'We are all just residents and that is what brings us together. And what residents want is not massively complicated. They want safety, they want jobs, they want clean streets, they want clean water & that's it,' says independent candidate Ruben Richards.
He was an academic, writer, executive secretary for the TRC, senior member of the Scorpions, businessman and more recently a farmer in the Olifants Valley in the Western Cape.
If someone of his stature is willing to stand as an independent candidate in the municipal elections, then you know the frustration on the ground is far more than just rhetoric. Like many others, he says it is time to get away from petty party politics and ideology and to focus on service delivery and restoring people's dignity.
That is how he became the chief of Cederberg First, a Section 15 organisation that has a candidate in each of the six wards of the Cederberg district in the upcoming municipal elections.“We are all just residents and that is what brings us together. And what residents want is not massively complicated. They want safety, they want jobs, they want clean streets, they want clean water and that's it. So let's try it. Let's take control of our place and clean our house,” he says.
“For me, it is really simple. Clean water. Clean streets. Clean administration. It has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with service delivery. They are not difficult things. Gather the trash, make sure the water is clean and that sewerage is processed. Hello? Is that so difficult?”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WATCH: SA’s special economic zones hustle for investmentMichael Avery and guests talk about special economic zones in SA and what makes them special
Read more »
State will not ‘force anyone to be vaccinated’, Cyril Ramaphosa saysState will not ‘force anyone to be vaccinated’, Cyril Ramaphosa says 🔒 BDRamaphosa
Read more »
Limpopo police nab wanted rape suspect who promised women cleaning jobsLimpopo police have arrested 1 369 suspects in a joint operation. Among them is a wanted suspect who promised vulnerable women cleaning jobs before allegedly raping them.
Read more »
ANTHONY BUTLER: Clean streets, coalitions and impenetrable pollsOutcome of this municipal election is one of the most difficult to predict with the big parties sabotaging themselves
Read more »
Step into the sunshine with Courvoisier Cognac this summerSPONSORED | CourvoisierSA is inviting cognac quaffers to indulge in these CourvoisierMoments – daytime celebrations that are all about life’s simple and somewhat refined pleasures.
Read more »
Swiss firm and five bankers charged in US over tax fraudProsecutors say ‘Singapore Solution’ hid $60m in assets
Read more »