Despite the wet weather, voters came out in their numbers to

• Author: Lillian Amos lillian.amos@inl.co.za
• Published date: 03 November 2021
• Publication title: Southern Mail

Among them were voters in wheelchairs and others on crutches who were determined to cast their vote, and not miss their opportunity to “make a change”.

A determined Alfred Ferguson, 63, who is an amputee, made his way from St Montague Village in Ward 68 to his registered voting station at Hillwood Primary School early on Monday November 1 to cast his vote. He, along with over 400 out of about 1 500 voters made their way there before noon.

According to the IEC presiding officer, this was quite a good turnout despite the morning’s stormy weather, which resulted in a bit of a long but manageable queue. Some voters were even queuing at the door before they opened at 7am.

Mr Ferguson had been looking forward to voting day to bring about changes in his community.

“For the longest time we have heard from various people asking us to vote for them, making big promises but we don’t see those promises happening in our ward.

“There have been no changes. Actually, things got worse and it doesn’t look like the changes will ever happen.”

The pensioner decided to change his vote from the party he voted for in 2016 because he doubts they will bring about the change they had promised.

Asked what some of the main issues in the community were,

Mr Ferguson said gangsterism, service delivery, corruption and crime needed to be addressed.

“These are things that we didn't have back in the day. We live in fear in our homes and at my age all we want is peace and calmness but it’s not possible with the things happening in St Montague Village.

“I believe my vote can bring about the change.”

Letecia Camphor who also lives in Montague Village agreed with the sentiment of change. “It is very important to vote because in this area we desperately need a different approach to what’s happening. If and when you vote you are part of that change, if you don’t you are just letting things happen without your input.”

Ms Camphor has also changed her vote since 2016 because she said those running the ward had not done much.

“I haven't seen much change so hopefully my new vote will change that. There hasn’t been a lot of focus on gangsterism and gang violence in our area and that needs to be the top priority. People are not only dying with bullets but also because ambulances cannot come into the area to help sick people.”

At other stations things weren’t going as well in the early morning. At Sharon Assembly Church in Cafda Village in Ward 110 there were no queues.

Presiding officer George Jessman...