The race to govern Ekurhuleni is heating up ahead of South Africa’s
local government elections, with political parties putting forward
candidates who say they have what it takes to turn the city around.
Among them is Thulani Shongwe, a Member of Parliament
representing the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, who has been selected
as the party’s mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni. Shongwe has
positioned himself as an anti-corruption crusader, promising to hold
corrupt politicians and tenderpreneurs accountable. But leading a
metropolitan municipality requires more than identifying wrongdoing
and making political promises. It demands an understanding of
municipal finances, strong administrative oversight, sound
leadership and the ability to deliver basic services to millions of
residents.
Ekurhuleni is a major economic hub, yet residents continue to raise
concerns about service delivery, housing, water, electricity,
infrastructure and safety. As the city prepares for the next chapter of
local government, the question is whether Shongwe has the
experience, the policies and the practical plan required to address
these challenges. What would he prioritise in his first 100 days? How
would he fund his proposals? And what distinguishes his approach
from that of the political leaders who have governed the city before
him?
Tonight, we speak to Thulani Shongwe about his ambitions for
Ekurhuleni, the MK Party’s plans for the metro, and the evidence
behind his promises. We also examine the leadership question at
the heart of his candidacy: what makes him the right person for the
job, and how should residents judge whether he is ready to govern?