MSHOLOZI – Residents of this informal settlement turned out in their numbers to register and to check if they were registered to vote in the coming elections.
The paper spent time at Mama Esther’s Safe Haven which functioned
as registration centre. Here is what the people had to say about their
expectations of the coming elections, Mr George Mohlala and
Mr William Monareng were happy to be registered and were eagerly awaiting May 7 to cast their votes because they wanted to see change in the community.
The area needed proper roads, electricity, water and schools.
Their sentiments were echoed by Mr Henry Khumalo (36) who said he would definitely cast it because without
his vote no change would come to the area. When asked about his expectations, Khumalo said he would appreciate anything the government could do for the community.
Ms Refiloe Mohlala on the other hand, said she was excited to vote
for the first time as her vote would be her voice about service delivery issues in the area. “If they provide us with electricity, we will be able to create job opportunities for ourselves.
“I’m a qualified dressmaker, and will run my
own business and maybe empower others, but without electricity, there is nothing much we can do but continue to depend on government grants,” she said. Ms Winnie Jones said she wanted the government to build a clinic in the area as locals had to travel far to access health services.
A pensioner in her 70s, Gogo Elizabeth Makaringa, told this newspaper she had been voting since 1994 and would continue to do so. The area, especially Section B, C and D, was in dire need of water.
“Sometimes we spent two to three days without it. I hope all the
problems and others challenges will be addressed by the political party I’m
going to vote for this year,” she said. Ms Nompumelelo Mkhabela said she hoped her vote would make government consider building a police station to address crime.
“Most of the unemployed youth end up committing crime as means of
survival, so we need more jobs and skills development centres in the province. It is also my wish for the government to find a cure for HIV/ Aids. For those reasons I’m going to cast my vote proudly,” she said.
Pastor Yaku Malope said there was aneed for government to support churches and he expected more development in the coming five years.
“This is another chance for the government to correct the mistakes of others and deliver services for the community during its term of office.”
for more pictures click here : https://www.citizen.co.za/mpumalanga-news/40275/voter-weekend-msholozi/
