Slow start to polls in Makhanda as residents cast ballots amid severe service delivery crises
The future of the embattled Makana Municipality is on the line, as residents cast their ballots against a backdrop of years of financial instability, governance failures and persistent service delivery problems.
Ntuthuzelo Nene
Victoria Girls Primary School voting station in Makhanda
Voting has gotten off to a slow start in Makhanda, with low turnout reported at several polling stations across the town and surrounding townships, although the stakes are high.
The future of the embattled Makana Municipality is on the line, as residents cast their ballots against a backdrop of years of financial instability, governance failures and persistent service delivery problems.
Most polling stations had no visible queues, with voters trickling in as the day progressed.
For residents, the ballot comes amid ongoing frustrations over unreliable water supplies, poor sanitation, and crumbling infrastructure.
In Joza township, Nontsizi Khetho braved the scorching heat to cast her vote.
But as she puts her cross on the ballot, the water crisis remains an everyday reality.
"We haven't had water since Sunday. You don't even see a water tanker roaming around," said Khetho.
With service delivery firmly on the agenda, today's vote could signal whether residents are prepared to give the current administration another opportunity or are ready for a change in leadership.