POLOKWANE – With the local government election just days away, political parties are making big promises, but what do the people of Polokwane actually want to see from the next municipal council?

Review Online asked residents to name the one thing they believe the new council must prioritise in its first 100 days in office.

The responses painted a picture of a city tired of neglected infrastructure and the heavy financial burden placed on pensioners.

Here is what residents had to say.

The top priority: Fixing potholes and roads

In our Facebook poll, “Fixing potholes and roads” emerged as the clear priority, followed by job creation and safer communities.

Residents are fed up with the state of the city’s roads. Reft Chauke said: “There are very few streets that don’t have potholes in Polokwane. It’s an eyesore and accidents waiting to happen.”

Cornelius Jooste wrote a detailed proposal, calling for a “funded, publicly trackable road repair and maintenance programme, including neglected gravel roads in areas such as Dalmada.” He suggested publishing repair dates and responsible officials, noting that he has already suffered over R40 000 in vehicle damage.

Monique Potgieter questioned the municipality’s logic, “What was the point of fixing some random roads while leaving others, which are in even worse condition, completely untouched?”

The water crisis

While roads won the poll, the water crisis dominated the written comments. Residents are tired of inconsistent supply and the slow response to maintenance issues.

Shalati Chauke wants actual solutions: “Actual solutions that will work long term. It’s an inconvenience trying to function without water.” Marcella Siwela, who lives in a high-lying area, echoed this, hoping for a consistent supply.

Madeleine Klopper listed a litany of basic needs: “Proper streetlights. Roads that are properly repaired, not just patched up. A stable water supply. General maintenance of all power stations, water supply systems, sanitation, parks, and gardens.”

Accountability and an end to corruption

A strong thread of frustration over corruption and a lack of accountability ran through the comments.

Victor J Wilson simply wrote: “How about NO theft/corruption/tender fraud/ all of things that wrong.” Louis Geyer agreed, stating his priority is to “stop corruption immediately.”

Jacques Joubert called for basic competence. “G get back to doing the basics, doing it well, effectively and in budget. Hold personnel accountable, from the lowest pay level to the highest; everyone should do the work they are paid for.”

The burden on the elderly and poor

Several residents highlighted how high municipal bills are crushing pensioners and low-income households.

Hunadi Kgwete demanded a proper indigent register. “They must go house-to-house and see that many homes are run by grannies on grant money. That grant is feeding everyone, but bills are too high. Give pensioners relief and stop punishing the poor.”

Mafiwa Leballo agreed, saying, “Many households are led by grannies and grandfathers on a grant that must feed grandchildren and unemployed family. If they are accommodated with affordable bills, confidence will come back.”

Mmamoloko Daphney Lehong pointed to the high cost of living: “Rates and taxes. Cost of living is too high. i.e., electricity is very expensive.”

Jobs, fair hiring, and safety

For the youth, the most pressing issue is employment, but only if the hiring process is fair and based on merit, not political connections.

Terence Malatsa said: “Right now if you are not a member of a certain political organisation you will never work. In the first 100 days, advertise jobs openly and hire on merit, not politics.” Annaltjie Harmse added that she wants to see “less corruption, more jobs for equipped people, not because a family member or a friend got you in.”

Finally, safety remains a major concern. Esme van Dyk wants “Visible and willing traffic cops! Maybe then people will actually stop at a stop street!” while Chantelle Van Heerden simply wants “street lights for safety.”

A mandate for the basics

Taken together, the responses point to a city that simply wants the basics to work. Whether it is water that flows consistently, roads that don’t destroy vehicles, bills that don’t crush pensioners, or jobs that are awarded on merit rather than political loyalty, the message to the incoming council is clear.

The first 100 days must be filled with visible, measurable action.