Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga says the new position has drastically altered his life and he has not fully adjusted to the demands that go with it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not used to people addressing me or saluting me which now happens on a regular basis. I\u2019m used to people calling me by my name and I\u2019m more comfortable with that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not used to the protocol of where I can and cannot go. If I see something, I want to stop and assist or talk to people but that has changed a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the position has also brought with it fame and the perception that he is a superhero who is able to end all society’s problems and ills.<\/p>\n
\u201cI now have people calling me with ideas of how they want to change the world. Also now I have the sad reality where people call me as their last hope … telling me they don\u2019t know where their next meal will come from. It has been a roller-coaster of a month,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Read: Leaked documents reveal shocking plunder in South African municipalities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Despite all the stress and while the spotlight currently shines on him, he said he tries to shield his family and give them the opportunity to lead normal lives.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to keep my family out of the spotlight so that they can have a normal life. I\u2019m trying to ensure that my job doesn\u2019t affect what they do. I try to use my family as a refuge where we talk about our lives and future instead of talking about political stuff,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n That however is not always the case as one of Msimanga’s offspring has a love for the game of politics.<\/p>\n \u201cMy 10-year-old is very much aware of politics and has taken keen interest in terms of what I say and do. He will listen to my interviews and statements and want an explanation. I think getting him to understand will go a long way in him appreciating why I\u2019m doing what I do. My 5-year-old just cares that I\u2019m home and [that] he can jump on me,\u201d he said, smiling.<\/p>\n News24<\/a><\/p>\n Tshwane mayor to investigate R4 billion in ANC tenders<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n DA Tshwane mayor drops a bomb on former ANC regime<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Tshwane politicians to switch Mercs and BMWs for Hyundais and Toyotas<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on Solly Msimanga<\/h3>\n