Ratanda residents share mixed views as special voting concludes at Obed Nkosi
Special voting at Obed Nkosi voting station on November 3 saw a slow turnout, with residents raising concerns about water shortages, electricity challenges, unemployment and the need for improved municipal service delivery.
Special voting at the Obed Nkosi voting station in Ratanda recorded a slow turnout on November 3, as eligible residents cast their ballots ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections scheduled for November 4.
The voting process provided an opportunity for approved voters who would be unable to visit their registered voting stations on election day, as well as those who qualified for home visits because of physical infirmity or disability, to exercise their democratic right ahead of the main elections.
Water shortages and electricity challenges were among the issues residents said continued to affect their daily lives.
Some expressed hope that the elections would bring improved service delivery, while others questioned whether another electoral process would result in meaningful changes.
Nomasonto Mdluli (55) said she hoped the elections would bring positive changes to the community, although she believed residents had become discouraged by promises that had not been fulfilled.
“We hope that things will improve after these local government elections. Our people have lost hope because of empty promises and corruption,” she said.
Thabiso Selepe (36) encouraged residents to participate in the elections, saying voting remained an important way for communities to have their voices heard and hold elected representatives accountable.
“We are voting because we want to see change and improvement in service delivery. People should exercise their rights and come out in numbers because nothing will change if you don’t vote,” he said.
Gcina Hlatshwayo (24) questioned the value of voting, particularly against the background of persistent unemployment and limited opportunities for young people.
“I don’t see the importance of voting because we are still unemployed and there are no opportunities,” he said.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa, special voting is intended to ensure that registered voters who cannot vote on Election Day are not excluded from the electoral process.
