EFF aims to better public health services

Ayanda Songwevu is the EFF candidate for Ward 54.

As voters prepare to go to the polls to vote for their local government representatives on Wednesday August 3, Atlantic Sun looks at who is vying for your vote’ who’s stepping down, who’s sticking around and who’s making waves.

This week, we focus on the EFF who stormed into the political arena in 2013 and are contesting the local government elections for the first time.

The party struck a chord with voters in the 2014 national election, with the EFF coming in third, after the ANC and DA respectively.

They also won 25 seats in the national assembly.

Atlantic Sun spoke to two EFF ward candidates who are contesting in its distribution area.

Zamikhaya Kina is the EFF’s candidate for Ward 115, which includes Mouille Point, Green Point and De Waterkant, Bo-Kaap, CBD, Woodstock and Paarden Eiland.

“I was born in the rural outskirts of the Eastern Cape, and moved to Cape Town in the late 80s,” he said.

“I matriculated in 1997 and became actively involved in politics as a student. I served on different community structures, especially doing youth development programmes to better the lives of young people. It was my day to day travelling from the township into the affluent suburbs that sparked my interest in political activism.

“In 2013, I found my home in the EFF and am currently serving as a regional command team member in the Cape metro region.”

Mr Kina said strengthening the community police forum and neighbourhood watches were priorities.

Public health facilities, he said, would also be placed in the spotlight.

“All municipal health clinics must be open 24 hours a day so that the sick can be helped after working hours. No person must be turned away or stand in a queue waiting to receive health care.

“I will fight for quality health care provided by the municipal health facilities.”

He also promised to be available to the community 24 hours a day.

Ayanda Songwevu, the party’s candidate for Ward 54, which includes Camps Bay and Sea Point, was born in the Northern Cape and moved to Cape Town in 2003. He matriculated in 1997 and became involved in politics as a student.

“I served as a member of the ward committee responsible for health care in the community. I was also actively involved in youth development, serving in my capacity as a youth leader.

“My passion is to bring change and to better the lives of communities.”

He said that one of his main priorities would be fighting for affordable rates. “The increases in rates have left many of our elderly citizens homeless. With the high increases in food and electricity prices, many communities and local businesses are struggling financially. More consultation is needed so that communities can participate in council decision-making processes.”

He also plans to stretghten crime fighting partnerships and public health.

Mr Songwevu added: “As an EFF councillor candidate i will be accountable to my constituency and will convene community meetings once a month to keep the public inform about council business. I believe that the social, economic and political injustices that exist in our communities can be addressed through the policies of the EFF.”