ActionSA stages anti-drug walk in Emalahleni during election campaign

ActionSA representatives led a peaceful anti-drug walk in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, on October 10 as part of the party’s campaign ahead of South Africa’s local government elections.

SABC News identified the organisers as eNkangala District mayoral candidate Mary Phadi, Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo and Johannesburg municipal executive candidate Zandile Dabula. The broadcaster said the elections were 25 days away.

Khumalo called for reclaiming and expropriating hijacked buildings, which he linked to high crime. He argued that law enforcement should prevent crime as well as enforce municipal by-laws. These proposals are a candidate’s position rather than adopted municipal decisions.

He also described unemployment as a major concern and criticised a lack of job opportunities. Khumalo singled out mining contractors and the employment situation of Emalahleni residents as issues requiring attention.

Phadi said the walk should highlight the damage drugs cause to children and families. She promised a tougher approach to illegal sellers if the party took municipal office. The report provides no information about dealer arrests or changes in policing resulting from the walk.