EMFULENI – Gatvol residents braved the scorching sun and long queues this morning as thousands headed to voting stations across Emfuleni Local Municipality to decide the municipality’s political future.

A visit by Ster to several voting stations across the region revealed a strong voter turnout, with residents patiently waiting in lengthy queues to exercise their democratic right.

In Ward 28, hundreds of voters turned out, with a lengthy queue forming as residents waited for their turn to cast their ballots.

One voter, Paseko Maseko, said residents are fed up with poor service delivery and were determined to use their votes to bring about change.

“Some of my neighbours woke up as early as five o’clock to cast their votes. This is a sign that people are tired,” he said.

Maseko said residents have endured years of poor basic services, with little improvement in their communities.

“For the longest time, we’ve struggled with basic services, and nothing is happening for us. One needs to cast a vote to make the much-needed change,” he said.

Sizwe Ngwenya said residents are voting for better services and allowing their preferred candidates to turn things around.

He said residents had limited access to their ward councillors and believe voting is one way of making their voices heard.

Ngwenya said residents want leaders who would tackle crime and improve basic services.

“We need leaders who will deliver basic services. Crime is too high, and we need people who will deal with it. We don’t need anything complicated, just mere basic services,” he said.

Moipone Nyambosi said she was voting for a party she believed would bring meaningful change to the community.

“I’m voting today so that there will be changes. We are hoping that our grievances will be given attention,” she said.

Nyambosi said she wants to see an end to electricity shortages, better access to clinics, regular refuse collection and an end to sewage spilling into the streets.

“I’m confident that the party I’m going to vote for will bring more changes. We voted during the by-elections and, thus far, I am content with the choice I made,” she said.

Emfuleni remains one of the most hotly contested political battlegrounds, with parties fighting to win the trust of residents frustrated by years of service delivery challenges.