Shalimar Ridge voters call for better service delivery and a brighter future
While voter turnout was slow at Kiddies Corner, residents at Shalimar Ridge voting stations highlighted the importance of exercising their democratic rights, calling for improved service delivery, accountability and change for future generations.
Voter turnout varied between the two voting stations in Shalimar Ridge on November 4, with relatively few residents casting their votes at Kiddies Corner, while Shalimar Ridge Primary School recorded a higher turnout.
At Kiddies Corner voting station, the turnout was slow, with only a handful of residents arriving to exercise their democratic right.
IEC officials confirmed that voting proceedings started on time and that no major incidents or disruptions were reported. Residents who participated in the elections highlighted the importance of voting, expressing hopes for better service delivery, improved communities and a brighter future for the next generation.
Zodwa Skosana encouraged residents to take the opportunity to vote, saying that citizens should use their democratic rights to hold those in government accountable.
“I think people should come out in numbers and vote because the current government has failed us in terms of service delivery and many other things. We cannot continue complaining about the challenges we face without using the opportunity we have to make our voices heard. If people want to see change and improvement in their communities, they must come out and vote,” she said.
Millicent Msimanga said voting was important because it protected the rights of citizens, particularly considering South Africa’s history before the advent of democracy in 1994.
“Voting is very important because it is one of the ways we protect our rights and make sure that our voices are heard. We must remember that before 1994, many people in this country did not have the opportunity to vote. Today we have that privilege and we should not take it for granted. We must appreciate the freedom we have and exercise our right to choose the leaders who will represent us,” she said.
Sphiwe Mbatha said participating in elections was about more than the present generation, as the decisions made today would influence the future of young people and generations to come.
“We are voting because we want to make decisions that will shape the future of the next generations. The choices we make today will have an impact on our children and those who come after us and that is why voting is very important. We need to take responsibility for the future of our communities and our country,” he said.
Maria Swarts said she wanted to see meaningful change and improvements in the community.
“Voting is very important because we want to see change and improvement. We want things to get better in our communities and we believe that participating in elections gives us an opportunity to make our voices heard. We hope that the people elected will listen to residents and address the challenges affecting us,” she said.
