As the local government elections draw closer, we asked the North Coast community the question: why do you think it is important to vote?

This question was posed to different individuals from different race, age and gender groups, so that we can understand why people are you going to lining up on Wednesday the 4th of November and using their collective power to make a difference.

Here is what a few had to say:

Nicole Ntuli (18) from KwaDukuza says, “It’s important to vote because it will bring about job opportunities.”

Wandile Dube (18) from KwaDukuza says, “So we can see change in our community and job opportunities, that’s why I think it’s important.”

Ntombilungile Ntozakhe (39) from KwaDukuza says, “I think it’s important to vote because we get the opportunity to have our voices be heard and fight for our rights as the people of this country. We need our government to open up opportunities for the youth. Many of them are unemployed and are struggling to survive. Depending on government grants is not sustainable, we want them to be able to get jobs and be independant.”

Martin Van Staden (29) from Ballito says, “It’s important to vote for a party that you believe will change the country, because we all feel the same, there is a mutual agreement that the country is not where we want it to be. A lot of people are paying tax in this country, but we are not seeing a change. We see the prices of electricity is going up but we don’t understand why. It is important to vote for the big change we all want. We just want to see change.

Kenneth Mabaso (37) from eThembeni says, “It’s important to vote so change can happen. People have been waiting for change, but nothing happens. In the past we have voted for a certain party, but nothing changes. It seems to only benefit the people in power and they refuse to share. They are currently doing door to door campaigning, buying useless things to convince people to vote for them. People are tired, they are at a point that they are willing to vote for any party as long as they remove the current party from power.”

Thandokuhle Mbele (32) from eThembeni says, “It is important. Some people see it as important, and some don’t. In the past, people believed and wanted change and trusted that their community needs would be met. Nowadays politicians are unfair and are dishonest. We go and waste our votes only to have our needs not be met in the way expected or required. We have been told that for change to happen we need to vote but we are not seeing that change. Only their lives seem to change from the power of our votes and we are left emptyhanded.”

Brett Michielin (48) from Ballito says, “If you don’t vote you cannot complain.”

Claude Nair (56) from Ballito says “We have a beautiful country, but many people are living in disappointing circumstances and that should not be the case. We have people running the municipality who are unqualified for those positions and are only there because of political ties they have. We need to have experienced and knowledgeable people running our municipality. I honestly, don’t believe any of the current political parties have what it takes to bring about change in our country, but we have to start somewhere. I am able to start by using my vote and voice I have.”