VIDEO: Service delivery failures and unemployment shape voter sentiment ahead of local elections - IOL

Wele Makubuka and Tavin Chetty share their concerns about unemployment and poor service delivery, highlighting the challenges affecting their daily lives ahead of the November 4 Local Government Elections.

Growing frustration over poor service delivery, unemployment and unfulfilled political promises is emerging as a concern among some voters ahead of the November 4 Local Government Elections (LGE).

Residents interviewed ahead of the polls highlighted persistent water and electricity shortages, deteriorating roads and limited employment opportunities as some of the challenges affecting their daily lives.

Wele Makubuka said years of inadequate service delivery had left communities desperate for an alternative to the existing political leadership.

“We are tired of this life. There is no electricity, no water, and the roads are still a mess, with potholes everywhere. We want to change our lives and create a better future for ourselves and our children,” Makubuka said.

Makubuka also questioned the credibility of previous election outcomes, arguing that political parties had failed to represent voters' choices and expectations after elections.

While expressing support for the MK Party, Makubuka cautioned political parties against making promises they might not be able to fulfil once in government.

“People should not be promised things just to get their votes. A promise can become a lie when you do not have the power or the budget to deliver. You must first get into government, assess the available budget and prioritise the needs of the people,” Makubuka said.

He also questioned the continued reliance on water tankers, saying communities needed sustainable solutions to ensure reliable access to water through municipal infrastructure.

Concerns were also raised about the management of public funds and the interests surrounding water tanker services.

Meanwhile, unemployment remains a major concern for other residents.

Tavin Chetty, a qualified carpet maker and father of three, said he was struggling to secure stable employment despite having the necessary skills and qualifications.

“I am unemployed. I am a qualified carpet maker, but I cannot get a job. I have three children to support, and I do whatever work I can find to put food on the table,” Chetty said.

He expressed frustration over what he perceived as limited employment opportunities for South Africans, arguing that more needed to be done to support local job seekers.

However, not all residents believe voting will bring about meaningful change.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said he would not participate in the upcoming elections, arguing that councillors ultimately benefited from political positions while ordinary residents continued to face challenges.

He alleged that councillors fought among themselves, with some conflicts turning deadly, because of money and positions.

“It is not about us as voters. At the end of the day, councillors are the ones who benefit. They fight among themselves and end up killing each other because of money and positions. I will not vote because nothing will change. The councillors will continue to benefit,” the resident said.

The residents comments reflect a sense of disillusionment with local political leadership and a belief that elections would not necessarily translate into improved living conditions for communities.

Despite differing views on whether to support an alternative party or abstain from voting, the residents' comments highlighted broader concerns about accountability, access to basic services and meaningful economic opportunities.

As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 4, residents say they want political leaders to move beyond campaign promises and address the challenges affecting their everyday lives, including access to reliable water and electricity, decent roads and employment opportunities.