On 17 September, the ANC held a community meeting at the local tennis court to introduce Dawn Park resident Lucas Nku as its candidate for Ward 43 ahead of the upcoming local elections. During the meeting, Nku outlined some of the issues he says he would prioritise if elected. Safety, bylaw enforcement and the loss of vacant land were among the concerns raised by Dawn Park residents.
Nku, a former employee of both the Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg municipalities, says his experience in local government and community involvement has prepared him for the role. His stated priorities include grass cutting, street lights, water and sanitation, potholes, safety, corruption and employment.
A Candidate With a Community Track Record
Nku says his involvement in the community extends back many years. “My track record speaks for itself,” he says. “I’m one person who’s been active in the community for years.”
According to him, he was elected by the Dawn Park community to help open the Dawn Park Mall around 2015–16, when he was much younger.
Nku also describes youth empowerment as part of his community involvement, saying that he has had the pleasure of extending opportunities to young men in the community.
He added that he has also been active in the Community Policing Forum (CPF), where he has helped organise patrols.
During the meeting, one resident welcomed Nku and described the role, which he is campaigning for, as “very heavy”, while expressing confidence in his ability to take it forward.
The resident said Nku had started connecting the Dawn Park community at a young age. He also expressed trust in the direction Nku had taken, noting that Nku had worked in the community for years without holding a seat on council. “We are prepared to support you at all times,” the resident said.
What Nku Says Ward 43 Needs
According to Nku, the ANC has what it calls a localised manifesto, intended to address the specific needs of individual communities. He explained that the priorities in Dawn Park differ from those in other areas. He made an example, saying “the needs we have here are not the same as the needs in Vosloo.”
For Ward 43, the manifesto would focus on grass cutting, street lights, water and sanitation, potholes, safety, corruption and employment.
Nku says he wants to improve access to municipal services that he believes are not reaching residents.
He also emphasised that his responsibility would be to serve the entire community, regardless of political affiliation.
“In the position that I have been given, I’ve been given a mandate to work for everyone, for the whole community, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
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Residents Put Their Questions to the Candidate
Following Nku’s introduction, residents were invited to ask questions about issues affecting the community. Among the concerns raised were:
- How will you deal with bylaw enforcement to ensure that bylaws are followed?
- How will you ensure the community is safe?
- If another party wins and its councillor is inactive, will residents still be able to bring their grievances to you?
- How do you intend to secure more recreational space for Dawn Park before developers build on vacant land?
Nku responded to the questions during the meeting. The full question-and-answer session is available on the 11 Bushbuck Media Facebook page. Click here to watch the video.
Towards the end of the meeting, another resident encouraged those present to vote in the local elections on 4 November and to encourage their family, friends and neighbours to do the same. The resident also highlighted the importance of discussing political matters within families.
“Let’s continue to discuss political matters in our households, and not be afraid,” he said.
At the close of the meeting, residents were encouraged to bring their issues and grievances to Nku. Attendees were also told that another meeting might be held in Dawn Park before the elections, with improved timing to allow more residents to attend.
