Voters call for service delivery

As the rain poured steadily on election day, it seemed the cold, wet conditions had kept voters indoors, and at many of the voting stations Vukani visited in Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Philippi, Gugulethu and Langa few had come out to make their mark.

Outside voting stations in Gugulethu and Khayelitsha on Monday November 1, party agents for the ANC and EFF kept spirits and motivation high as they sang revolutionary songs.

Thulani Kolise

Thulani Kolise, a member of the EFF who lives in Endlovini in Ward 99, said they had given their ward candidate the mandate to create job opportunities for young people and speed up service delivery in the area.

He, too found himself among the many unemployed youth in the country, he said, adding that young people were embarrassed to apply for job opportunities created by the City, which usually involved cleaning streets.

Asked what he expected from a ward councillor, he listed accountability and transparency with regards to ward allocations, and dedicated, respectful service to the community.

He also felt it was important that they vote for a councillor who lives in a shack because that person would understand their problems and challenges.

“Housing is a problem here. This community has been in existence for nearly three decades and yet there is no development plan. We want to see change here. We are tired of living in a place like this as if we do not have a person to advocate for us.

“We are hoping for the best. Should he not win, we will be disappointed but we will keep doing the ground work,” he said.

Ntombothando Tebe

Ntombothando Tebe, who also lives in Endlovini in Ward 99, but supports the ANC, said she was voting because she wanted her party to retain the ward and continue its good work.

She said their candidate was a young person whom they hoped would come up with new ideas and bring about much needed change in the area. And despite the shortcomings of the political party she supports, she said, she still very much believes in it.

Khayelethu Peter who lives in Site B in Ward 89, said he was voting for a change and a ward councillor who would put the interests of the people ahead of those of the party.

Among the problems residents of Site B faced, he said, were potholed roles and overflowing sewerage.

Nokuthula Yabo, from Philippi, which falls into Ward 38, said she had previously voted for the DA but decided to vote for a different party this time round.

She said streets in Philippi were riddled with potholes.

Eric Tshebe

Eric Tshebe he voted for change and wanted to see his community improved get better. He said housing and development remains a key challenge in his area.