Tshwane residents have their say on upcoming elections

With November 1 set as the date for the upcoming local elections, Rekord spoke to some residents about whether they will be going to the polls on the day.

Here is what they had to say:

Siyabonga Mdawe (18) said he was choosing not to vote after years of seeing other eligible voters and communities, fighting over the same economic, political and social issues, without change.

“I feel my vote will not make any difference. Through my 18 years, I have discovered that my vote will only make the rich, richer, while the poor become more impoverished.

“Elections are one-sided and never benefit the people on the ground, voting.”

Mdawe said the only people that benefited from elections were politicians and parties.

He said elections had become a farce for ordinary people.

“Twenty-seven years into democracy and people still need electricity, water, housing and jobs.

“Voting has made no difference.”

While Tshiamo Ramashala (18) said he would be voting, hopefully for a party that will tackle crime and the issues facing university students.

“I need to vote as safety in South Africa is a concern for me,” said Ramashala.

He said his home was broken into only a few weeks ago, which inspired him to vote to see change.

“Our communities in South Africa are not safe for women, children and men; so I am hoping to vote for someone willing to change this.

“I will also be voting in the hope that a political party can change the issues faced by students who are about to enter university in terms of registration fees and yearly tuition fees.”

Ramashala said elections did not mean much to him, as his vote was only a hopeful stride to change the political systems.

Marquard Pienaar (53) said he would be voting as politics was an integral part of any democratic country’s system.

“Politics came into play for a reason as people need to solve issues peacefully and that is why I will use the system to change South Africa for the better.”

Pienaar said elections were important to him and that is why he had started his own party, namely Federal Party SA.

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Kgosietsile Hlabe from Soshanguve block VV said, “I am voting because I want to see changes in my community. I want the next councillor to be hands-on when it

comes to service delivery in the area.”

Itumeleng Modise from Soshanguve block VV: “The reason I am voting is that I want changes. We have free education now, but young people finish their tertiary education and sit at home without jobs. The unemployment stats are really worrying and I hope my vote can change that.”

Letta Sesoka from Soshanguve extension 3: “We do not see any improvements in our community. People are staying in RDP houses that are incomplete and we do not have proper roads. I wish that the party I am going to vote for will look at these issues and address them.”

Jimmy S’thole from Soshanguve extension 3: “I would like the next councillor to fix the streetlights and roads in our community. I would also like him or her to create job opportunities for those the disabled because I have given up on finding a job.”

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