ELECTION time is upon us and this is the most exciting time to be a registered voter.
Most residents say this is “silly season” because people become all obsessed about their political party or advancing their political cause. For me election is less about who will win but rather about exercising your democratic right to vote.
Your vote is your voice and voting is more than likely the most important thing any responsible person should do on August 3. The date of South Africa’s fifth local government elections were announced by the President last week. The municipal elections as this election is known will be even more important than the last national election as residents have the opportunity to elect leaders who will make decisions on bread and butter issues.
These so-called local issues are centred on things that affect the daily lives of residents, such as water, electricity, refuse removal, sanitation and roads. The representatives you elect will decide how the city of Ekurhuleni is managed over the next five years. You can however only vote if you are on the voters roll and the final round of registrations took place this past weekend.
Many residents of Alberton heeded the call and registered to vote. After the elections are proclaimed, the voters roll will be closed and only voters registered on the voters roll will be eligible to vote. But before you even think of voting day, you will have to decide whom you are going to vote for.
Residents will be bombarded in the next 110 days with heaps of political propaganda and various political promises. I would like to encourage residents to review all political manifestos and compare political parties before they make a final decision. Residents are encouraged to select the party and candidate that will ensure a better life for all residents.
Local government unlike national government functions close to the people and you need a representative who can deliver on their promise. It is easy to make promises if you have never been responsible for the delivery of those promises.
In Ekurhuleni there is a good story to tell and I am sure residents will vote for a better life for all by going back to basics. Vote on August 3 and vote for a better life for all Ekurhuleni residents.
