include unemployment, housing, and drug abuse.
“I am from a very unique ward that encompasses four kinds of households, which means we have challenges informal settlement, four-roomed, bond and RDP houses”.
The problems his ward has to include the lack of sports and recreational facilities, the abuse of drugs and other substances, lack of employment and crime, and poverty It also includes flooding, lack of infrastructures such as community halls, informal settlements, and overpopulation. Housing issues and a lack of proper roads, a low electricity grid, small yards, and title deeds that have not been handed over to house-owners.
What solutions and proposals will he take to Council?
“One of the primary objectives that form part of the solution is massive workshops on civil education. There’s a very quick service delivery solutions such as printing of title deeds.” He continues, “The township economy should be implemented – not only through tendering but through manufacturing and utilising our Emndeni industrial park”.
“Some schools should be combined to allow space for the training of various skills programs ie food gardening (security), business language and ethics, bricklaying, plumbing, and electrification.
Immigration officers should visit our areas unannounced for at least twice in a month, as part of eliminating the influx of foreign nationals without paperwork to our areas”.
He would also deal with the closure of our local police station and the allocation of houses to 96/97 as a primary focus to deal with the backlog. He would also outsource funds to construct proper stormwater drains. “Every ward should have a team that attends to service delivery challenges.”
How has he positively contributed to the community?
“I have been at the forefront in the formulation of SGB Forum that intends to represent ZOJAZAMOTLANA and the Business Forum. I have participated in the CPF arm as part of keeping our neighborhood safe”.
“I have promoted unity and a healthy lifestyle through sport by organizing tournaments, where we will have netball, soccer, athletics, traditional dancing groups, and modeling”.
“I have been very instrumental in assisting our community on various service delivery challenges such as potholes, blocked stormwater drains, streetlights that are off, family disputes, and job placements to various community stakeholders”.
“I have been very instrumental in assisting our community on various service delivery challenges such as potholes, blocked stormwater drains, streetlights that are off, family disputes, and job placements to various community stakeholders”.
What inspires him to continue with his ANC activism
“The ANC has been very consistent in its approach towards conferences that sit every time as per their levels when they are due. Policies are consistent in addressing the injustices of the past, such as our education system, employment opportunities, and all our indigent policies.”
“The ANC has been consistent in its pursuit for a rainbow nation and continually aligned to the global business scale to better the lives of our people. I am happy to be part of a political organisation that continues to champion and place its citizens before personal interests.
“There’s no political party that will champion better the interest of blacks, in particular, Africans than the ANC.”