Christopher Tsatsawane, of Boksburg, writes:

As the local government elections draw closer on November 4, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in Ekurhuleni has assured the public that it is ready to ensure free, fair and credible local government elections.

The City of Ekurhuleni accounts for a significant portion of registered voters who will cast their ballots to elect representatives and Councilors across the city’s districts and municipal structures.

Ekurhuleni has 1,711,516 registered voters ready to make their mark in a concerted effort to strengthen South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

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From Alberton to Nigel, politicians have hit the campaign trail ahead of the municipal polls, aiming to gain control of South Africa’s industrial hub, the City of Ekurhuleni.

While residents look forward to new political leadership, politicians often face a barrage of criticism for failing to account to residents and provide adequate services to the communities they serve.

The politics of patronage, dressed in the old political phrase “our people”, often invokes a strong sense of emotional nostalgia among voters.

Current and previous political regimes have failed dismally by continuing along the same old trajectory, anchored around the political patronage of “our people”. At the same time, politicians get caught in a cycle of greed, and residents continue to long for services they painstakingly pay for.

Politicians should hang their heads in shame over the continued use of this old and tired phrase, “our people”.

Instead, they should use this opportunity to reflect on the setbacks and limited progress made since the last local government elections, held in November 2021. Residents of the City of Ekurhuleni deserve adequate services, accountability, effective communication and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

Only then will residents celebrate the triumph of freedom over subjugation, democracy over racial tyranny, and hope over despair.

Political representatives need to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to building the city of Ekurhuleni — that belongs to all who live in it.

While residents of Ekurhuleni frown upon the political patronage associated with “our people” and grapple with the contempt and ignorance that such rhetoric can project, there is undoubtedly a collective view that the forthcoming local government elections will bring hope and a renewed sense of accountability among public representatives.

One cannot help but ask: Whose people are we, anyway?

As a city, Ekurhuleni is renowned for its resilience, relentless determination and optimism.

Residents have weathered suffocating political storms in the past, only to emerge stronger, more united and steadfast.

The introduction of new local government political leadership will hopefully bring a new dawn and a profound sense of appreciation for ratepayers and taxpayers across the city.

Only then will residents truly feel a sense of belonging … Whose people are we, anyway?

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