Jenny van Graan, marketing manager for San Michele Home: Whatever party you find suitable and you feel is concerned about your town, its citizens, and the welfare of the people, look at the fruits they pick for their efforts. How quick are they to help solve a problem, especially over a weekend? How often do you see the representative not just being the politician, but being a person of their word? Personally, mediocrity just doesn't do it for me anymore. Actions speak so much louder than words.
Brakpan is ready for the 2026 local government elections on November 4, and local voices are talking about voting, why it’s important, and what they hope their ‘x’ will do.
Pastor Loraine du Plessis: Local community matters hold a personal meaning for me. My work has taught me how important it is for people not only to be seen, but also heard, listened to and cared for. When I cast my vote in the local government election, I want to do so from that perspective. I want to support people and a party that I see is visibly involved in the community. Elections are ultimately not about political parties, but about people, service, responsibility and the future of our communities. I believe every voter should do their own research, listen to different perspectives and then make an informed choice. PHOTO: Provided
Jacques Botha, business owner and Brakpan resident since 1985: This is my town. I’m absolutely voting in the upcoming election. I have businesses and am involved in everything happening in Brakpan. My main reason for voting is to, like any other business, share in benefiting from the enormous amounts of money I spend on property taxes that never make their way to me. I don’t even have sewage connections or rubbish collection, yet I pay R30 000 in tax per month. I am asking my fellow Brakpanners to vote so we can at least try to effect change. Don’t bend to the current poor service delivery.
Mientjie Kleinhans, co-founder of Connection Hub: It is fundamental for every citizen to voice their opinion in the upcoming elections. This is our chance to make a difference by voting for a political party that aligns with our expectations. If we don’t vote, we cannot expect change, and then we cannot complain about the state of our communities. I am going to vote in the hope that our country’s economy will grow, corruption and crime will be defeated, and a better future will be built for my children. PHOTO: Provided.
Pieter Vorster, Brakpan slap fighting and powerlifting champion: As a citizen of South Africa, my vote is the most powerful instrument I have to influence the future of this country and my community. My vote is the only democratic way to give a new party the chance to fix things. No vote is lost, even if your party doesn't win. Your vote helps ensure that the opposition achieves greater balance in the government. PHOTO: Provided
At Caxton, every story is written by humans. We use AI only to perform quality checks - never to generate the news. Happy reading!
As a journalist, my goal is to present the public with all the information so they can make informed decisions, and as far as possible represent their voices in my reportage.
