GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Pastor Thando Petu-Ngqele is known for his unselfish efforts to make a difference in the lives of the poor and vulnerable in impoverished areas in Graaff-Reinet.

Doing good to the helpless is what drives this Good Samaritan.

He is the founder of the Graaff-Reinet Society for the Blind, which was recently launched. He was also instrumental in establishing the Nosango Veronica Sobukwe Old Age Care project in Graaff-Reinet to assist the elderly with free transport to clinics, hospitals, churches and other social events.

But the pastor has set his sights on a new goal - local politics, where he hopes to make an even bigger difference.

He told Graaff-Reinet Advertiser he was approached by Chris McDonald, a former radio presenter and manager of a local radio station in Graaff-Reinet, to consider entering the political landscape as an independent candidate in the upcoming local elections.

Petu-Nqgele said he was initially sceptic and did not consider it seriously. "But more residents of the informal settlements in Graaff-Reinet started to echo similar sentiments and a little seed was planted."

It was Chris's subtle suggestion to think about serving the local community as an independent candidate that got me thinking again, said Pastor Petu-Nqgele. "My background of community involvement has laid the foundation for the decision to aim higher to better serve my constituency."

It's going to be an uphill battle going forward, says Pastor Petu-Nqgele. "I'm a bit of a Johnny-come-lately but I believe I can do it for the community I want to serve. I need to raise enough support to register with the IEC and then a rocky road lies ahead to get sponsors on board to help with election paraphernalia like T-shirts, banners, flyers and the like.

"But I would like to make a difference, again!"

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