Unemployment and illegal immigration top of Xiluva's agenda, says Baloyi

JOHANNESBURG - With South Africa’s most contested elections exactly a month away, Soweto remains a place of interest for political parties looking to grow their footprint.

Newcomer Xiluva, founded by former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi is taking its campaign trail to the township in an attempt to woo voters.

The political party unveiled its campaign billboard in Diepkloof on Monday, as it sets its eyes on Parliament and provincial legislatures.

After leaving the Democratic Alliance and ActionSA, Baloyi registered his own political organisation, which has made all three ballot papers.

Elected to Midvaal’s top office at the age of 26, the municipality received seven consecutive clean audits and was known for clean governance under his leadership.

Speaking to Eyewitness News on the sidelines of Xiluva’s election campaign, Baloyi said unemployment and illegal immigration were top of the party’s list of priorities.

“We are quite excited to be an alternative on the ballot paper and to be contesting with everyone who has resources when we don’t, but we’re still in the very same ballot paper.”

He criticised the current government as being incapable of creating dignified jobs for young people but believes the Xiluva party is well-equipped to curb the scourge.