As millions of South Africans cast their 2021 local government election votes, many Tshwane residents called on the next-in-charge political party to at least get the basics right.
Rekord visited various election spots in the Pretoria CBD on Monday to ask them what changes they yearned for.
Many residents said they did not care which party ruled the city, but said that the party had to get basics such as service delivery, jobs for the youth and crime, right.
Wilmie Kruger (60), voting at Arcadia Primary School in Tshwane Ward 92, said the streets were full of potholes in her ward.
“There is this huge hole at the corner of Eastwood and Stanza Bopape streets, which has also filled up with water from a leaking pipe. I do not understand how it has remained unattended for so long.
“Someone planted a tree in the hole so motorists can be aware of it.”
Further, she said urban decay in the inner-city was also a problem.
“Parks used to be clean a few years ago’ however currently the city is battling to even keep the metropolitan clean. Traffic lights also tend to be out of service.”
Ina du Plessis (71) said she was happy to vote as she wanted to change her environment for the better.
“Service delivery is a problem, but lack of basic infrastructure is an even bigger problem which needs to be attended to.”
She said the incoming council needed to ensure better policing of infrastructure as cables would often times get stolen.
“Landmarks such as parks are not family-orientated anymore because of crime and vagrants.
“Tshwane has been spiralling downwards with basic services. I am expecting the new administration to get the basics sorted, if not everything.”
Oupa Davis Masetla (67) said he was also satisfied that he had voted.
Masetla said he hoped there would be any coalitions this time as they had proved problematic.
“Our youth is also suffering at the hands of unemployment,” he said.
Gaokaewle Mogaba (48) said service delivery was also her major concern as it had been lacking for years.
“Issues of strikes and lack of infrastructure should become a thing of the past.”
Mogaba further said parties needed to fight their political battles without infringing on residents’ basic needs.
Tebogo Letsoenyo (35) said he also hoped that Tshwane would not be run by a coalition again.
“Parties such as the DA, EFF and ANC have not taken into account the people they serve, leading the city to be run by an administration.
“I do not want to see this happen again as political parties have troubles working together.”
He said the different ideologies by these political parties caused the metro to be run down.
According to him, some areas were being taken care of while others were being neglected.
“Everybody deserves the same treatment from an efficient government.”
We acknowledge that the print and digital media plays an important role when it comes to informing communities before and during election periods.
Caxton Local Media tells readers what they must know on the practicalities of voting, and provides information regarding the right and duty to vote. Where necessary, we de-bunk mis- and disinformation relating to elections.
We reflect a multiplicity of voices in our pre-election and election reporting, and do not allow favouritism or biasedness in favour of any party or candidate. Where topics are discussed by political representatives [or commentators – optional], or where reporting features various parties or figures, we allow for the reflection of multiple voices of all those involved. Being balanced is our goal.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
