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Ekurhuleni does not need another list of promises. Residents know what is broken because they live with it every day: roads falling apart, unreliable water and electricity, communities living with crime, and public money failing to deliver the services it should.

I am not prepared to accept this as normal.

The DA’s Local Government Manifesto gives us a practical plan: to stop corruption, get water flowing, keep the lights on, make communities safer, clean up our towns and create more local jobs. My five pledges take that plan and put Ekurhuleni’s needs at the centre.

At the manifesto launch, crime was the central theme of my address. I spoke about how it no longer exists only in corners of our City, but how entire communities are living under its shadow.

Here are my five pledges to get Ekurhuleni working again:

First, a corruption-free city. People must be appointed because they can do the job, not because of who they know. We will end cadre deployment, protect public money and make procurement transparent. Every rand must work for the people of Ekurhuleni.

Stable finances are at the heart of better services. We will improve financial management, strengthen revenue collection and ensure money is directed to the services residents depend on.

Roads that work should be the standard, not the exception. We will fix potholes, maintain roads and deal with failing infrastructure before problems become bigger and more expensive. Where the City lacks capacity, we will bring in the skills needed to get the job done.

Safer communities are non-negotiable. People should feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. We will bring policing closer to residents, strengthen City policing, improve lighting and enforce by-laws against illegal taverns, crime hotspots and other lawlessness.

Ekurhuleni also needs an economy that creates jobs. We will cut unnecessary red tape, support small businesses and traders, improve the services businesses need and attract investment. Our City has enormous potential, and we must create an environment where that potential becomes real opportunities.

A working Ekurhuleni has clean government, reliable services, safer communities and more opportunities for all.

The DA has the plan, and I have made clear commitments to Ekurhuleni. On 4 November, residents can choose a DA government that stands ready to govern.

Issued by Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL - DA Mayoral Candidate for Ekurhuleni