While South Africans went to the polls this week, (Monday, November 1) the excitement and enthusiasm was certainly lacking compared to April 27, 1994, when South Africa held its first democratic election.
This past Monday saw voters participating in the 6th round of local government elections, since the advent of democracy, to elect their Ward Councillor and PR Councillors, to represent them at local level. According to the IEC, the voter turnout was less than 50% nationally. Analysts described this poor turn out as the frustration of voters toward the ruling party, also citing that there were no effective opposition parties for despondent voters to make their mark.
The Laudium Sun took to the various voting stations in Ward 61, to see what locals had to say about voting and the elections.
Himalaya Str resident Yusuf Iqbal, said, “I voted as it is my right to make sure I create a better future for generations to come. This country suffered hard times in terms of human rights abuse and it is up to each and every one who is eligible to vote, to exercise this right.”
Parul Bhana (50) of Pearl Street, said, “The residents of Laudium had the opportunity to say what they want and who they want to lead their community. I did my share, it is in everyone’s interest to see how we go forward from this. My vote was secret but important.”
Lalita Machu (81) of Pearl Street, said, “I’m a pensioner and I experienced the difficult policy of apartheid. I’m making sure that I exercise my right to vote, which I was deprived of for almost half my life. It is time to decide again who is going to lead us locally. We want service delivery instead of too much talking.”
Faiyz Khan of Turquoise Street, said, “Vote for your future, for service delivery and peace in our community. We want safety and service delivery. And I exercised my right to try to make sure that the leader we choose, delivers this for the community of Laudium.”
