By Thapelo Molefe
Nongelo Chiume has pledged to make Ekurhuleni South Africa’s leading manufacturing and industrial centre after Build One South Africa (BOSA) named him its mayoral candidate for the city on Saturday.
Chiume, who has more than two decades of experience in the creative economy, has served on the City of Ekurhuleni Creative Council, the Gauteng Arts Council and the National Major Events Panel. He is also the son of the late actress Connie Chiume.
In his acceptance speech, Chiume said his vision was to position Ekurhuleni as South Africa’s leading manufacturing and industrial centre by creating an environment that attracts investment and supports business growth.
“Ekurhuleni should not merely function. It should compete for investment, for talent, for innovation and for jobs,” he said.
BOSA said Chiume would focus on reducing bureaucratic obstacles to investment, improving logistics and infrastructure, supporting township entrepreneurs and developing innovation and creative industry hubs aimed at creating employment for young people.
‘Proven leadership record’
The party said it had selected Chiume because of his leadership experience outside politics, saying that municipalities require leaders with a proven record of solving problems and creating opportunities.
Crime and corruption also featured prominently in Chiume’s address. Referring to recent allegations involving the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) that emerged during the Madlanga Commission, he pledged to restore public confidence in the city’s law enforcement agencies.
He said a BOSA-led administration would strengthen visible policing, recruit additional officers, introduce body-worn cameras and ensure the EMPD focused on protecting communities.
“Ekurhuleni has increasingly become synonymous with state capture and municipal corruption. That reputation must end. Residents deserve a municipality known for attracting investment, creating jobs and fighting crime. It is time to end the City being only known as the headquarters of state capture,” Chiume said.
Potential vs poor governance
BOSA said Ekurhuleni has significant economic advantages, including the presence of OR Tambo International Airport, major transport corridors, a strong manufacturing base and a young workforce. However, it said these opportunities had been undermined by years of poor governance.
The party said Chiume’s candidacy marked the start of its campaign to present residents with an alternative focused on economic renewal, reliable basic services and clean governance.
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