EVATON, GAUTENG – Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis is spearheading the party’s campaign in Emfuleni this weekend, focusing heavily on Evaton West and the newly secured Ward 28. The visit marks a significant milestone for the party as it builds momentum ahead of the November elections, celebrating a historic first victory in the ward amidst pressing local governance challenges.
Emfuleni has been grappling with severe service delivery issues in recent years, particularly concerning infrastructure deterioration, water provision, and overall municipal performance. Upon arriving in Evaton West, the visible state of the roads, characterized by mass potholes, underscored the infrastructural challenges facing the community. Despite these hurdles, DA supporters gathered in large numbers to celebrate the party’s breakthrough in the area.
The newly elected Ward 28 Councilor, Maki Tshabalala, attributed the historic victory to a shift in voter sentiment. According to Shabalala, residents have recognized the tangible changes brought by DA-led governance elsewhere, citing increased job opportunities, fairness, and improved administration as key factors that won their trust.
When outlining her immediate priorities for the ward, Tshabalala highlighted critical service delivery failures that need urgent intervention. She noted that her key focus areas include fixing potholes and clearing illegal dumping sites, adding that she has already begun addressing unauthorized dumps and sewer leaks. Tshabalala also emphasized the critical need to resolve the municipality’s water crisis, committing to ensuring that residents have access to running water every morning.
The local campaign in Emfuleni comes during a particularly busy period for the DA at the national level. Earlier this month, Geordin Hill-Lewis wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request a reshuffle of DA members within the national cabinet. The letter specifically called for the removal of John Steenhuisen from his post as Minister of Agriculture, proposing Willie Aucamp as his replacement. The Presidency has yet to confirm whether these requested cabinet changes will be implemented.
Back on the ground in Evaton West, Hill-Lewis’s itinerary included direct engagement with local residents and a firsthand assessment of the ward’s infrastructure, including the deteriorating road networks. Following his interactions with the community and a review of the ward’s conditions, the DA leader was scheduled to brief the media on the visit and address other topical issues concerning the party.
