Ekurhuleni voters call for better service delivery in local elections

The highly contested local government elections have been a mixed experience for residents across Ekurhuleni, with hopes for change, frustrations over service delivery and questions about the future of their communities shaping how people approached the polls.

While some voting stations recorded encouraging numbers, others experienced a slow turnout, reflecting the different sentiments among residents, particularly those who have endured years of service delivery challenges.

At Sunnyridge Primary School voting station, voting proceeded smoothly, with more than 300 residents having cast their ballots within the first two hours of the station opening.

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Residents braved the morning heat to exercise their democratic right, with young and old making their way to the polls. Presiding officer Nomthetho Duma said the station had received a good number of voters since opening for special votes on Monday.

“We have not experienced any problems at this voting station. We have also had a good mix of ages, from young to old. We ensured that the elderly and pregnant women voted on time,” said Duma.

The Germiston City News (GCN) spoke to residents at the voting station about what influenced their choices at the ballot box.

The common sentiment was a desire for better service delivery and meaningful change, particularly in an area that has experienced recurring electricity outages and water supply challenges.

A couple who recently purchased a home in the Sunnyhill area said they hoped the new administration would prioritise infrastructure development and improve basic services.

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Nicole Miller said their first experience of living in the area was challenging, as they went almost a week without water after moving into their home.

“On our first day of moving in, we didn’t have water for almost a week, and that was a challenge. Being in a new area and without water was difficult. As parents, we want to see change so that our children can have a future that is not filled with challenges,” said Miller.

The desire for change was also evident at Oostrand Akademie in Kempton Park, where DA mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane cast her vote. Rasilingwane stood in the queue and interacted with residents, who shared their frustrations and hopes for the elections.

She said the concerns raised were consistent with what she had heard during her visits to different communities across the city.

According to her, residents continued to highlight the service delivery challenges affecting their daily lives and expressed a desire for an administration that would address their concerns. Mother and daughter Pam and Claudine Kandasamy echoed the call for change, saying they hoped their votes would make a meaningful difference.

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Meanwhile, Ward 92’s Emabondeni voting station in Elandsfontein reflected mixed feelings among voters. Political parties remained visible outside the station, making their final campaign efforts as residents arrived to cast their ballots.

However, beyond the political activity, concerns were raised about voter apathy, particularly among young people. One mother expressed disappointment that some young people appeared to be treating election day as a holiday, choosing to socialise and drink rather than participate in the democratic process.

Elandsfontein is among the areas that have faced persistent service delivery challenges, ranging from electricity and water interruptions to poor refuse collection and crime.

Concerns about the state of the community also extend to Sizwe Secondary School, where ongoing challenges have reportedly affected the school environment, adding to residents’ frustrations about the conditions in which their communities and children are expected to live and learn.

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At Ward 35’s Ekurhuleni Primary School voting station in Dukathole, the turnout was noticeably slower, with voters trickling in throughout the day while others continued with their daily activities. The frustration among some residents was evident just metres from the voting station, where piles of uncollected rubbish, blocked stormwater drains and sewage flowing down the street painted a picture of the service delivery challenges facing the community.

Some residents questioned the value of voting, saying the problems had persisted for years without meaningful intervention.

For them, the decision to stay away from the polls was not necessarily a lack of awareness about the importance of local government elections, but rather a reflection of growing disappointment with the state of their neighbourhoods. As residents cast their ballots across the city, the different experiences at voting stations highlighted the complex relationship between communities and local government.

While some voters remain hopeful that their choices will bring about meaningful change, others are increasingly disillusioned by promises that have yet to translate into improved living conditions.

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Ultimately, the message from many residents was clear: beyond political promises and election campaigns, communities want reliable water and electricity, clean streets, functioning infrastructure and safer neighbourhoods.

For those who have lived with years of service delivery failures, these elections represent more than choosing political representatives. They represent another opportunity to demand an administration that delivers on its promises.