Note to Editors: Please find attached pictures here: Leon-Garbade and Rob-Bentele
-Ray Nkonyeni and the City of uMhlathuze Mayoral Candidates launch
– The distinction is that we select candidates not simply to win an election, but to govern for the five years that follow it.
– KZN deserves municipalities built on clean government, economic growth, accountability and measurable service delivery.
The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal has unveiled Leon Garbade and Rob Bentele as our mayoral candidates for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and the City of uMhlathuze, respectively, putting forward leaders committed to building municipalities that work for all residents.
These are not ceremonial nominations. They are part of the DA’s determination to win municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal and ensure that, after the election, capable people are ready to govern.
Our mayoral candidates undergo a rigorous, merit-based selection process involving screening, an assessment of their experience, municipal diagnostics, practical assignments based on challenges facing the municipality, presentations and scoring by an expert panel.
The distinction is that we select candidates not simply to win an election, but to govern for the five years that follow it.
Ray Nkonyeni residents have endured failing basic services, water insecurity, deteriorating infrastructure and an economy that is not reaching its potential. Leon has identified crime, corruption, job creation and basic service delivery as central priorities, with a commitment to accountable government whose results residents can see and experience in their daily lives.
In the City of uMhlathuze, Rob brings a strong community focus and a determination to put residents at the centre of government. His message is equally clear: residents should not be forced simply to survive failing infrastructure, unemployment and poor services when their city has the potential to thrive.
Across KZN, the choice we are putting before voters is about what happens after election day.
Municipalities need leaders who understand that public money belongs to the public; that businesses need an environment in which they can invest and create jobs; that residents must be treated fairly; and that water, roads, refuse collection and other basic services must be delivered.
The DA has a proven record of building capable municipal governments and training public representatives to govern responsibly. We are not campaigning to become spectators or merely decide who governs. We are campaigning to win and govern.
KwaZulu-Natal deserves municipalities built on clean government, economic growth, accountability and measurable service delivery.
With capable candidates and residents behind us, we intend to deliver exactly that.
Working For All!