Umngeni Local Municipality Mayor and Premier candidate for the Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal, Chris Pappas stated that he is embarking on a transformative mission to restore KwaZulu-Natal to its former glory.
Conducting a tour across KZN, Chris Pappas visited Newcastle on Friday, 24 November 2024, immersing himself in the local streets, and engaging with business owners in the CBD and the media.
His journey further extended to Osizweni, KwaMdakane, and Skopareng in Dannhauser.
Reflecting on what he had seen, Pappas expressed, “KZN is a beautiful province distinct in its uniqueness and in its opportunities. But there is a lot of suffering and problems, but there are solutions as the problems are fixable.”
During his visit to Newcastle, Pappas identified critical issues affecting the community, particularly in infrastructure, highlighting challenges such as sewage and potholes, deeming such conditions unacceptable.
“In the CBD, it is like the government doesn’t exist, as people are cleaning the gutters and the streets themselves,” said Pappas, who added that when the government did come, tensions could be seen between the two.
Focusing on the need for responsible leadership in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, Pappas stated, “One of the big things is the lack of accountability and executing their mandate; the provincial government is being misused.”
He emphasised his commitment to fostering more efficient governance for the benefit of the towns and cities falling under its jurisdiction.
Furthermore, as he aspires to secure the title of Premier of KZN, Pappas underscored the necessity for improved infrastructure and more judicious expenditure of funds, reducing lavish events at both provincial and municipal levels.
In anticipation of the 2024 elections, Pappas highlighted the importance of scrutinising the DA’s track record in municipalities, showcasing its ability to transform broken entities into functional government bodies. Notably, he cited the success story of the Western Cape, where residents benefited from a government genuinely invested in their community’s best interests.
Delving deeper into the potential of Newcastle, Pappas lamented that the secondary city had not fully realised its capabilities.
Expressing a desire to see this potential actualised, he stated, “Newcastle has an intelligent community, and the foundation for its potential has been laid, and I think it’s a shame that its potential has not yet been reached.”
With the upcoming elections on the horizon, Pappas anticipated growing support for the DA, asserting that people sought positive change, with emerging political parties having a limited impact. However, with the upcoming elections, he highlighted that pop-up political parties would not have as much of an impact.
In addition to this, while the Newcastle Municipality has made its financial situation known, Pappas explained that he believed the municipality had more money than Umngeni Municipality and by simply taking ownership of the longstanding issues and being reactive, more could be achieved within the Newcastle community.
Hoping to win the upcoming elections and take the title of KZN Premier, Pappas stated that he would strive for municipalities to take ownership of their problems and find constructive solutions.
He further noted that performance evaluations would be done and those government or municipal officials who did not perform, would find themselves seeking other employment.
Determined to see much needed change in all the cities and towns of KZN, Pappas said, “I believe in the revival of small towns and secondary cities such as Newcastle, which were flourishing at one stage and contributed to the province as a whole. Infrastructure should be looked at, as the Provincial Government does have the money for it,” Pappas emphasised, pointing out that water and sanitation crises in Newcastle and KZN were among the most pressing issues.
“I saw sewage run into a river, and I don’t think people realise how bad the problem is. People can live without electricity, even though they shouldn’t have to, but people cannot live without water. The water and sanitation problem needs to be addressed,” he pointed out.
Moreover, Pappas reiterated his commitment to addressing the unemployment rate, acknowledging the creation of a dependency on the State due to the high number of unemployed individuals.
As Chris Pappas strategically plans to revitalise the KZN Provincial Government, address departmental issues, and focus on the renewal of smaller towns and secondary cities such as Newcastle, he highlighted that he had noted that scores of South Africans were eager for the upcoming elections, and that change was truly on the cards.
With the above mentioned in mind, what are your thoughts on these developments?
Share your views in the comment section below.
3 Responses
Please vote DA for positive change look how well the cape is run I want that for Kzn I think we have all had enough now it’s terrible
As long as Chris is in DA, he has my vote, the changes he had done at umgeni speaks volumes, unlike the mayor of newcastle, his done nothing in his tenture except chasing cows. Change is needed to save Newcastle!!
Establish a passenger train service between Hilton Rail and Nottingham Road inorder to develop tourism and create employment .
I imagine tourists using a passenger train to see Howick Falls, Mandela Capture Site, Lions River for Nguni Hides, Piggly Wiggly, Michael House and Hotel Resorts in Nottingham Road and Mooi River