Councillors’ Corner#13 | Independent Cllr briefs on Mhlontlo Ward 14

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has officially launched its National Results Operations Centre at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, ahead of next Wednesday’s 2026 Local Government Elections. In this latest edition of Councillors’ Corner, Digital News Producer Lebo Tshangela chats with Bhekizenzo Gigi, an independent councillor representing Ward 14 in the Kumkani Mhlontlo Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The Ward encompasses rural and semi-rural regions, including Mvumelwano and parts of Lower Roza near Qumbu. Gigi shared his decision to contest as an Independent Candidate. “I served on the ward committee in 2011 and again in 2016. In 2021, the organisation I belonged to, the African National Congress (ANC), did not recognise me or the wishes of the people. Therefore, the people decided to register me as an independent.” The conversation with Bhekizenzo Gigi: Related: Councillors’ Corner #1 | DA’s Jonker accounts for Joburg’s Ward 88 Related: Councillors’ Corner #2 | PA’s Daniels accounts for Cape Town’s Ward 56 Related: Councillors’ Corner #3 | ANC’s Nkukane accounts for Sol Plaatje’s Ward 15 Related : Councillors’ Corner #4 | FF+’s Louw accounts for Modimolle’s Ward 5 Related: Councillors’ Corner#5 | EFF’s Ramaphoko accounts for Seshego’s Ward 13 Related: Councillors’ Corner #6 | ANC’s Motha accounts for Mkhondo’s Ward 14 Related: Councillors’ Corner#7 | IFP’s Govender briefs on uMhlathuzi’s Ward 26 Related: Councillors’ Corner#8| ActionSA’s Singh briefs on Newcastle’s Ward 25 Related: Councillors’ Corner #9 | ANC’s Mosala accounts for Mangaung’s Ward 11 Related: Councillors’ Corner #10 | DA’s Zerwick accounts for JB Marks’ Ward 4 Related: Councillors’ Corner #11 | Al Jama-ah Cllr briefs on Lenasia Ward 9 Related: Councillors’ Corner #12 | MKP’s Govender briefs on KwaDukuza Ward 28 Related: Councillors’ Corner#13 | DA’s V.d. Merwe briefs on Mbombela Ward 17