President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that local government elections will be held on Wednesday, 27 October.
Residents of Verulam and Tongaat welcomed the news after doubt was cast over the elections being held this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A postponement would have meant another year of being served by the same councillors, until elections could be held. Following the confirmation from cabinet, last week, they rejoiced as residents said they feel the need to prove to councillors that the voice of the people is greater than they are. Prathna Simmadurai, a resident of Trenance Park for 11 years, believes much has changed over time but that more is needed. “A long time ago, Durban Solid Waste would fetch rubbish from our road or from our gates. Now we have to leave it at the entrance of our roads. Crime is an ongoing issue and as winter approaches it will increase. It’s sad that our youth are turning to criminal activities in order to sustain an income.”
The 37-year-old said Councillor Chris Langa from the Democratic Alliance, who oversees the area with councillor Bongani Majola, from the African National Congress, is a greatly liberal and understanding individual. “He assists us wherever possible. During our water crisis, Langa did his uttermost best to assist our community.” Simmadurai said many changes are needed in the community. “We have water cuts very often. The community should be kept updated regarding the outages. We also need more manpower for our community in terms of service delivery. I feel that we can accomplish and overcome any issue, if we have the correct support system.” Simmadurai believes the DA can achieve the changes necessary with the aid of Langa but preferred to reserve her comments on which party she would be voting for. Her views differed from those of Vicky Chetty, also a Trenance Park resident, who said that the area is suffering from poor service delivery. “Verulam seems to be going backwards especially our community, service delivery is pathetic to say that our water issues and load-shedding is becoming a norm.”
The 41-year-old resident said the ANC has ruled since 1994 and that the difference she sees is reverse-apartheid. “This country is going on a back slide. There’s a lot of things that need to be changed. This government has to be more transparent and forget about blaming apartheid for their current failures.” Fazila Sayed Ismail said she feels the community is falling into a lifestyle of criminal activity. “Unfortunately our community seems to be full of, not just litter, but drugs and other crimes. Winter is approaching and I’m afraid that crime will get worse.” She feels robberies and house break-ins will increase as members of her community can go weeks without water or electricity.
Her message to the councillor of Ward 59 is: “You have been a councilor for the past five years. Please help our community. There are overgrown verges that criminals use as hide-outs. Light poles out of order where our mothers and sisters are targeted in the mornings and evenings. Our community also has persistent water issues.” Ismail said she will be voting in the coming elections but only for the party that makes a difference in the community.
