Residents use IEC registrations to voice service delivery concerns
During the registration process, a number of service delivery concerns were brought up, and residents of Allandale Farm Ext 1 are prepared to exercise their right to vote on November 4.
Allandale Farm Ext 1 residents gathered at a local sports ground during an outreach hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
The outreach was held so that the community members could register to vote and learn about changes to their voting stations ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
During the registration drive, residents were informed that those who previously voted at stations in Kanana, Ivory Park, and Ebony Park would now cast their votes at Mayibuye Primary School.
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Residents highlighted ongoing struggles such as a lack of water and sanitation services, electricity shortages, and poor road infrastructure.
A young resident from Allandale Farm Ext 1, Dipuo Matlala, explained the importance of voting as a young South African.
“It is very important for us as young people to be at the forefront of voting so that we can be the voice for our communities. For example, here we have elderly people who are sick, and orphans, and we do not have the right facilities for them.
These are the reasons we need to represent our communities by voting and making sure we get the recognition we also deserve as a community,” said Matlala.
For many residents, registering to vote represents an opportunity to demand change and ensure their concerns are heard by government officials.
Community leader and chairperson of the informal settlement’s settlers’ committee, Johannes Seanego, said residents wanted recognition and equal access to services.
“We are registering to vote because we want to be recognised by the City of Johannesburg and the government. We are unemployed people, pensioners, and families living in these informal settlements, and we need services such as clinics and proper healthcare access.
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When someone is sick, ambulances struggle to enter our area because we do not have proper roads,” said Seanego.
IEC official Innocent Monareng explained that the outreach formed part of the commission’s Targeted Communication and Registration programme, aimed at informing communities about voting-related changes and encouraging voter participation.
“This outreach is about going directly to communities and updating residents on changes to voting stations so that no one is left behind.
It is especially important for people facing service delivery issues to vote so that their voices can be heard,” said Monareng.
With the official voter registration dates set for June 21 and 22 and the upcoming local government elections, scheduled for November 4, the residents want to use the opportunity to raise their concerns and elect leaders they believe can address their challenges.
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