Community activist Kgabi Johanna Meso, affectionately known as “Rakgadi wa Bana”, is officially registered to contest Ward 100 in the City of Johannesburg as an independent candidate in the 2026 local government elections.
Her nomination is confirmed by an Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) certificate dated 25 September 2026.
Originally from Ga Matlala in Limpopo, Meso has spent more than a decade working with residents in Itsoseng, Malibongwe Ridge, supporting community development initiatives, youth programmes and vulnerable households.
While continuing to earn her own income, she has used personal resources to support community activities. Now, as she seeks elected office, Meso has pledged to direct one-third of her councillor's salary towards community initiatives every month for her first six months in office, should she be elected.
Her decision to enter electoral politics comes amid concerns she has raised about electricity, service delivery, education and access to community facilities.
From Ga Matlala to Community Leadership
Originally from Ga Matlala in Limpopo, Meso has spent more than a decade involved in community initiatives in Itsoseng, Malibongwe Ridge.
In an earlier interview published by Cosmo City Chronicle in April 2026, Meso said her passion for helping others began when she was 25 years old.
Over the years, she has become involved in assisting residents with family disputes, social challenges and service delivery concerns.
Her community work has included engagement with government departments and municipal entities such as Johannesburg Water, Pikitup, the Department of Health and the Department of Human Settlements.
Through her organisation, Redirela Leago, Meso has also worked with community partners, including Phola, on programmes aimed at empowering residents and developing practical skills.
These initiatives have included first aid training, community patrolling, youth development activities and skills development workshops.
Her work has placed particular emphasis on child-headed households, senior citizens, people living with disabilities and young people who face barriers to education and employment.
In recognition of her community involvement, Meso was reportedly recognised among the best-performing women in Ward 100 by the Department of Health in collaboration with Westgate Mall in 2024 and 2025, as previously reported by Cosmo City Chronicle.
Why She Is Entering Politics
During the latest interview, conducted by Mthokozisi Dube and Kelebogile Mokgosi, Meso identified herself as an independent councillor candidate for Ward 100.
When asked which political party she hoped to challenge, she named the African National Congress (ANC).
She associated her decision to contest the election with dissatisfaction over local service delivery and a desire to see improvements in the community.
For Meso, the transition from community activism to electoral politics represents an attempt to pursue some of the issues she has been addressing outside formal political office.
However, her decision to stand independently also raises questions about how she intends to work within the municipal council, secure support for community priorities and translate her proposals into municipal action.
Using Her Own Income to Support the Community
One aspect of Meso's community involvement is her use of personal resources to assist residents and support local initiatives.
Although she is employed, she has continued undertaking community activities without receiving a councillor's salary or holding elected municipal office.
In her latest interview, she made a further financial commitment linked to her candidacy.
"My first six months, every month, one-third of my salary is going to work for this community," she said.
Meso clarified that the pledge concerns the salary she would receive as a councillor if elected.
She linked the proposed contribution to helping community members access educational and development opportunities.
While the commitment is specific about the proportion of her proposed salary and the six-month period, the interview did not establish how the money would be administered, how beneficiaries would be selected or how expenditure would be reported to residents.
Those details would be important in assessing the proposal should she win election.
Education and Youth Development Remain Priorities
Education and the future of young people featured prominently in Meso's discussion.
She expressed concern about young people who leave school prematurely and the difficulties they face in finding opportunities.
In her earlier interview with Cosmo City Chronicle, she warned that a lack of educational and developmental support could leave young people vulnerable to crime, substance abuse and gangsterism.
Her community programmes have sought to provide alternatives through training, mentorship and practical skills development.
During the latest interview, Meso also referred to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and a one-year New Venture Creation programme focused on entrepreneurship and business-related skills.
She spoke about helping people access educational opportunities, although the precise arrangements and number of intended beneficiaries were not established.
For young people in communities facing unemployment and limited resources, access to training and information remains an important issue.
Service Delivery and Community Infrastructure
Meso also raised concerns about the availability of essential services and the resources required to organise community activities.
Electricity was among the challenges discussed during the interview.
In the April 2026 profile, she had already highlighted the difficulties of running community programmes without adequate facilities, electricity, water and sanitation.
"We are working with limited resources — no proper facilities, electricity, water or sanitation. We are calling on government departments and sponsors to come on board and support our work," she said at the time.
During the latest conversation, Meso questioned why residents and community organisers should bear costs when essential facilities and services remain inadequate.
She referred to the cost of convening a community meeting, estimating that it could amount to approximately R4,000.
The discussion raised broader questions about access to community facilities, public participation and the support available to local organisations.
Supporting Vulnerable Residents
Beyond municipal infrastructure, Meso continues to place emphasis on the social challenges affecting families and vulnerable residents.
Her previous community work has involved assisting people with family and social difficulties, while engaging relevant institutions where additional support is required.
During the interview, she referred to child-headed households, people living with disabilities and senior citizens.
She also discussed community cleaning initiatives and the importance of cooperation among residents, government departments and other stakeholders.
Community safety formed part of the conversation, with Meso recalling a severe lightning incident from the previous month and urging residents to remain cautious during dangerous weather conditions.
These issues reflect the wide range of concerns that community organisers encounter, although not all fall directly within the powers of an individual ward councillor.
From Community Work to Public Accountability
Meso's move into electoral politics introduces a different level of responsibility and public scrutiny.
As a community activist, she has been able to pursue initiatives through personal contributions, partnerships and voluntary involvement.
An elected ward councillor, however, must also represent residents within the municipal council, participate in municipal decision-making and help communities navigate the processes through which services and development priorities are addressed.
While Meso has outlined her concerns and personal financial pledge, further details are needed about her proposed approach to municipal budgeting, infrastructure priorities, partnerships and accountability.
Her experience in community work provides background to her candidacy, but residents will ultimately have to assess her electoral proposals alongside those of other candidates.
Ward 100 Residents Face an Electoral Choice
As the local government elections approach, Meso is seeking to turn her experience in community development into a formal representative role.
Her candidacy brings together two aspects of her public life: the community initiatives she has pursued over the years and her stated intention to influence local governance through elected office.
For residents of Ward 100, the election will provide an opportunity to examine the priorities, experience and commitments of those seeking their votes.
Questions about service delivery, education, infrastructure and support for vulnerable households are likely to remain important regardless of which candidate is elected.
For Meso, the challenge will be demonstrating how her community work and proposed commitments could translate into effective representation within the City of Johannesburg.
Cosmo City Chronicle will continue engaging independent candidates, political parties and residents across Ward 100 and surrounding communities, giving different voices an opportunity to share their perspectives and respond to questions about local governance.
EDITOR'S NOTE | ELECTIONS COVERAGE
This article forms part of Cosmo City Chronicle's independent election reporting. The publication does not endorse Kgabi Meso or any political party or candidate. Information about Meso's previous community activities draws on an article by Olga Mabokachaba published on 22 April 2026, while her electoral positions and salary pledge are drawn from a subsequent interview.
Political statements and commitments are attributed to the interviewee and do not constitute verified future outcomes. The publication welcomes perspectives from other candidates and political parties contesting Ward 100.