Ken Clark named The Independents’ mayoral candidate

Komani businessman and councillor Ken Clark has been named as The Independents’ mayoral candidate for Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

Clark is making his second bid for the position after standing as the organisation’s mayoral candidate in 2021. He has served as a proportional representation councillor on the Enoch Mgijima council since that election.

The Independents are campaigning under the message, “We’ve built businesses. Let’s rebuild Komani,” with Clark’s business background forming part of the campaign.

Clark founded Crickley Dairy, which started with five cows and one employee before developing into a major operation in Komani. He later founded soft-drink company Twizza in 2003, which expanded its operations beyond the Eastern Cape.

Twizza was subsequently sold to The Beverage Company, a subsidiary of India-based Varun Beverages Limited. A separate deal was later reached for BevCo to acquire Crickley Dairy.

Clark is now drawing on his business and management experience as part of his campaign for the municipality’s leadership.

In a recent interview with The Coastal, Clark said his priorities if elected mayor would include improving the functioning of the municipality, attracting private investment and creating conditions for employment.

The announcement puts Clark back into the local political contest as parties and independent organisations prepare for the upcoming municipal elections.