#IMadeMyMark: Residents vote for better services

Monday’s Local Government Elections at Thembisa voting stations saw residents speak out about their hopes for better service delivery.
“We want jobs and a cleaner Thembisa,” said Desree Ramalpe.
“Thembisa has become filthy and we have been told lies for years by our government. The door-to-door campaigns during elections should continue every two months to hear what people have to say regarding their struggles.”
Albert Matumba told Thembisan he voted for better housing.
“I have been a Thembisa resident for over 30 years and to this day, I am still just renting a room. I voted to own a piece of land I can call my home.”
Lerato Nchwe expressed the hope of seeing progress in South Africa and the economy.
“Our economy has taken a knock. We need to do away with corruption. We call for the introduction of programmes that will uplift and empower our people and create jobs.”
Rodney Thukwana said: “I voted because I want the municipal taxes to be reduced because we are paying too much. Some grannies do not have money to pay the monthly bills and feed their grandchildren at the same time.”
Zola Jijana has been voting since 1994. He expressed the hope that his fellow residents voted for someone they believed will do as they promised.
“I have always voted because it is the right thing to do. I am hopeful that my vote will bring the change I would like to see in my community and our country,” said Jijana.
Lerato Lekabe said: “I am hoping that whoever we elected will be able to help us in solving issues, such as cleaning the environment and maintaining the local parks.
“It was also said by one of the parties that they want the local community to be involved in such progressive action. I am hoping that is how things will turn out. I can only hope I have made the right mark.”
Unemployment
Husband and wife Timothy and Nomvula Mothale travelled together to cast their votes.
Their plea was for job creation for the youth.
“It is not right that our youth is dependent on pensioners to put food on the table due to unemployment. They also need their independence,” both shared.
Their other plea is for stability in electricity supply as, among other things, load-shedding has proven to be an inconvenience for Timothy, who uses an oxygen machine.
The oxygen tank they carried to the voting station is also used when he travels, but he has had to use it more often due to load-shedding.
“When it runs out, we need to go to the local pharmacy to get a refill. This is an expense not covered by our medical aid,” said Timothy.
Martha Mokadi was vocal about her concerns about the condition of clinics.
“Our clinics are dirty. There are also no services when it comes to fixing streetlights and potholes,” said Mokadi.
The Thembisa ward results were:
Ward 102 – ANC 56.1%
Ward 2 – ANC 50.26%
Ward 3 – ANC 47.78%
Ward 89 – ANC 46.98%
Ward 7 – ANC 55.59%
Ward 5 – ANC 53.56%
Ward 100 – ANC 49.97%
Ward 9 – ANC 50.02%
Ward 6 – ANC 63.88%
Ward 4 – ANC 65.51%
Ward 8 – ANC 56.98%
Ward 10 – ANC 58.42%
Ward 14 – ANC 63.69%
Ward 11 – ANC 60.7%
Ward 12 – ANC 51.09 %
Ward 13 – ANC 35.97%