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. 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.”