Jack the ideal person to lead the Bay
[caption id="attachment_34012" align="alignright" width="250"] MKHUSELI JACK[/caption]
MUCH has been said about the Bay being a city to reckon with here at home and abroad, and the adding of an international component in our airport does not necessarily ring true. The few German and other tourists who trickle our way do not make it an international destination when compared to naturally endowed Cape Town in terms of aesthetic value, for instance.
We need to up the antenna, notwithstanding the good work that is being done by the Mandela Bay Business Chamber, MBDA, NMMU, NMB Tourism and other institutions in the Bay. Most of us want to see it being a shining example of a city run well and not be a butt of unsavoury jokes by people like former 5fm radio jock Gareth Cliff, who referred to Port Elizabeth as the "armpit".
I would like to suggest a leader who can take us to another level. The good work being done is oftentimes overshadowed by who is or not the face of the city.
The young lass, an achiever on and off the netball court, Zanele Mdodana, for instance, could be the face of our sport and other related attractions. But most pressing is a leader who politically and economically is savvy, has a track record, above all is charismatic and could easily step into the big shoes of he after whom the Bay is named, both figuratively and in reality.
This person I want to propose in all things considered fits the bill perfectly, with an impeccable struggle credential record, educated, likeable, respected and also for the sake of a unifying edifice and stance his home is a "United Nations" household. Let's face it, we are a city and a people divided.
The name is Mkhuseli "Khusta" Jack. This leader is still young, but has definitely matured and can be just what our city needs.
He has the experience and knowledge of both sides of the track in terms of how people live and how best to improve those who need to better their lives. As a mayor, the No1 citizen, I think he could be at the helm for a number of terms, for Rome was not built in a day.
This thought and proposal is not an affront to anybody. This is active citizenship and all leaders nationally in all sectors are encouraging this from us, as voters and taxpayers.
Jack, well heeled as he is, has not fled our city. He wants to make his kids musical superstars as Modern Tribe but he is still here, he is known all over, gets invited to give talks in forums all over the world and his credentials are just multiplying.
Pity we cannot put this to a vote for I am sure it would be a resounding "yes". By the way he is no friend of mine (so I am not thinking of what I could gain). We went to high school and grew up in New Brighton, and in the township we all know each other. Ubuntu is alive in the township except for the killings and the money that has killed the spirit and soul of the Kasi.
Pat Kondile, New Brighton, Port Elizabeth
