South Africans are heading to the polls this morning, Wednesday May 29, to vote for who they think is best fit to run the province and country in a crucial poll 30 years after the first democratic election in 1994.

Special votes for the National and Provincial Elections 2024 have already been cast on Monday, May 27, and yesterday, Tuesday May 28.

Some leaders told the Plainsman on Monday what this election means for South Africa and what changes they hope to see.

MEC of Community Safety and Police Oversight, Reagen Allen visited his alma mater, Caradale Primary School, in Rocklands, where he was the fourth person to cast his vote on Monday May 27.

He said his journey in leadership started at this school.

A school “surrounded by gangsters yet valued role models in schools. I feel deeply honoured to cast my vote at Caradale to vote for a party that consistently shows their track record,” he said.

The future of youth will depend on the outcome of this election, said Mr Allen. “As a country we need to rescue it to ensure we can have young people who can dream,” he said.

With his team, he said he will be ramping up their Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) and heeding the call for the government to improve their services within all departments so that people, especially the youth, can have a better future.

He encouraged people to make their voices heard and make their vote count.

MEC of community safety and police oversight, Reagen Allen visited his alma mater, Caradale Primary School, Rocklands, and was the fourth person to cast his vote on Monday May 27.

Mitchell’s Plain United Residents’ Association (MURA) deputy chairperson, Michael Jacobs, said since the first democratic elections in 1994, all parties continue with “the same old promises of creating more jobs, reducing crime and building more houses, yet the reality is very different.”

Violent crime, gang violence, gang murders, extortion delaying much needed infrastructure and housing projects have become the norm on the Cape Flats. When people exercise their vote today, they need to look at the past performances of national, provincial and local governments, he said.

The community, “will hold these parties and elected representatives accountable for their promises, the issue of crime will be dealt with appropriately, our police stations and courts will be sufficiently resourced,” he said.

Mr Jacobs said suitable premises must be sourced to serve the clients of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), social development and other government departments with dignity. More teachers should be employed and more schools built to accommodate the thousands of pupils who the education department fails to place every year, he said.

The National Coloured Congress (NCC) secretary general Sakeena Frenchman said 2024 is their 1994.

She said their campaign has been exciting as “our leaders, members and supporters have been working on the ground to ensure coloured people's voices are heard in the national election.”

Their campaign entails focusing on issues such as education, housing and unemployment. Schools must be accessible, skills must be developed, teacher support given, to name a few. They will tackle the housing crisis as well as unemployment, she said.

Beyond policies and programmes, “our ideologies are a testament to the power of hope, belief in a better future. It’s a call to action for every citizen, regardless of race, creed, or background, to join hands and work towards a common purpose. The NCC will remain a pressure group. Any decisions of possible coalitions will be decided upon by our constituents,” said Ms Frenchman.

The National Coloured Congress (NCC) secretary general Sakeena Frenchman said 2024 is their 1994.

Strandfontein Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson, Sandy Schuter said she’s been waiting for the elections for a long time yet it’s difficult to decide who to vote for.

“The current government leadership needs to go. I've done extensive research, attended various political debates and I've made up my mind who I am voting for,” she said.

She hopes that people will make their mark where it matters most. She encouraged people to really look at their surroundings when making their decision on who they will vote for.

“Don't be loyal to a party that disappeared after the last elections and suddenly made an appearance with the build up to elections, look at who has been consistent in trying to deliver basic services,” she said.

After the elections she wants to see an upgrade of Strandfontein SAPS from a captain rank to lieutenant colonel rank, better quality of services to communities that's accessible, especially to accommodate the poor and most vulnerable.

“I want to see positive change as it's time for change,” said Ms Schuter.

Strandfontein CPF chairperson, Sandy Schuter said she hopes that people will make their mark where it matters most. She encouraged people to really look at their surroundings when making their decision on who they will vote for.

For more information about today’s elections, visit the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) website www.elections.org.za

Michelle Cedras, 35, from Rocklands, and Lameez van Schalkwyk, 24, from Westridge, both cast their special votes due to work reasons at Rocklands Primary School. Ms Cedras said she knew who her vote would go to. “I hope change will come. When elections end, I hope they’re going to make a big change.” Lameez voted for the first time on Tuesday May 28 at Rocklands Primary School. “I looked forward to today so that I could see what the ballot papers looked like and how it’s done.” She hopes her vote will bring about change.

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SA goes to the polls