Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi returned to familiar surroundings on November 4 when he cast his vote at TKM School of Specialisation in Thembisa, the school where he was once a learner.

Accompanied by his delegation, Lesufi, a proud Thembisa resident, said he chose to vote at his former school because of the role it played in shaping his future.

Speaking after casting his ballot, Lesufi encouraged residents to participate in the local government elections, emphasising the importance of voting in determining the future of municipalities and the communities they serve.

“It is important for residents to vote because we live in municipalities that plan for the future of our communities. When days like these arise, everyone should grab the opportunity with both hands.

“Voting helps municipalities budget for service delivery and address issues affecting communities. There is also a new university being discussed for Ekurhuleni, so it is important for people to vote because they help determine the future of the municipality. It is an important process that must not be undermined,” he said.

Lesufi also identified population growth and migration as some of the challenges facing Ekurhuleni, saying the municipality needed to manage the increasing number of people moving into the area.

He said the municipality’s appeal as a place to live and work contributed to the influx, while keeping accurate population figures and accounting for undocumented residents presented additional challenges.

The Premier also commended residents for participating in what he described as a peaceful voting process, saying voters had conducted themselves responsibly without disturbing others.

As a father of a first-time voter, Lesufi said he was particularly encouraged by the participation of young people in the elections.

He also expressed satisfaction with how voting was progressing in Thembisa.

Reflecting on the importance of young people participating in democracy, he said: “Those who did it, did it for us, and we have to do it for them.”