Thabazimbi by-elections: Residents hope their votes will bring change in their communities

THABAZIMBI - In Limpopo, voters in Thabazimbi are hoping their votes will bring a change in their communities as they express frustrations over poor service delivery.  

Thousands of people in the municipality are queuing to cast their ballots at a municipal by-election taking place on Wednesday.  

ALSO READ: 21 political parties to contest Thabazimbi by-elections

The Thabazimbi council was dissolved in August following political infighting that collapsed service delivery.  

Residents are marking their ballot papers at Höerskool Frikkie Meyer in Ward 2.

While voters in Thabazimbi seem excited that election day has finally arrived, they are also carrying deep frustrations about the state of the municipality.  

Potholes, irregular waste collection, and ongoing water and electricity issues are among the major complaints voiced by voters waiting in line to cast their ballots.  

Community member Maria Scholes, expressing her discontent, said she was "sick and tired" of having to endure the bare minimum.  

"It’s the potholes - they are damaging our cars. There is no service delivery in the municipality - they are always struggling to do something. So, I hope that this is the last time we vote for someone that can't really help us and promises something that they can't deliver."

Just outside this voting station, African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), and Patriotic Alliance (PA) gazebos are hard to miss, as the parties all look forward to winning this mining municipality.  

Voting stations will remain open until 9pm in the evening.