Ellen Pakkies running for mayor to fight drug crisis
Ellen Pakkies, once the face of the Cape Flats' drug crisis, announces her candidacy for mayor of Cape Town, pledging to tackle drug abuse and support vulnerable communities.
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From a mother whose pain shook the nation to a woman now stepping into politics, Ellen Pakkies says her mayoral bid is about fighting for the people of Cape Town’s forgotten communities.
Best known for becoming the face of the Cape Flats’ drug crisis, after she killed her drug-addicted son in 2007, Pakkies has since turned her pain into activism, speaking out against gangsterism, tik, and the lack of support for struggling families.
Now, as the National Coloured Congress’ (NCC) mayoral candidate, she says her focus is clear: safer communities and real help for mothers.
Speaking to the Cape Argus sister publication, Daily Voice exclusively, Pakkies said: “I know the pain that drugs and gangsterism bring into a home, and I want to use my experience to help other families before they reach breaking point.”
She said her lived experience gives her a direct understanding of the daily battles facing Cape Flats residents.
Pakkies said: “This is bigger than politics for me. This is about the people, the mothers, the children, and the communities who feel forgotten.”
Her priorities include tackling drug dens, expanding rehabilitation support, and pushing for stronger social development in vulnerable areas.
Pakkies said: “We need real action, more rehabilitation centres and jobs for our people so that our children have another path.”
She added that her campaign is rooted in community voices.
Pakkies said: “I want Cape Town to be a city where local people and local solutions matter.”
Party leader Fadiel Adams said Pakkies’ mayoral candidacy is meant to give a voice to the pain of Cape Flats communities.
He said the decision was rooted in what Pakkies represents for mothers and families battling gangsterism and drugs.
Adams said: “Ellen Pakkies is the embodiment of the suffering of mothers on the Cape Flats due to systemic collapse.”
He admitted her candidacy is symbolic, but said the party is unapologetic about it.
Adams said: “She is a symbolic choice. We make no apologies for this. The suffering of our people is an emotional topic.”