Msimang is keen to serve community
JON HOUZET
| FIRST-TIME CONTENDER: Mthuthuzeli "Speedo” Msimang has been selected as the ANC's candidate to contest the Ward 5 by-election in Bathurst on April 25 Picture: CANDICE BRADFIELD |
Msimang, 46, was born and raised in Nolukhanyo in Bathurst, and attended Bathurst Primary School and then Nomzamo High School in Nemato.
He said he was given the name "Speedo” by his dad. "But he died before I was born, so I didn't get to ask him why he gave me that name. My mother told me my dad named me Speedo.”
Msimang became politically active while he was still in primary school, during the days of the United Democratic Front.
"I was involved in the Bathurst Youth Congress in 1988 and thereafter in the ANC,” he said. "”I was elected the first chairperson of the ANC branch in Bathurst.”
Although he has a long history of political activism, if he wins the by-election it will be the first time he will serve on council.
"The people themselves convinced me to accept the nomination,” he said.
He currently works in the Bathurst Advice Office, a non-governmental organisation.
Msimang said if elected, he will work to bring services closer to the people.
"In Bathurst, roads are still bad and the water is still dirty,” he said.
He also wants to work closely with the youth, as there are few sports activities in Nolukhanyo and little in the way of facilities.
To relax, he enjoys watching soccer, rugby and cricket, and supports Bathurst's cricket team the Tiger Titans.
Msimang is married and has four children – two sons and two daughters.
"I love Bathurst and I want to do my level best to please my people,” he said.
