In an effort to grow its support within the Phoenix Indian community ahead of the local government elections, ActionSA in KwaZulu-Natal has appointed Alice Govender, a former ratepayers association leader, as an eThekwini councillor.

She was sworn in on Tuesday to fill the vacant seat, which was left by Councillor Sanelisiwe Zuma, who resigned to take a government position as an employee in the Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in the Government of Provincial Unity.

ActionSA provincial leader, who is also party caucus leader in eThekwini Municipality, Zwakele Mncwango, said he was confident that Govender will add significant value to both the eThekwini Council and the ActionSA Caucus, drawing from her extensive experience working closely with communities and ratepayers associations over many years.

He stated that her deep understanding of grassroots challenges, accountability, and service delivery will strengthen ActionSA’s contribution to council deliberations and oversight.

Furthermore, he said that Govender’s appointment brings renewed hope to the Phoenix community, which has for too long experienced neglect and unfulfilled promises.

“ActionSA remains committed to serving all communities equally, without bias or exclusion. I am particularly proud to lead the most diverse caucus in the eThekwini Municipality, one that reflects the social and demographic realities of the metro and is united by a shared commitment to good governance and service to the people. We wish Councillor Govender well as she takes up this important responsibility in the service of the residents of eThekwini,” said Mncwango.

In her acceptance speech, Govender said that to be chosen and acknowledged for the commitment to her community was high praise indeed. She said her civic and ratepayers’ experience has given her insight into how much work needs to be done for the Phoenix community.  

“The fight for my community will always remain in the streets of Phoenix, but now there’s no ceiling, I will take the cause to the chambers and continue the fight. For far too long, Phoenix and the plight of those who live in it have been ignored. I am glad that now I can truly be a part of the solutions,” said Govender.  

She joined the party alongside two other political parties, the Azanian Independent Community Movement and the Creative Congress Movement, which merged with ActionSA last week.

The parties agreed that their candidates will contest the upcoming local government elections under Herman Mashaba’s party.

Phoenix, a predominantly Indian township north of Durban, is currently a DA stronghold since the 2021 local government elections, after the party made a clean sweep when it took all five wards. However, ActionSA said with Govender under its colours, the party is hoping to swing the Indian vote.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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