#2026Localelections: Pimville voters demand service delivery overhaul at polls
Crumbling cemeteries, youth joblessness, and policy frustrations drive Soweto residents to voting stations in search of accountability.
Residents in Pimville turned out at the polls with strong convictions that their votes will finally bring change to their community.
Voters who cast their ballots at Tshebedisano Primary School in Zone 2 told reporters that local government needs urgent overhaul.
Community concerns
Ben Moloi stated that his main concern is local cemeteries turning into illegal dumping sites covered in overgrown grass.
He expressed anger that officials fail to show basic respect for the deceased.
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Moloi highlighted other pressing issues such as uncollected refuse, continuous water shortages, broken streetlights, high unemployment, and rampant crime.
He said he cast his ballot with the hope that his chosen party will tackle these issues head on.
Dwindling trust
Another resident named Isaac Mohomane confessed that this might be his final time participating in an election.
He admitted that he had to struggle with himself before leaving home to vote.
“I finally decided to come out and vote,” said Mohomane. “I will not mention the party, but I want to give someone else a chance.”
Mohomane stressed that politicians must stop promising non-existent solutions and focus on real job creation.
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James Tsotetsi echoed those thoughts, pointing directly to the plight of unemployed young people across Soweto.
“Youth have surrendered themselves to drugs due to joblessness,” said Tsotetsi. “Government needs to build an environment where entrepreneurship and job creation can thrive.”
Economic policy debate
Tsotetsi added that broad-based black economic empowerment policies need serious revision because local communities see no real benefits.
“Only politically connected individuals benefit from it,” he said.
Rethabile Mathatela explained that older generations are no longer casting ballots for their own futures.
“Eventually we are going to die, so we are trying to pave a clear road for our children,” said Mathatela. “Even though we struggle to trust these parties, we hold on to the hope that change will come.”
