South Africans headed to polling stations in Johannesburg on Wednesday to elect local government leaders, with voters demanding better public services, jobs and political change.
Footage shows voters queuing outside polling stations, some sheltering under umbrellas, as political parties set up campaign tents nearby.
“Every election day, every election day is important. We, as citizens, do our part. We do what we have to do. It’s up to the mayors, the councillors that we put in positions to do their part,” said one resident.
“If you don’t vote, you can’t complain. So it’s always important. We want change. There’s a lot that’s going wrong within the country,” she added.
The voter also pointed to crumbling infrastructure and a lack of basic services.
“We have about three or four huge potholes that have been here for months, I think over a year. Nothing has been done,” she said.
Voters also called for more jobs, particularly for young people.
“Right now, we are not working, and we need a change. As youth, we need to work and stuff, so we need change,” another resident said. “That’s why we are always voting. We need change.”
The elections determine control of municipal councils responsible for essential services, including water, electricity distribution, sanitation and roads.
Around 29.2 million voters were registered for the 4 November elections, with 546 political parties taking part nationwide, according to the Electoral Commission.
The ANC lost its national parliamentary majority in 2024 for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Source: Viory
