A voter from Durban, James Groenewald, expressed disappointment and frustration towards those who did not participate in the local government elections, stating that it was a betrayal of the sacrifices made by former President Nelson Mandela to secure the right to vote in South Africa. Groenewald, who voted at Atholton Primary School in uMhlanga, Durban North, said it was unconscionable not to vote. He spent less than an hour at the voting station, citing the efficient voting process.
Groenewald's sentiments were echoed by several party leaders who expressed concerns about voter apathy, particularly during local government elections. The contrasting scenes at voting stations in uMhlanga and Ntuzuma pointed to differing levels of interest in voting. At Atholton Primary School, nearly 500 people had voted by 10am, with hundreds still queuing outside and more arriving in their vehicles. In contrast, the Gobhogobho Junior Primary School voting station in Ntuzuma was almost empty.
ActionSA leader Zwakele Mncwango, who voted at Gobhogobho Junior Primary School in KwaMashu, expressed concern about the poor voter turnout, stating that it risked being governed by a minority. Mncwango took less than 10 minutes to cast his vote and was pleased with the peaceful voting process. However, he emphasized the need for improved service delivery and clamping down on illegal immigration as conditions for coalition negotiations.
The DA councillor candidate for the area, Groenewald, said the party was hopeful of retaining the ward, citing the high turnout at Atholton Primary School. He emphasized the importance of continuing to improve service delivery in the area. Groenewald's comments were supported by DA leader and mayoral candidate for eThekwini, Haniff Hoosen, who stated that the vote was about change and that Durban could be one of the most beautiful cities in the world with the right leaders.
IFP leader and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, who voted in Nkandla, emphasized the importance of voting, stating that it affected service delivery. Ntuli warned that not voting could lead to a bad councillor being elected, who could cause damage. EFF MPL Sibongile Khawula expressed pain and disappointment that people did not turn out to vote, only to protest against the elected councillor.
Mncwango revealed that ActionSA would engage with other parties to form a government, but only if certain conditions were met. These conditions included improving service delivery and addressing illegal immigration. He would lead the negotiations, while the party would allow the province to negotiate its own coalition agreements.
The local government elections in Durban highlighted the need for voter participation and the importance of electing leaders who prioritize the interests of their communities. Party leaders emphasized the need for change and improved service delivery, while voters were urged to participate in the democratic process to ensure that their voices are heard.
Key points
- A Durban voter criticizes those who failed to vote in local government elections, calling it a betrayal of Nelson Mandela and the right to vote.
- Party leaders express concerns about voter apathy and emphasize the importance of voting for service delivery and change.
- ActionSA leader Zwakele Mncwango sets conditions for coalition negotiations, including improved service delivery and addressing illegal immigration.
