- The musician, known for We Going Higher with DJ Shimza, won ward 20 for the ANC with 621 votes.
- He wants to help young people access training, jobs and business support while tackling residents’ service delivery concerns.
A musician known for making people dance now has to get service delivery moving.
Andile Innocent Hlanze, known for his song We Going Higher with DJ Shimza, has been elected ANC councillor for ward 20 in Mpumalanga’s Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
He secured 621 votes, or 31.9% of valid ward votes, in the recent local government elections.
Hlanze says he will continue making music, but serving residents will come first.
“My music career has taught me how to work with people, manage projects and solve problems,” he said.
He wants to use his experience in music, business and organising events to help young people find opportunities.
His plans include working with Sector Education and Training Authorities, technical and vocational colleges and local businesses to help young people access training, learnerships and internships.
He also wants to connect young entrepreneurs with organisations that offer business support.
Hlanze said many young people have business ideas but lack information, funding and connections to get started.
The creative industry is another area close to his heart.
“Having been involved in music and entertainment, I understand the opportunities that exist in the creative industry,” he said.
“I would like to see more platforms created for young musicians, DJs, performers, event organisers and other creatives to showcase their talents, develop professionally and generate income.”
But residents also want attention paid to everyday problems.
Hlanze said they have raised concerns about poor street lighting, electricity costs, water meter problems and illegal dumping.
Before his election, he helped organise and support community events promoting talent, arts, culture and entertainment.
He said much of that work was informal, drawing on his business, music and personal networks.
Becoming a councillor gives him a chance to build on those efforts, particularly in creating opportunities for young people.
“I want young people to be able to look back and say that they gained a qualification, started a business, secured employment or developed a sustainable source of income because opportunities were created,” he said.
Hlanze said he wants residents to remember him as accessible, humble and committed to serving them.
“The people first, always,” he said.
