Three young Centurion residents view the upcoming local government elections on November 4 as more than placing a cross on a ballot paper.

They consider it an opportunity to speak up about broken streetlights, polluted rivers, unemployment, and their communities’ future.

Yash Naidoo from Rooihuiskraal North, Ruby Swartz from The Reeds, and Janco Snyman from Eldoraigne are preparing to cast their first votes.

“Voting in the upcoming local elections means that I now have a voice to express myself with in my local community,” Naidoo said.

He was motivated by the belief that one vote can make a difference and expressed frustration with municipal service delivery, noting streetlights in his area had been broken for years despite residents reporting problems.

He questioned why some issues appeared to be addressed only as elections approached, rather than when residents first raised concerns.

Naidoo said fixing streetlights would improve safety for pedestrians, motorists, and homeowners. He also raised concerns about rubbish and sewage polluting the Hennops River, threatening the environment and animals.

He said the informal settlement near the Gautrain station needed attention and suggested the municipality explore job-creation opportunities for residents.

Naidoo hopes the incoming local government will provide safe, well-maintained spaces where young people can socialise and prioritise residents’ physical and mental well-being.

”One vote can make a big difference whether you realise it or not. Your vote could be the deciding factor for change or for things to stay the same,” he said.

Swartz, for whom voting for the first time is an exciting milestone, sees it as an opportunity to influence decisions affecting her community and future.

”I was motivated to register because I believe that if we want to see change, we need to be willing to participate in making it happen,” she expressed.

Swartz said community problems encouraged her to vote rather than complain without taking action. She wants leaders who prioritise accountability, service delivery, and transparency.

She hopes for cleaner, safer streets, maintained roads, reliable municipal services, and less crime. She also wants more employment opportunities and work experience for young people.

Swartz believes the incoming administration should listen to residents, take responsibility when things go wrong, and keep its promises beyond election season.

She urged young people to research parties and make informed choices, saying not voting means losing an opportunity to influence their future.

Infrastructure and youth job creation are top priorities

Snyman shares similar concerns, saying the deterioration of communities motivated him to register.

”I want to be part of the change I wish to see, and I believe voting is one way to take responsibility,” he said.

His priorities include clean drinking water, reliable electricity, cleaner rivers, and better drainage to address flooding.

He also wants potholes and sinkholes addressed, saying contractors should be carefully selected to ensure public money is spent effectively.

Snyman wants recycling bins installed and suggested affordable youth programmes offering introductory plumbing and electrical courses, alongside opportunities to explore careers through municipal work.

”Every vote makes a difference and counts towards a better future. If you want to see and make a change, then you need to vote,” he said.

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