South Africans are days away from one of the most important local government elections in the history of our democracy.

With this in mind the Dolphin Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association (Docrra) is urging residents to make their voices heard at the ballot box on November 4, going as far as calling this ‘a non-negotiable community emergency’.

The Courier sat down with Docrra chief operating officer Mary Kassam to discuss why they believe staying home could come at a high cost to the community.

Q: Why is Docrra encouraging residents to vote on November 4?
A: We have worked hard to ensure the community has a seat at the table where municipal decisions are made. But voters determine who sits on the other side.

Local government decisions affect our daily lives, from electricity and roads to water and waste services. If we want better services and accountability, we must participate in choosing those responsible.

Q: How will Docrra assist voters on election day?
A: Docrra has been approved as an official election observer organisation and will deploy observers at all six voting stations in wards 6, 22 and 30.

On election day, our WhatsApp-based Docrra Poll Watch will provide queue updates and estimated waiting times (to follow, open WhatsApp Channels and search ‘Docrra’).

Q: Why are these elections particularly important?
A: The people elected will make decisions affecting our community for the next five years.

For example, Siza Water’s current concession ends in 2029. Whether a new concession is introduced will be decided by the iLembe District Council, whose composition will be influenced by this election.
Yet local elections traditionally attract lower turnout than national and provincial elections. If we want different outcomes, we cannot keep repeating the same pattern of disengagement.

Q: What concerns you about voter turnout?
A: In 2021, only 32.5% of KwaDukuza residents aged 18 and older voted. The majority did not participate. We cannot demand accountability while opting out of the democratic process.

Q: Does one vote really make a difference?
A: Yes. South Africa’s proportional representation system means that votes contribute to determining how political representation is allocated. When a community turns out in significant numbers, it can have a meaningful influence on the composition of council.

Q: Why describe this election as a “non-negotiable community emergency”?
A: Because the stakes are too high for complacency.

In 2021, when our community faced violence and unrest, residents pulled together to protect lives, homes and livelihoods. People stepped up because the situation demanded it, without waiting for someone else to take responsibility.

We are asking for that same spirit of collective responsibility now. The challenge may be different, but the principle is the same: when our community’s future is at stake, everyone has a part to play.

Q: Your final message?
A: WhatsApp complaints will not determine our future. Our votes will.