As South Africa prepares for the 4 November local government elections, former IEC deputy chair Terry Tselane is urging citizens to exercise their right to vote. In an interview with 702's Bongani Bingwa, Tselane emphasized that municipal elections have a direct impact on basic services such as refuse collection, water supply, electricity, and road maintenance. He encouraged voters to think carefully about who they elect, as this decision will affect their daily lives for the next five years.
Tselane acknowledged that many South Africans have become disillusioned with the democratic process, citing the persistence of problems such as potholes, uncollected rubbish, and sewage issues despite casting their votes. However, he argued that staying home on election day will not solve these problems. Instead, voters should consider the capacity of candidates to represent their interests and provide effective municipal services. Tselane also emphasized the importance of political parties putting forward capable candidates.
The former IEC deputy chair referenced the warning that repeatedly installing people who are unable to do the job contributes to disillusionment with democracy itself. He stressed that this can make people despondent and lead them to believe that democracy does not actually count. To address this, Tselane advised voters to look beyond familiar political names and examine the choices available in their own ward, as even a single vote could matter to the final result.
For voters who feel that none of the available parties or candidates speaks for them, Tselane suggested exploring alternative options. He encouraged citizens to focus on three key factors when making their decision: who best represents their interests, whether that person has the capacity to do the job, and actually turning up to vote. By doing so, voters can ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
Tselane emphasized that local elections ultimately come back to everyday life, as citizens still need basic services such as water, refuse collection, and road maintenance. He encouraged voters to think about the impact of their vote on these essential services and to make an informed decision. With the country going to the polls in less than a month, Tselane's message is clear: every vote counts, and citizens should not stay home.
The local government elections are scheduled to take place on 4 November, and voters are being urged to participate in the democratic process. By casting their votes, citizens can help shape the future of their municipalities and ensure that their basic needs are met. As Tselane noted, the person elected will be in office for five years, making it crucial to choose a candidate who can effectively represent their interests.
In conclusion, Tselane's message to South Africans is clear: think carefully about who you elect, and make your voice heard by casting your vote. By doing so, citizens can help create a better future for their communities and ensure that their basic needs are met. The upcoming local government elections provide an opportunity for citizens to shape the future of their municipalities and create positive change.
Key points
- Former IEC deputy chair Terry Tselane urges South Africans to vote in the 4 November local government elections.
- Tselane emphasizes that municipal elections have a direct impact on basic services such as refuse collection, water supply, electricity, and road maintenance.
- Voters are encouraged to focus on three key factors when making their decision: who best represents their interests, whether that person has the capacity to do the job, and actually turning up to vote.
