EVATON, GAUTENG – Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis is actively driving the party’s DA campaign in Emfuleni this weekend, placing a major spotlight on the newly secured Ward 28. The visit underscores the opposition party’s commitment to tackling severe municipal failures and connecting with voters ahead of the upcoming November elections.
The focal point of the weekend’s political activities is Evaton West, where the DA is celebrating a historic milestone: its very first electoral victory in the ward. However, the celebratory mood is juxtaposed with the stark reality of the local environment. The physical drive into the area reveals massive potholes and glaring infrastructural deterioration, highlighting the profound service delivery challenges that have plagued the municipality in recent years. Despite these systemic issues regarding water provision, road networks, and overall municipal performance, enthusiastic party supporters gathered in large numbers to mark the breakthrough victory.
At the center of this local triumph is Maki Tshabalala, the newly elected ward councilor who secured the seat for the DA. Speaking on the historic win, Tshabalala explained that the shift in voter sentiment was driven by tangible results. According to the councilor, residents have observed the significant improvements in areas already governed by the party, specifically pointing to increased job creation, equal opportunities for all, and a fairer administrative approach as the primary reasons for their changed hearts and minds.
When pressed on the immediate action plan for the area, Tshabalala outlined a pragmatic, ground-level approach to fixing the region’s broken infrastructure. Her top priorities include repairing the widespread potholes and eradicating illegal dumping sites—tasks she noted she has already begun executing on the ground. Furthermore, she highlighted a severe sanitation and water crisis, noting that she is actively working to stop sewer leaks from contaminating the local water supply. A major pledge for the community is ensuring that residents no longer wake up to dry taps, with Shabalala committing to restoring reliable morning water access.
The local ground game in Gauteng coincides with a highly active period for the DA on the national stage. Earlier this month, Hill-Lewis formally wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa to demand a reshuffle of the party’s cabinet members. The correspondence specifically requested the removal of former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his role as Minister of Agriculture, proposing Willie Aucamp as his successor. The Presidency has not yet confirmed whether these requested cabinet adjustments will be enacted.
Back in Evaton West, the day’s schedule for the DA leader involves direct engagement with the local electorate. Hill-Lewis is set to tour the neighborhood to personally assess the deteriorating road networks and other ward-specific challenges. Following his interactions with the community and a comprehensive review of the area’s infrastructure, he is scheduled to hold a media briefing to address these local concerns alongside other pressing topical issues facing the party.