‘We feel forgotten’: Bolobedu residents gatvol ahead of local government polls

Life in the Balobedu Nation, a rural area in Limpopo, South Africa, is described as challenging and filled with hardship. The region is located 123km from Polokwane and 33km from Tzaneen, and is home to approximately 150 villages nestled between mountains and escarpments. Summer temperatures range from 28°C to 15°C in winter, with rainfall varying from 800mm to 1,500mm annually. These conditions contribute to water shortages, poor roads, and fear of flooding.

Residents of the area, such as street vendor Mapula Suzan Pilusa and emerging businessman Sekese of Morutji Smart Food, expressed their frustration and lack of support from the government. Pilusa, a single mother of two, has had to fend for herself and her children, running a makeshift stall to sell fruits and vegetables. She has applied for funding from various government departments but has received no assistance.

She expressed her feelings of being "forgotten" by the government and called for a party that will support her community's needs.

Sekese, who runs a successful food business, also expressed his desire for government support. Despite his struggles to build his business independently, he emphasized the importance of voting in the upcoming local government election on 4 November. He stated that he would cast his vote for a party that will upskill its people, prepare them for the job market, and provide funding to help small businesses grow.

However, the water shortage plaguing the region has also crippled some of the residents' businesses. Kedibone Letsoalo and Kennedy Ramaila, both car wash owners, had to shut down their operations due to a lack of water. They criticized the municipalities and provincial departments for not providing adequate water supply and funding for businesses.

Despite these challenges, some residents reported improvements in road infrastructure, thanks to the efforts of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and the Limpopo Department of Public Works.