Cape Town - Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (Icosa) ward 19 and mayoral candidate for Stellenbosch Municipality Bianca Booysen said blatant marginalisation, inequality and her belief that people deserved better motivated her to contest the local elections.
Booysen said that she comes from a long line of activists and that inspired an activism centred on service delivery in communities.
“Inequities in our economy are still prevalent and for this I want to advocate on behalf of minorities, like in the rural parts of Stellenbosch, that do not have a voice. Issues that our people grapple with on a daily basis and need urgent intervention include poverty alleviation, land and housing, combating the scourge of gender-based violence, educating our people about politics and their basic human rights, and unemployment.
“This, in my immediate area and the rest of the forgotten parts of Stellenbosch requires a leader who isn’t afraid of working on the ground, between our people. Someone who walks the path next to them, not runs out in front of them, and carries all their best interests at heart. This is something we’ve lacked since forever,” she said.
Booysen said she did not have any political credentials and never had thoughts of entering politics. However, her love for people and doing the right thing pushed her in this direction.
“I can't remember a time I never was a voice for the voiceless. Community work and standing up for the rights of others is in my DNA as it stems from my forefathers, whom I am sure are very proud of me for not forgetting the foundations they laid in my life,” she said.
Booysen said her community was prepared for change and even more deserving of the positive change that the “young coloured woman” was willing to bring.
“I'd do everything differently. In my ward (which is no exception to many others), the councillor was never present. He had a totally nonchalant attitude to our struggles and I honestly cannot pin-point what exactly he did for the last 10 years.
“The socio-economic struggles of our impoverished communities have in fact increased so much that I become emotional just thinking about it. I think it needs to be said that the majority of my ward are farm workers. Those communities are bleeding with struggles and just being ignored. They surely deserve better,” she said.
Booysen said a vote for her meant a commitment to change, integrity and for someone who had a heart for the struggles of the people.