Elections were mostly peaceful across Nkomazi
Thousands of residents made their mark at voting stations across Nkomazi and only a couple of serious incidents were reported.
MALALANE – Despite being the most contested elections to date, last week’s municipal elections were very peaceful.
Just under 200 000 voters made their mark at stations across Nkomazi and police were very surprised at how orderly, efficient and quiet proceedings were.
The ANC received the most support with 82,86 per cent of the votes, the EFF received 10,04 per cent and the DA 5,71. This earned the ruling party 54 seats in council, the EFF seven and the DA four.
The elections were preceeded by fierce campaigning all over Nkomazi by the three largest parties in the country and voters had the opportunity to meet the leading members and find out exactly why their party deserved their vote.
Residents queued at voting stations from 06:30 to ensure they would not have to spend hours waiting, despite cold and windy conditions.
At the majority of stations, voting started on time and IEC staff ensured that the process proceeded smoothly, fairly and in an orderly fashion.
Party representatives set up tents and tables at each voting station to determine how many registered voters pitched up and to chat to them.
In Komatipoort residents queued from early morning and there was a very cheerful atmosphere among them. Most stated that they hoped for improved service delivery from the winning party.
The DA won in Komatipoort with 82,05 per cent of the votes. Councillor Ms Adri Cloete was very satisfied with the vote in town, as well as the country. She stated that this was truly a democratic election, contrary to what was expected by various stakeholders. She was also very thankful for the way the IEC conducted its work in her ward and reported that there were no problems.
Cloete will be stepping down as councillor and residents are very interested to see who will take over.
One of the only serious incidents known to Corridor Gazette was a stabbing at Suikerland Secondary School in Malalane. A resident contacted this journalist to say that her son’s incessant playing of the popular Pokemon Go cellphone game helped save a life.
The son asked his mother whether he could go search for the characters of the popular game at Suikerland, after playing in Fish Eagle Bend on Wednesday afternoon. She took him there and he asked whether they could follow a dirt road around the school too. After some begging, the mom relented and they came across a bleeding man lying on the road.
The two shocked residents immediately contacted a local security company, who in turn contacted the police and a case was opened.
Residents are interested to see how the Nkomzi Local Municipality’s new council will represent the community’s interest and what the impact on service delivery will be.
Members of the public and the newly elected members of council are invited to the first council meeting after the elections. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday (August 15) at 10:00 at the Jeppes Reef Community Hall.
Enquiries: Mr MC Malale on 013-790-0245.
