Residents of Magaliessig who cast their special votes on Tuesday say they want more than political promises, calling for reliable water and electricity, better roads and action against crime in Johannesburg.
Residents of Magaliessig, a Sandton suburb, have called for improved service delivery in Johannesburg, saying they hope their votes will bring an end to persistent water shortages, power outages and pothole-riddled roads.
They cast their special votes at St Peter’s Boys Prep School in Sandton, Ward 93, on Tuesday, the second day of special voting ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.
However, special voting has been relatively quiet, with few residents turning out to cast their ballots.
Special voting began on Monday and continued on Tuesday.
Millions of South Africans are expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday, November 4.
Service delivery in Johannesburg
Magaliessig resident Rachel Andretti, 69, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, said water shortages and potholes were among the biggest challenges facing residents.
She said the condition of the roads had deteriorated to such an extent that driving through the suburb had become increasingly difficult.
“I've been living in this area for over 30, 35 years in fact. And I've seen it going unfortunately a bit south. Especially as far as the issues that we really have - like the biggest troubles with potholes. Major potholes. If it wasn't for Discovery [insurance] I can tell you now I don't think I would be able to drive my car in my area, in my suburb.
“And yes, obviously the water and the electricity. You know sometimes we go without water for 3 days. Thank goodness I live close to my sister, sometimes she has water and I can go and get water from her, or share electricity.
“So yes, I came out to vote really because I would really hope that there's gotta be a change for the better. And yes, as long as there is water in the tank, electricity and lights in my life, and I can drive my car without eating a pothole, I'll be very content.”
Andretti said she was less concerned about which political party took responsibility for service delivery, provided residents received the services they needed.
“And as I said before, you know, I don't really mind the colour of the person supplying it. I don't care who's the person who puts water - what is the colour of the person putting water in my tank? If that's the person who's going to do it, that's the person I'm going to vote for.
“That's really what I hope for. I don't want to leave Johannesburg. I love Johannesburg. I'm very content here. I don't want to be part of the semigration, moving to Cape Town. But I hope we can affect the same change as Johannesburg.”
Johannesburg continues to grapple with service delivery challenges, including water shortages, electricity interruptions, pothole-riddled roads, malfunctioning traffic and street lights, poor sanitation, deteriorating infrastructure and crime.
Residents of Magaliessig in Sandton have urged political parties to prioritise service delivery, saying persistent water shortages, power outages and pothole-riddled roads are among the issues affecting their daily lives.
Voter raises concerns over crime and lawlessness
Another Magaliessig resident, Daleen De Lange, 72, who also cast her special vote at St Peter’s Boys Prep School, said she hoped the elections would bring positive change to Johannesburg.
She said residents had a responsibility to vote if they wanted to hold elected representatives accountable.
“I just voted. And I believe if you don't vote you cannot complain. That's one thing. So yes I hope very strongly that we can change what is happening. That Johannesburg is really going back. And we have - the potholes that exist, the water. But also the unruliness and the crime in my area is getting worse. There are no consequences for what is happening.”
De Lange also raised concerns about reckless driving by minibus taxi drivers, saying motorists were increasingly forced to navigate dangerous road conditions while avoiding potholes.
“In the morning I can't drive on the left side of the road because the taxis are coming straight from, you know, in front of me because they want to pass all the cars going to their work, so that's a crisis.”
“I think it is a pity that we cannot ask the police to come and help us because they are busy elsewhere, I don't know. But it's really a problem. Especially with the potholes because now you have to try and get away from the potholes and the taxis.
“So I hope that for everyone that comes to vote that we can change this. I don't know who else but anyone in South Africa must come and vote. And we all hope, you know, for a better future. I believe in the good of people.”
She said corruption and the misuse of public funds also undermined the ability of ordinary residents to make a living.
“There are so many people who are taking advantage of us, they're taking the money. And the average person just wants to live, work, have a roof over their head and something to eat and something for their children. And I really hope we can do this for a new South Africa.”