Mpho Galetshitse
Residents of Ward 23 in Madibeng Local Municipality voted with heavy hearts on Monday after years of living without essential services including water shortages.
They were hoping that their lives would change for the better after they had cast their votes for a party of their choice.
The ANC has not had the most successful term after winning Madibeng municipality in 2016 as its councillors turned on each other, creating instability in the council.
Opposition parties are hoping the divisions and poor record of service delivery will influence voter choices.
Hundreds turned out to vote at voting stations and IEC’s Deputy Presiding Officer, Thokozani Matlou, said everything had proceeded smoothly.
One of the voters, Victor Monageng, from Bethanie Village said he’s hoping for improved service delivery.
“We are tired of potholes, lack of water and electricity. The party that we vote for should make sure that it delivers as we are tired of receiving poor service after voting,” said Monageng.
The DA, EFF and local civic movement Save Madibeng are among those contesting in the municipality. Save Madibeng, which is a community-based organisation, is confident that it will govern Madibeng.
Save Madibeng’s mayoral candidate, Nick Matloung, said the people know what the people want.
Freedom Front Plus candidate, Carrin Klopper, said the party is confident of victory, while the ANC’s Maphefo Makobeyane is adamant that they will not lose the municipality.
EFF’s Johannes Lebese says if elected, they will provide services. Residents here said they were happy to be taking part in the polls.