VEREENIGING.– Contrary to many voters declaring they will boycott the upcoming Local Government Elections, residents living in the abandoned Old Vereeniging Hospital, known as 21, have vowed to cast their ballots in high numbers.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster during a recent visit, the community said that their vote remains their voice.

For years, the dilapidated building has housed job seekers moving to Vereeniging.

The property suffers from a lack of basic service delivery, there is no running water, no electricity, and no sanitation facilities.

Crime has been at its worst in recent years.

A resident, who arrived at the site in the early 1990s, explained that politicians have made empty promises regarding jobs and housing during every election cycle.

“Some people have left and found better jobs and places to stay. We are still here. Yes, we are going to vote, but for who, is our secret!”

My vote is my right.

Another resident, David Motsei, works as a recycler and lives in a single room at the property.

“I just want land; that is all I need, a stand where I can build a house for myself. I am going to vote. My vote is my right,” Motsei said.

Addressing the situation, current Ward 15 Councillor Prudence Hlanyane said that the land belongs to the provincial government according to the latest information.

“The municipality doesn’t have any plan on the issue of 21, but please contact the Housing MMC in Emfuleni,” Hlanyane said.

Meanwhile, Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, clarified that the matter falls under the provincial government rather than the local authority.

“ I am not sure what plans they have, as I only know they are busy with reconstruction and construction of the old hospital in Vanderbijlpark,” Sangweni added.