Residents of Thokoza, a township in Ekurhuleni, South Africa, are casting their votes in the local government elections with hopes for meaningful change. Many voters expressed concerns over high crime levels, substance abuse, and youth unemployment, which they believe have plagued their community for years. Despite these challenges, voters like 22-year-old Bontle Mavuka are participating in the election to exercise their rights and make their voices heard.
Mavuka, who voted at the New Brethren Apostolic Church in Thokoza, highlighted the disjuncture between her community and the rest of the city. She noted that public infrastructure, particularly roads, is in disrepair, and opportunities are scarce. "When we leave the township and go into town, we can see the disjuncture," she said. "In town, infrastructure is maintained, and there are opportunities. The township is neglected until it's voting time."
For 70-year-old Gogo Mbatha, decades of voting have not yielded the desired results. She demands accountability and tangible change from her leaders. "We are tired of empty promises," she said. "We want change, not promises. We have been voting for 32 years, but it feels like we are poorer than before." Mbatha attributed the community's struggles to corruption and self-enrichment by those in power.
Nthabiseng Bhenuva, 42, echoed similar concerns, citing high crime levels and substance abuse as major issues in Thokoza. She noted that basic services like water and electricity are often unreliable. "Our young people are hooked on drugs," she said. "Things are not the same as before in terms of safety. Added to that, basic services such as water and electricity are a challenge."
Bhenuva expressed nostalgia for a time when services were more reliable, even under the previous government. "We want change and things to work like back in the day when amabhunu (the white people) were in charge," she said. "We are not saying there was no corruption, but at least things worked. Now nothing works, and corruption is the order of the day."
Despite the challenges, Bhenuva emphasized the importance of participating in the elections to bring about change. "You can't demand change while sitting at home and not voting," she said. Voters, predominantly women, trickled into polling stations in Thokoza, with some attributing the slow turnout to the scorching heat.
The New Brethren Apostolic Church was one of the polling stations chosen by prominent leaders, including SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila, to cast their votes. As voters continue to cast their ballots, they hope that this election will bring about the change they have been seeking for years.
Key points
- High crime levels, substance abuse, and youth unemployment are major concerns for Thokoza residents.
- Voters demand accountability and tangible change from their leaders.
- Residents express nostalgia for a time when basic services were more reliable.
