Makana’s Ward 1 is the municipality’s largest ward and consists of a variety of rural areas and small towns. Voting seemed to be running smoothly across the ward on Wednesday.
Makana’s Ward 1 is the municipality’s largest ward and consists of a variety of rural areas and small towns. Voting seemed to be running smoothly across the ward on Wednesday.
A steady trickle of voters arrived at the polling stations throughout the morning, although officials expected this to die down by the afternoon. “We’ll be playing cards by two o’clock,” said an IEC volunteer who asked not to be named.
At the predominantly rural Carlisle Bridge Hall, voters arrived in groups of up to 30, driving in from the surrounding farms. “This must be the only democracy in the world where we bring our opposition to the polls,” joked one farmer, who preferred not to be named.
Although he does not share the political opinions of many of his workers, he felt it was important to respect the electoral process. He believes that farmers have an unfair reputation as oppressive employers. But, “I don’t see the ANC helping their supporters get here,” he said.
The voters’ main concerns were improved healthcare, housing and schools. Most farm workers felt that a change in government was not necessary for these issues to be dealt with. “The current government has said they will do these things if they are elected,” said Thembinkosi Kepe of Signal Kop.
However, the above-mentioned farmer doubts that the election will change anything. “The elections in Makana don’t benefit us,” he said. He is frustrated by the inability of the government to convert the rates he pays into services for the community. Meanwhile, in Riebeeck East, Alfred Dike Kota hall opened before 7am and received a mix of people from the town, the township, and outlying farms.
Important issues for voters included housing, poverty and service delivery. Zukiswa Nojoko, a township resident, believes she has voted for the party that could provide her with a better life. Forty-three-year-old Miriam Smith, from Steenkampberg Farm, was excited to be voting for the first time.
She voted for the ANC, the party she felt best represented her needs. Overall, the mood at the polling stations was one of restrained optimism, as most people seemed to believe that this election will bring positive changes to the Makana region.
