Members of the Nyanga Development Forum (NDF), who completed a leadership training course, received certificates on Saturday February 17, at Hlazo Mini Hall.
The recipients were trained in leadership and governance as part of the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Urban Renewal Programme (Murp). Recipients had to attend 80% of the course to pass.
Addressing the graduates, Area Central Mayco member, Siyabulela Mamkeli, congratulated the graduates and urged them to start working for the people of Nyanga. He also warned against people who were opposed to development.
He advised the NDF to be vigilant of members who put their own interests ahead of those of residents.
Mr Mamkeli said the forum should lead by example while coming up with projects to keep people busy.
“We must not politicise service delivery and development. As members of the forum, do not be first to queue in development projects,” he said.
He added that his constituency had a high unemployment rate and he said fighting unemployement was vital to the economy.
Mr Mamkeli said several projects were on the cards for Nyanga, and he urged the forum to contact the City for more information.
“Call us so to unpack the programmes and projects that are coming to Nyanga. I am happy that Nyanga has a forum now. But if it is not serving the people of the area, it is as good as non-existent. Work with us to develop the area,” he said.Deputy chairperson of the forum, Nomzi Gxothelwa, vowed to change Nyanga. She called on everyone to support the NDF.
She also warned against corrupt elements in the forum.
“Our ultimate aim is to change Nyanga. Let us be part of the area and change it for the better. I am adamant that will change it. As the forum, we have to guard against corruption in our projects,” she said. Ms Gxothelwa urged NDF members to work with the community if they wanted to succeed.
