As local government elections got underway, Soweto Urban visited DSJ Primary School in Dobsonville’s Ward 48 to speak to voting residents.

Elderly voters emerged as a prominent group sharing grievances, citing unemployment and unfair opportunities that drive young people toward substance abuse and crime as their primary concern.

Motsei Lekgetho said: “My challenge personally has been family fights caused by overcrowding. I am being disrespected by grandchildren in our family home and have since applied for an RDP house and have not yet received it and I think these are things the government should look into, I am hoping that as I continuously vote, one day it will heed good results and I will get the house I had since applied for, over a decade ago.”

Sassa pensions were also raised by voters, who noted that R2 000 is insufficient to cover essentials such as funeral plans, groceries and electricity.

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“I am hopeful that as I made my mark, I am making a difference for my children and the youth. If our children were working we would not be struggling to make ends meet with our pension money, however our households depend on that little money,” said Adeline Moeketsi.

As voting continued, residents maintained hope that their ballots would bring positive change and wider improvements across Soweto.